Sweet and Red Potato Salad

Sweet and Red Potato Salad is a delightful twist on the classic potato salad, combining the earthy flavors of red potatoes with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and Granny Smith apples. This refreshing salad offers a unique blend of textures and tastes, making it a perfect side dish for any meal or a delightful standalone option. We’ve replaced the traditional mayo-based dressing with a light vinaigrette, complementing the sweetness of the apples with a hint of heat from hot sauce. The combination of cider vinegar, whole-grain mustard, honey, and olive oil creates a well-balanced dressing that enhances the flavors of the salad. Whether served at a picnic, barbecue, or family gathering, this Sweet and Red Potato Salad is sure to impress.

SERVES 6 TO 8

INGREDIENTS:

SALAD:

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch pieces
• 1 pound red potatoes, unpeeled, cut into ¾-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ¾-inch chunks
• 4 ounces (2 cups) baby arugula
• 4 scallions, sliced thin

DRESSING:

• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

FOR THE SALAD:

1. Place sweet potatoes, red potatoes, and salt in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are just tender and can be easily pierced with a paring knife (about 8 minutes).
2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool to room temperature (15 to 30 minutes). Once cooled, combine the potatoes with apples, arugula, and scallions in a large bowl.

FOR THE DRESSING:

1. In a small bowl, combine cider vinegar, whole-grain mustard, honey, and hot sauce. Whisking constantly, drizzle in olive oil to create the dressing.
2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Serve the Sweet and Red Potato Salad as a delightful and flavorful side dish, perfect for any occasion.

TIPS:

• Choosing Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes and red potatoes for the best results. The sweet potatoes add a pleasant sweetness, while the red potatoes hold their shape better when simmered.
• Potato Cooking Time: Simmer the potatoes until they are just tender and can be easily pierced with a paring knife. Overcooking can lead to mushy potatoes in the salad.
• Varying the Apples: While Granny Smith apples offer a tangy and crisp flavor, you can experiment with other apple varieties. Consider using Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for different levels of sweetness and crunch.
• Adjusting Hot Sauce: The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness. Start with a small amount, taste the dressing, and add more hot sauce as desired.

This Sweet and Red Potato Salad brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples with the hearty flavors of red potatoes, creating a balanced and delectable medley. The light vinaigrette dressing enhances the salad, making it a refreshing and satisfying addition to any meal. Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in this delightful potato salad!