Sicilian Potato Salad is a bright, fresh twist on classic potato salad made with tender potatoes, green beans, olives and a zesty lemon vinaigrette dressing. This Italian potato salad with green beans is light, flavorful and perfect for warm weather meals.
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If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to traditional creamy potato salad, this Sicilian potato salad is the perfect choice. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, briny olives and a simple lemon vinaigrette that brings everything together. This easy potato salad recipe is perfect for picnics, cookouts or a simple weeknight side dish.
This easy Sicilian potato salad recipe comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s bright, tangy and full of Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
If you enjoy this fresh, Mediterranean-style dish, you may also love my Potato and Green Bean Salad.
What Is Sicilian Potato Salad?
Sicilian potato salad is an Italian-style potato salad made without mayonnaise. Instead of a creamy dressing, it features a light lemon vinaigrette with olive oil, garlic and herbs. It often includes vegetables like green beans and tomatoes along with olives for a bold, Mediterranean flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Light lemon vinaigrette keeps this potato salad fresh and flavorful.
- Combination of potatoes and green beans adds texture and color.
- Briny olives and shallots bring bold Mediterranean flavor.
- Easy make-ahead side dish for gatherings and meal prep.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces): russet or red potatoes would also work well.
- 8 ounces green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces)
- 1 shallot (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives (halved): you can use another olive variety, if preferred.
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
How to Make Sicilian Potato Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep!
Wash and dice the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Trim and cut the green beans into 1-2 inch pieces. Thinly slice the shallot and cut the tomatoes and olives in half.
For the vinaigrette, juice and zest a lemon and grate or mince a clove of garlic.
Create!
Add the potatoes to a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until just fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl to cool.
Return the pan to the heat and add the green beans. Cook 1-2 minutes just to blanch the green beans, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Add the green beans, shallot, tomatoes and olives to the bowl with the potatoes and toss gently to combine.
Whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
Present
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat.
Garnish with fresh, minced parsley, if desired.
Tips and Techniques for Sicilian Potato Salad
- Do not overcook the potatoes or they will become mushy and fall apart.
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon gold for best texture.
- Dress the salad while the potatoes are slightly warm for better flavor absorption.
- Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice before serving.
Storage
Store leftover Sicilian potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What makes Sicilian potato salad different from regular potato salad?
Sicilian potato salad is made without mayonnaise and uses a light lemon vinaigrette instead, giving it a fresher and more vibrant flavor.
Can I make Sicilian potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance. The flavors improve as it sits, making it perfect for entertaining.
What type of potatoes are best for Italian potato salad?
Yukon gold or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape and have a creamy texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this potato salad?
Yes, you can add ingredients like capers, roasted red peppers or cucumbers for extra flavor and texture.
Is Sicilian potato salad served warm or cold?
It can be served slightly warm, at room temperature or chilled depending on your preference.
More Potato Salad Recipes
If you love this Sicilian potato salad, you may also enjoy:
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Sicilian Potato Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 8 ounces green beans (trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces)
- 1 shallot (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives (halved: you can use another olive variety, if preferred)
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add the potatoes to a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until just fork-tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl to cool.1 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes
- Return the pan to the heat and add the green beans. Cook 1-2 minutes just to blanch the green beans, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.8 ounces green beans
- Add the green beans, shallot, tomatoes and olives to the bowl with the potatoes and toss gently to combine.1 shallot, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives
- Whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified.2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh, minced parsley, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques for Sicilian Potato Salad
- Do not overcook the potatoes or they will become mushy and fall apart.
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon gold for best texture. Russet or red potatoes would also work well.
- Dress the salad while the potatoes are slightly warm for better flavor absorption.
- Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice before serving.
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