Smoky Michael Symon Grilled Potato Salad Recipe

Michael Symon’s Zesty Grilled Potato Salad Recipe – Fresh & Fun!

Michael Symon’s grilled potato salad electrifies summer dining with its sizzling charm and unexpected culinary magic.

Potatoes burst from their mundane reputation, transformed by smoky grill marks and bold seasonings.

Each charred bite promises a flavor explosion that dances across your palate.

Crisp edges and herb-infused notes elevate this classic side dish into a showstopping sensation.

Backyard cookouts will never feel ordinary again with this game-changing recipe.

Fresh ingredients combine in a symphony of taste that beckons friends and family to gather around the grill.

You’ll fall in love with this innovative twist on a beloved comfort food that turns simple potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Michael Symon’s Grilled Potato Salad

For Potato Base:
  • Potatoes: Select medium-sized, firm potatoes with smooth skin and no green spots or sprouts.
  • Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin for rich, fruity flavor and smooth coating.
For Zesty Dressing Components:
  • Mayonnaise: Pick full-fat, creamy version for richness and smooth texture.
  • Lemon: Select bright, heavy citrus fruits with smooth, glossy skin.
  • Grainy Mustard: Opt for artisan or whole grain styles with visible seed particles.
  • Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for clean, sharp seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns to grind fresh for maximum aroma.
For Herbal and Garnish Accents:
  • Fresh Thyme: Look for bright green leaves with strong aromatic scent.
  • Green Onions: Pick firm stalks with crisp, white bottoms and vibrant green tops.
  • Fresh Dill: Select delicate, feathery fronds with intense fragrant notes.
  • Capers: Choose briny, small pickled buds packed in salt or vinegar.

Equipment Checklist for Michael Symon’s Grilled Potato Salad

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for tossing and combining ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for cleanly cutting potatoes in half.
  • Grill: Medium-high heat source for creating crispy potato edges.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Stable surface for preparing potatoes and herbs.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for adding salt, pepper, and herbs.
  • Basting Brush: Great for oiling grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • Colander: Useful for draining boiled potatoes quickly.
  • Tongs: Helpful for safely handling potatoes on the grill.

Cooking Michael Symon’s Grilled Potato Salad

Cooking Michael Symon’s Grilled Potato Salad
  • Fire Up the Grill

Get your grill sizzling hot at medium-high heat. Brush the grates with a light coating of oil to keep those potato halves from sticking.

  • Transform Potatoes

Scrub your spuds clean and boil them until they’re soft enough to pierce with a fork. Once cooled, slice them in half lengthwise and prep for their flavor adventure.

  • Craft Zesty Dressing

Whip up a tangy sauce that’ll make these potatoes sing. Blend together zingy lemon juice, creamy mayo, fragrant herbs, and a punch of grainy mustard. This is where the magic happens.

  • Grill and Sear

Coat the potato halves in half of your knockout dressing. Lay them cut-side down on the hot grill, letting them develop a gorgeous golden crust for 5-10 minutes.

  • Herb and Finish

Toss the grilled potatoes back into the bowl, drizzle with remaining dressing, and sprinkle with a confetti of fresh herbs – thyme, green onions, dill, and a handful of briny capers. Give everything a gentle mix, taste, and adjust the seasoning to make your taste buds dance.

Expert Tips for Grilled Potato Salad

Unlock delicious variations and pro tips that transform this simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece.

Replace thyme with rosemary, basil, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles that match your mood or meal.

Crumble crispy bacon, add diced grilled chicken, or sprinkle feta cheese to turn this side dish into a hearty main course.

Introduce heat by adding red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for an extra flavor kick.

Prepare the dressing and grill potatoes in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving to maintain maximum texture and freshness.

How to Serve Michael Symon’s Grilled Potato Salad

  • Elevate Grilled Potato Experience: Serve these zesty grilled potatoes as a stunning side dish that complements grilled meats like juicy steak, roasted chicken, or barbecue ribs.
  • Herb-Packed Picnic Centerpiece: Pack these potatoes in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, ensuring they stay warm and delicious for al fresco dining with friends and family.
  • Create Gourmet Appetizer Platter: Arrange grilled potato halves on a rustic wooden board, garnish with extra fresh herbs, and pair with a creamy dipping sauce for an irresistible starter at summer parties.
  • Transform Leftover Potential: Chop cooled grilled potatoes and toss into green salads, fold into weekend breakfast scrambles, or use as a flavorful topping for grain bowls with minimal extra effort.

Storing Leftover Grilled Potato Salad

  • Preserve Freshness: Store leftover grilled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The potatoes will maintain their flavor and texture best when kept cold and sealed.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the zesty dressing and boil potatoes in advance, saving 20-30 minutes during busy weeknights. Keep components separate until ready to grill for maximum crispiness.
  • Smart Reheating Strategy: Warm refrigerated potatoes in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Tip: While best fresh, you can freeze the grilled potato salad for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and refresh with a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving to revive flavors.
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Smoky Michael Symon Grilled Potato Salad Recipe

Smoky Michael Symon Grilled Potato Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Grilled potato salad by Michael Symon offers a smoky twist on classic summer sides. Crisp potatoes mesh perfectly with tangy dressing, creating a crowd-pleasing dish anyone can master quickly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lb (907 g) baby potatoes
  • 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise (vegan if needed)
  • 2 tbsps fresh thyme leaves, divided
  • 12 tbsps chopped fresh dill
  • 23 tbsps lemon juice, divided
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 1 tbsp chopped capers
  • ¾ tsp fine sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Submerge red potatoes in heavily salted water, boiling until fork-tender, approximately 12-15 minutes. Drain and allow cooling before slicing lengthwise.
  2. Grill Setup: Preheat outdoor grill or cast-iron grill pan to medium-high heat around 400°F, lightly oiling grates to prevent adherence.
  3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, mayonnaise, lemon juice, thyme leaves, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper in a comprehensive mixing bowl, creating a robust flavor foundation.
  4. Potato Coating: Delicately brush potato halves with half the prepared dressing, ensuring uniform coverage.
  5. Grilling Process: Position potato halves cut-side down on heated grates, grilling 5-7 minutes until achieving golden-brown exterior with distinctive char marks.
  6. Final Assembly: Return grilled potatoes to mixing bowl, drizzling remaining dressing and gently tossing. Enhance with additional lemon juice if desired.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped thyme, green onions, fresh dill, and capers across potatoes, folding ingredients with a light, respectful touch to maintain potato structure.

Notes

  • Potato Perfection: Choose small to medium red potatoes for even cooking and easier grilling.
  • Grill Mastery: Ensure grill is preheated and oiled to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char marks.
  • Dressing Technique: Prepare dressing in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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