Zesty Southwestern Potato Salad
This Zesty Southwestern Potato Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic, eliminating mayonnaise for a tangy and spicy alternative that's perfect for summer barbecues or potlucks. Featuring tender, cubed potatoes coated in a vibrant chili-infused dressing, it's packed with bold flavors from fresh vegetables and comforting textures. The addition of sweet corn, zesty bell peppers, and briny black olives creates a delightful medley that will satisfy your taste buds. Serve it chilled and garnished with ripe tomato wedges for a colorful and appealing dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
4 (peeled, cooked until tender, drained and cubed)
corn oil
1/2 cup
vinegar
1/4 cup
chili powder
1 teaspoon (or more depending on personal spice preference)
garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon
hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon (such as Frank's hot pepper sauce)
frozen corn
16 ounces (thawed)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
black olives
1 (2 ounce) can (sliced)
onion
1 (chopped)
tomatoes
2 (cut into wedges (for garnish))
parsley
1 sprig (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1
In a small jar, combine the corn oil, vinegar, chili powder, garlic salt, and Frank's hot pepper sauce. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended.
2
Place the cubed, cooked potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the potatoes and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly.
3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once chilled, add the thawed corn, chopped bell peppers, sliced black olives, and chopped onion to the potato mixture. Toss everything gently until well combined.
5
Before serving, garnish the salad with fresh tomato wedges and parsley sprigs, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Zesty Southwestern Potato Salad different from traditional versions?
This recipe is a refreshing twist that eliminates mayonnaise, using a tangy and spicy chili-infused dressing instead.
Is this potato salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, based on the ingredients list which contains no animal products, this Zesty Southwestern Potato Salad is vegan-friendly.
How many potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 potatoes that should be peeled, cooked until tender, drained, and cubed.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of corn oil for the base of the dressing.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of corn oil, vinegar, chili powder, garlic salt, and hot pepper sauce.
How do I mix the dressing components?
Combine the oil, vinegar, spices, and hot sauce in a small jar, seal it, and shake vigorously until well blended.
What brand of hot sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Frank's hot pepper sauce.
Can I adjust the spice level of the salad?
Yes, you can use more or less chili powder depending on your personal spice preference.
How much garlic salt is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt.
Does the recipe use fresh or frozen corn?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of frozen corn that has been thawed.
What kind of bell pepper should I add?
One chopped red bell pepper is included for flavor and color.
Are olives included in this Southwestern salad?
Yes, the recipe includes one 2-ounce can of sliced black olives.
Should the onion be cooked or raw?
The recipe calls for one chopped raw onion to be added to the chilled mixture.
How should the potatoes be prepared before adding the dressing?
The potatoes should be peeled, cooked until tender, drained, and cubed.
Should I chill the salad before serving?
Yes, the salad should be refrigerated for at least one hour after coating the potatoes with dressing to let flavors meld.
When do I add the vegetables like corn and peppers?
Add the thawed corn, bell peppers, olives, and onion after the potatoes have chilled in the dressing for at least an hour.
What is used to garnish the dish?
The salad is garnished with two tomatoes cut into wedges and optional parsley sprigs.
Is this dish better served warm or cold?
This Southwestern potato salad is best served chilled.
What occasions is this recipe best for?
It is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings.
How much vinegar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of vinegar.
How many ingredients are in the Zesty Southwestern Potato Salad?
There are 12 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is there any mayonnaise in the dressing?
No, this recipe specifically excludes mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier profile.
How much hot sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce.
What texture should the potatoes have?
The potatoes should be cooked until they are tender but firm enough to be cubed.
What is the primary flavor profile of the salad?
The flavor profile is zesty, tangy, and spicy with a Southwestern influence.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies 16 ounces of thawed frozen corn, fresh cooked corn would be a suitable substitute.
How should I toss the ingredients together?
Toss the ingredients gently to ensure the potatoes don't break apart while becoming evenly coated.
Is the onion chopped finely or in large pieces?
The recipe simply states one onion, chopped.
What kind of tomato preparation is needed for garnish?
The tomatoes should be cut into wedges.
Is this recipe considered a side dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a side dish, particularly for outdoor events.