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Dominican Potato Salad

There’s something incredibly comforting about potato salad, and the Dominican version takes it up a notch with vibrant flavors and a beautiful pop of color. I first discovered this dish at a family gathering where everyone was raving about this creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet salad. It was a surprising twist on the traditional potato salad I grew up with—full of tender potatoes, fresh vegetables, and the unexpected addition of beets, which gives it its signature pink hue. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen for BBQs, holiday feasts, and potlucks.

What I love most about Dominican Potato Salad is its versatility. You can dress it up for special occasions or keep it simple for a casual dinner. The beets add such a fun and unexpected element, both in flavor and color, and it’s one of those dishes that always gets people talking. Trust me—after one bite, you’ll be hooked!

A bowl of Dominican Potato Salad showing its bright pink color from beets, mixed with potatoes and carrots.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Unique Flavor Combination: This isn’t your average potato salad! The blend of creamy potatoes, sweet beets, and crunchy veggies creates a flavorful and textural experience that stands out. The balance of savory and sweet, along with a hint of tanginess, makes this dish a winner every time.
  2. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this Dominican Potato Salad in no time. It’s a great option for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder—boil everything together, mix, and you’re done!
  3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a colorful side dish for a holiday dinner, this salad fits the bill. Its beautiful pink hue from the beets makes it visually stunning, and it pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even by itself as a light lunch.

Dominican Potato Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 small beet, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy twist)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper (red, green, or both for extra color)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitution Tips:

  • You can substitute sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile.
  • If you’re looking to lighten things up, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.

Instructions:

  1. Boil the vegetables: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes, carrots, and beet. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled potatoes, carrots, beet, chopped eggs, onion, and bell pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and give it a gentle toss, ensuring every ingredient gets a nice, even coating for maximum flavor in each bite.
  4. Let the salad rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow all the flavors to come together. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Time and Yield:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6-8

Now, here’s a fun story—I once made this salad for a friend’s potluck, and everyone was asking, “What’s that pink dish?!” It became the center of attention, and I got to explain the magic of the beet that gives this salad its signature color. The best part? Watching people take a bite, expecting something familiar, only to be pleasantly surprised by the unique flavors. It’s always a conversation starter, and you’ll have people coming back for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!

Dominican Potato Salad is also incredibly customizable—sometimes I throw in a handful of peas or a bit of chopped celery for added crunch. No matter how you make it, it’s a refreshing change from the traditional potato salad and guaranteed to brighten up any table.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Dominican Potato Salad

Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: To ensure your potato salad has the perfect texture, make sure not to overboil the potatoes, carrots, or beets. They should be fork-tender but not mushy. A great trick is to boil them separately, so each veggie retains its unique texture.

Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, a cold potato salad is always more refreshing, especially during warmer months!

Cut Evenly: Make sure all the veggies are diced into even pieces. Not only does this make for a prettier salad, but it also ensures that each bite has the perfect mix of potato, beet, and carrot. Paying attention to small details, like evenly chopping the veggies, can really elevate the final dish. It ensures every bite is perfectly balanced with the right mix of textures and flavors.

Health Benefits

Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure. In fact, they contain more potassium than bananas, making them a great addition to any heart-healthy diet. Learn more about the health benefits of potatoes and how they contribute to overall well-being​. The fiber in potatoes also aids digestion, helping you stay fuller for longer while promoting gut health.

Substitutions and Variations

  1. Sweet Potatoes for a Twist: Want a sweeter version? Swap out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. This adds a natural sweetness to the salad, which pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of beets.
  2. Greek Yogurt for Mayo: Looking for a lighter option? Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. It keeps the salad creamy while adding a tangy flavor, plus an extra boost of protein!
  3. Add Avocado: If you love creamy textures, try adding chunks of ripe avocado. It pairs well with the tangy dressing and adds a rich, buttery taste.
  4. Toss in Some Protein: Want to make this a meal? Add in some protein like shredded chicken or boiled shrimp. It turns this side dish into a light, refreshing main course that’s perfect for summer.

If you love experimenting with flavors, try adding a little something extra to this salad. For a heartier twist, serve it as a side to my blackened chicken alfredo or mix it up with a light, refreshing pairing like my kale banana smoothie for a balanced, nutrient-packed meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dominican Potato Salad

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! The magic of this salad? It actually tastes better the next day! Giving the ingredients time to marinate in the fridge lets the flavors deepen, making it even more delicious when prepared in advance. The flavors get a chance to meld together, making it more delicious. You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

How do I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.Stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Before serving, give it a quick stir to ensure the dressing is well distributed and the flavors are refreshed.

Can I use canned beets?
Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, canned beets are a great alternative. Just make sure to drain them well before adding to the salad to avoid making it too watery.

What’s the best way to prevent the beets from staining everything pink?
If you want to reduce the beet’s coloring effect, you can add the beets last, after tossing the rest of the salad. Alternatively, keep them in larger chunks or serve the beets on the side.

Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, if you’re avoiding eggs, simply omit them. The salad will still be delicious and satisfying without the eggs, and you can substitute with extra veggies or protein like avocado or chickpeas.

How can I make this salad vegan?
To make this salad vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative like vegan mayo or even a tahini-based dressing for a nutty flavor. This keeps the salad creamy without any dairy or eggs.

Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad with other vegetables like peas, corn, or celery for added crunch and color. Dominican Potato Salad is versatile, and extra veggies only add more texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

Dominican Potato Salad is a delicious, colorful dish that’s guaranteed to brighten up any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a unique side to accompany dinner, this salad brings something special to the table. Its beautiful blend of textures and flavors, combined with its eye-catching pink color, makes it a standout dish. Pair it with grilled meats or serve it alongside roasted veggies for a complete meal. Try it out, and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your experience or any fun variations you’ve tried!

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A bowl of Dominican Potato Salad showing its bright pink color from beets, mixed with potatoes and carrots.

Dominican Potato Salad


  • Author: Ashley
  • Total Time: 35
  • Yield: Serves 6-8 1x

Description

This Dominican Potato Salad is a flavorful, vibrant side dish featuring creamy potatoes, sweet beets, and crunchy vegetables. With its colorful appearance and satisfying texture, it’s perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or family dinners. The addition of beets gives it a stunning pink hue, while the mix of tangy dressing and fresh veggies makes it irresistible.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 small beet, peeled and diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Boil the potatoes, carrots, and beet until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and let cool.
  • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix the cooled vegetables with eggs, onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
  • Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until coated.
  • Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Instructions

  1. Boil the potatoes, carrots, and beet until tender (about 15-20 minutes). Drain and let cool.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix the cooled vegetables with eggs, onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
  4. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until coated.
  5. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
You can make this dish ahead of time as it tastes even better the next day.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Dominican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Dominican Potato Salad

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