Savory Herb Potato Salad with Bacon Drizzle
This delightful potato salad recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of James Beard, combines tender, boiled potatoes with refreshing cucumbers and a zesty dressing. What sets it apart is the absence of mayonnaise, making it lighter and more flavorful. The hot bacon drippings add a rich depth while the garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic goodness. This bright and hearty salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering, bringing a taste of comfort and elegance to your table. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish for a satisfying meal.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium potatoes
6 (boiled in jackets)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
cucumbers
2 (peeled and sliced)
salt
1 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
hot bacon drippings
2 tablespoons (heated)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
olive oil
4 tablespoons
white vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing a large bowl: rub its sides and bottom with a crushed garlic clove to infuse the bowl with a subtle garlic aroma.
2
Boil the medium potatoes in their skins (or jackets) until fork-tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
3
Once they are warm but manageable, peel the potatoes while still hot and cut them into slices or cubes, then transfer them into the prepared bowl.
4
In a separate bowl, combine peeled and sliced cucumbers with salt and pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
5
While the potatoes are still warm, pour the hot bacon drippings over them to ensure they absorb the flavors. Gently toss to combine.
6
Add the cucumbers and chopped onions to the potato mixture. Toss lightly to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
7
Drizzle in the olive oil and white vinegar, then toss again to bring all flavors together.
8
Cover the salad and allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
9
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. You can add more olive oil or vinegar if desired for additional flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Herb Potato Salad with Bacon Drizzle.
Who inspired this specific potato salad recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the culinary techniques of James Beard.
Does this potato salad contain mayonnaise?
No, this recipe is unique because it does not use mayonnaise, making it lighter and more flavorful.
What are the primary ingredients in this salad?
The main ingredients are potatoes, cucumbers, onions, garlic, bacon drippings, olive oil, and white vinegar.
How many potatoes do I need?
The recipe requires 6 medium potatoes.
How should the potatoes be cooked?
The potatoes should be boiled in their jackets (skins) until they are fork-tender.
What is the first step in preparing the salad bowl?
You should rub the sides and bottom of a large bowl with a crushed garlic clove to infuse it with aroma.
Why should the potatoes be peeled while still hot?
Peeling and slicing the potatoes while hot allows them to better absorb the bacon drippings and dressing flavors.
How are the cucumbers prepared for this recipe?
You should peel and slice two cucumbers, then toss them with salt and pepper in a separate bowl.
What is the purpose of using hot bacon drippings?
The hot bacon drippings add a rich depth of flavor and are absorbed by the warm potatoes.
How much bacon drippings are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of heated bacon drippings.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar.
How much olive oil should be added?
You should use 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
When do I add the chopped onions?
Add the chopped onions to the potato mixture along with the prepared cucumbers.
How long must the salad rest before serving?
The salad should rest at room temperature for at least 2 hours.
Why does the salad need to rest for two hours?
Resting the salad allows the flavors of the garlic, bacon, and herbs to meld together beautifully.
Can I adjust the seasoning after the resting period?
Yes, before serving, you should taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, olive oil, or vinegar if desired.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Is this salad suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal picnic food and summer recipe, especially since it lacks mayonnaise which can spoil in heat.
What should I serve with this potato salad?
It is recommended to serve alongside grilled meats or as a standalone hearty dish.
What kind of pepper is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
How many garlic cloves are used?
One crushed garlic clove is used to season the bowl.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
The salad is prepared while ingredients are warm but is meant to rest at room temperature before serving.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Potato dishes.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While it is tagged as vegetarian, it contains bacon drippings, so it is actually a meat-based flavor profile.
What size onion should be used?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, chopped.
How much salt is included in the base recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt to season the cucumbers.
What is the texture of the finished potatoes?
The potatoes should be fork-tender and sliced or cubed.
Can I add extra vinegar for more tang?
Yes, the instructions specifically mention you can add more vinegar for additional flavor upon final tasting.