Armenian-Style Potato Salad

4.5
(6)

Potato salad is the first food I remember eating, so I really do have a deep emotional attachment, but every so often, I crave something completely different—and this Armenian-style potato salad is completely different. And completely delicious. Serve drizzled with more olive oil and garnished with more fresh mint.

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a close up view of Armenian style potato salad in a large, wide bowl.
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Chill Time:
3 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
8

I really hope the following scenario never plays out, because no one should be forced to make such an impossible decision, but if I was at a cookout and told I had to choose between the grilled meat main course, and the potato salad, I would pick the later without hesitation. Yes, that's how much I love potato salad.

Most of that love stems from the fact that potato salad is the first food I can actually remember eating, and was my go-to comfort food way before I understood what that term meant. Apparently, my mom used potato salad as a bridge between baby and big boy food, and I'm very happy she did. However, that history makes enjoying other potato salads very challenging.

She made the traditional, mayo-based, American-style salad, so I've never been a big fan of other versions, but when I do want a change of pace, this Armenian-style is exactly what I want. I think that's because it's so different, I don't try to compare it to hers, which frees up my brain to simply enjoy it for what it is; a refreshing, vibrant, and very delicious side dish. I think you will agree, which is why I hope you give this a try soon.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, quartered, and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, or more to taste

  • 1 tablespoon dried mint, divided

  • ½ cup mild olive oil, divided

  • 1 large red onion, diced

  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • cup lemon juice, or more to taste

  • ½ cup thinly sliced green onions

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh mint

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Various types of bowls to filled with ingredients to make Armenian-Style Potato Salad.

    ALLRECIPES / PREETHI VENKATRAM

  2. Transfer sliced potatoes into a large pot with enough cold water to cover the potatoes by a couple of inches. Stir in 1 rounded tablespoon kosher salt and 2 ½ teaspoons dried mint. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and let cook until tender, about 15 minutes, checking every 5 to 6 minutes for doneness. Drain well.

    Potatoes cooking in water.

    ALLRECIPES / PREETHI VENKATRAM

  3. Transfer cooked potatoes to a large mixing bowl and let cool slightly.

    Cooked potatoes in a glass bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / PREETHI VENKATRAM

  4. While potatoes cool, heat ¼ cup olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add red onion, red bell pepper, garlic, and a pinch of salt; cook and stir for just 1 minute. Turn off the heat and stir in remaining dried mint.

    Chopped tomatoes and onions in a skillet.

    ALLRECIPES / PREETHI VENKATRAM

  5. Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice into potatoes and toss gently with a spatula. Add green onions, red onion mixture, remaining olive oil, fresh mint, fresh parsley, salt to taste, black pepper, chili flakes, and cayenne. Mix with a spatula until combined.

    A person drizzling lemon juice on top of cooked potatoes in a glass bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / PREETHI VENKATRAM

  6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled and flavors have melded, 3 to 4 hours.

    Armenian-Style Potato Salad in a glass bowl.

    ALLRECIPES / PREETHI VENKATRAM

  7. Unwrap; stir, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed to personal tastes. The salad almost always needs more salt stirred in once it's tasted after being chilled. Serve.

    a close up view of Armenian style potato salad in a large, wide bowl.

    Chef John

Chef's Notes:

You can use russet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold potatoes. You can leave the skins of the potatoes on for this if you prefer.

Pure mint tea can be substituted for the dried mint.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

272 Calories
14g Fat
35g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 272
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 734mg 32%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Protein 4g 8%
Potassium 95mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.