Sumac Potato Salad

If you’re looking for a vibrant, herb-infused potato salad that’s a step away from the usual creamy fare, Sumac Potato Salad, is just the dish. Across the Mediterranean, this salad is a staple at gatherings, picnics, and family dinners alike, often served as a refreshing side dish or even as a light meal on its own. Unlike traditional mayo-based potato salads, this version relies on fresh herbs, sumac, and olive oil for a flavor that’s both light and bold.
What Makes Sumac Potato Salad Special?
Mediterranean cuisine places a lot of emphasis on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors, and Potato salad is no exception. This dish is an excellent example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something both nutritious and delicious. The salad is infused with fresh herbs like parsley, and it’s elevated with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar and the richness of olive oil. Each bite is a refreshing explosion of flavors!
This salad is also versatile—you can add in fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato, and toss in some sumac and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Sumac, a tangy spice often used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, adds a beautiful color and slightly tart flavor to the salad, while red pepper flakes give it a hint of warmth.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For this salad, Yukon gold or red potatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well and have a nice buttery texture.
- Herbs Make the Difference: Fresh herbs are essential to this salad! Try not to substitute dried herbs, as they won’t give the same burst of flavor.
- Sumac and Red Pepper Flakes: They add a signature Mediterranean touch. Sumac adds brightness and depth, while the red pepper flakes give it a pleasant kick.
- Chill or Serve Fresh: This salad is delightful at room temperature but can also be served chilled. If you refrigerate it, let it come to room temperature before serving to let the flavors shine.
Why You’ll Love this Potato Salad
Sumac potato salad is a great alternative to traditional potato salads, especially if you’re looking for something lighter yet still satisfying. The fresh herbs give it a clean, refreshing taste, while the olive oil and balsamic dressing keeps it light and vibrant. This salad is a versatile addition to any meal.
Check out more recipes:

Sumac Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium potatoes (Yukon gold or red potatoes work well)
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup black olives chopped
- 3 small pickles chopped
- ¼ cup capers
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley
- 5-6 sun dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp sumac
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by boiling the potatoes Boil whole unpleeled potatoes in salted water until just tender but not mushy—about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly. Peel them and chopp into bite sice cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled potatoes, red onion, parsley, pickles, black olives, capers, sun dried tomatoes and mix slightly.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Add salt, chili flakes and sumac for a pop of tang. Gently toss everything together to coat the potatoes and mix the flavors without breaking up the potatoes too much.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lbalsamic vinegar, salt, or chili flakes as needed. Serve it and enjoy!







What kind of pickles? Dill?
Yes, Dill pickles!
can this salad be made in advance?
Hello, yes, it can stay in the air tight container for 3-4 days 😊