Oh, friends, let me tell you about a dish that has truly captured my heart, a Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) that’s unlike any you’ve had before. It’s not the creamy, heavy kind, though we can do that too if you like! This version is bright, packed with flavor, and feels a little bit like sunshine in a bowl. Growing up in Italy, potato salad wasn’t exactly a staple in my grandmother’s mountain kitchen. We focused on simple, fresh ingredients, letting their natural goodness shine. But as I started my own culinary adventures here in the USA, I wanted to bring that same philosophy to classic dishes.

This Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) is my way of doing just that. It’s a nod to tradition, but with a bold, smoky twist that feels both familiar and exciting. The roasted garlic adds a sweetness and depth that you just can’t get from raw garlic, and the smoked paprika? Well, that’s my secret weapon for adding that extra layer of deliciousness. It’s a dish that feels special enough for gatherings but easy enough for a weeknight side. I just know you’re going to love it as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option)

So, why is this particular potato salad my go-to? It’s simple, really. It hits all the right notes and then some. Here’s what makes this Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) truly special:

The flavor is out of this world! That combination of smoky paprika and sweet, roasted garlic is just magic.
It’s super easy to make. Seriously, nothing complicated here, just simple steps for big flavor.
You can make it your own. Love creamy? Add mayo or yogurt! Prefer it light and bright? Go for the no-mayo option.
It’s incredibly versatile. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple side dish at home.

Essential Ingredients for Your Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option)

Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this delicious creation to life. Just like my grandmother taught me, the best dishes start with good ingredients. For this Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option), focusing on fresh produce and quality spices really makes a difference. Don’t skimp here; it’s worth it!

Ingredients List

2 lbs small potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
1 head garlic
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp lemon juice
Optional: 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option)

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a flavorful side dish ready in no time. I find that breaking it down makes it feel even easier. Remember, cooking should be fun!

Preparing the Roasted Garlic

First things first, let’s get that amazing roasted garlic going. Preheat your oven to 400°F, which is about 200°C. Grab your head of garlic and slice off the very top, just enough to expose the cloves. Drizzle it with one tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap it up snugly in foil. Pop it in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. You want it to be really soft and fragrant.

Cooking the Potatoes

While the garlic is doing its thing, let’s get the potatoes ready for our potato salad. Wash your potatoes well and cut them into pieces that are roughly the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Put them in a big pot and cover them with cold water. Add a little pinch of salt to the water. Bring the pot to a boil and let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Check if they’re done by poking one with a fork; it should be tender but not falling apart. Once they’re cooked, drain all the water out.

Combining the Flavors

Now for the fun part, mixing everything together! Carefully unwrap that roasted garlic. The cloves should be soft enough to mash easily with a fork in a small bowl. Get a large bowl and put your warm, drained potatoes in it. Add the mashed roasted garlic, the rest of the olive oil (that’s the other tablespoon!), your smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a gentle toss to make sure all those lovely flavors coat the potatoes.

Adding the Fresh Elements and Optional Creaminess

Almost there! Stir in your chopped fresh parsley and the lemon juice. This adds a burst of brightness. Toss it again so everything is well combined. Now, if you like your potato salad creamy, this is where you add the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if you want the mayo option. Stir it in until it’s mixed through. You can serve it warm or pop it in the fridge to chill. Either way, it’s delicious!

Tips for the Perfect Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option)

Want to make this Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) absolutely sing? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up. They really make a difference in the final dish.

Choose the right potatoes! Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes hold their shape best and don’t get mushy.
Don’t overcook the potatoes. They should be tender when poked with a fork, but not falling apart.
Mash the roasted garlic well. You want that smooth, sweet flavor throughout the salad.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more smoked paprika.
Fresh parsley is a must! It adds such a bright, fresh finish.

Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) Variations

One of the things I love most about this Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) is how easy it is to change things up. Want to add some color and crunch? Toss in some finely diced red onion or bell peppers. If you like a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper with the smoked paprika gives it a nice kick. You could even add some crumbled bacon or roasted chickpeas for extra texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions for Your Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option)

This Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) is a fantastic side for so many meals. I love serving it with grilled chicken or fish in the summer. It’s also wonderful alongside roasted meats or even just a simple green salad. It’s truly versatile!

Storing and Reheating Your Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option)

Got leftovers of this lovely potato salad? Great! Just pop it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you chose the no-mayo option, it’s delicious cold. If you added mayo or yogurt, it’s best served chilled. Reheating isn’t really recommended as it can change the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option)

I get asked a few questions about this Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option), so I thought I’d share some answers here. It’s always good to know these things ahead of time!

Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, you absolutely can! While I love Yukon Gold or red potatoes because they hold their shape, you could use other waxy varieties. Just avoid starchy ones like Russets, as they tend to get mushy.

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can! This potato salad actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. You can make it a day in advance. If you’re adding the optional mayo or yogurt, stir it in just before serving for the freshest taste.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Smoked paprika gives it that unique flavor, but you could use regular sweet paprika in a pinch. The smoky note will be missing, but it will still be tasty.

Estimated Nutritional Information

For those interested, here is an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for this Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option). Please remember that these numbers are just estimates. Things like the size of your potatoes, the exact amount of oil used, and the specific brands of ingredients can all affect the final nutritional values. It’s always a good idea to keep that in mind!

Share Your Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option) Creations

I absolutely love seeing what you create in your kitchens! If you make this Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option), please come back and leave a comment to tell me how it turned out. You can also share a picture on social media! Tag me so I can see your delicious work. Happy cooking, friends!

Amazing Smoked Paprika & Roasted Garlic Potato Salad (No Mayo Option)

Author: Lina Kohn
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful twist on classic potato salad featuring smoked paprika and roasted garlic, with a no-mayo option.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs small potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
1 head garlic
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp lemon juice
Optional: 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until soft.
While the garlic roasts, wash and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
In a small bowl, mash the roasted garlic cloves with a fork.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, mashed roasted garlic, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Add the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Toss again.
For a creamier salad, stir in mayonnaise or Greek yogurt if desired.
Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

You can roast the garlic ahead of time to save time.
Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and lemon juice to your taste.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting and Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg