healthy warm potato salad with onion & vinegar

when food network announced it was potato week at comfort food feast i knew there would be a plethora of mashed, fried and creamed potatoes...it is comfort food after all, right?  i decided to take a bit of a different approach and try to keep the calories low while keeping the deliciousness quotient high.  my solution?  a healthy, warm potato salad full of steamed red potatoes, caramelized red onions, vegetarian "bacon" and herbs tossed in a vinaigrette of seasoned rice vinegar, mustard, olive oil and seasonings.  sound good?

i used my favorite fake "bacon" so both vegetarians and non can enjoy...plus it keeps the fat and calories low.  if you want to amp up the "comfort" side and use real bacon...go right ahead, no judging here.  just fry up the bacon first, drain the fat and then add once the onions have caramelized.

served with roasted chicken and a large salad full of greens, this salad makes a wonderful winter meal.  

healthy warm potato salad with onion & vinegar vinaigrette
(serves 6)
2 lbs small red potatoes, unpeeled halved or quartered
1 red onion, cut in half then in sliced
4 slices vegetarian "bacon"  (or real bacon for a bit less healthy version), chopped into bite sized pieces
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp low sodium organic soy sauce
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1/2 cup organic seasoned rice vinegar
3 green onions chopped (white & green parts)
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

place 3-4 inches water in a large pot fitted with a steamer basket.  bring to a bowl and add 2 tbsp salt.  add potatoes, cover and steam until tender but still firm when pierced with a sharp knife-25-30 minutes. (hint, i always taste to ensure they are perfectly cooked).

meanwhile heat large skillet over medium high flame.  add onion and vegetarian bacon (note, if using real bacon omit olive oil).  cook, stirring frequently, until bacon is crisp and onion is soft and beginning to caramelize.   add soy sauce, mustard, honey and vinegar. cook 5 minutes over medium low heat.  add cooked potatoes, green onions and a large pinch each salt and pepper.  cook an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to allow liquid to soak into potatoes.  turn off heat, add parsley and stir to combine.  taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired.  pour into large bowl and allow salad to cool to warm.  stir again and serve.

it is potato week at food network's "comfort food feast". check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends:

Jeanette's Healthy Living: Grilled Smashed Baby Potatoes With Green Harissa Sauce
Devour: 5 Ways to Cook Potatoes
Haute Apple Pie: Twice-Baked Southwestern Sweet Potatoes Napa Farmhouse 1885: Healthy Warm Potato Salad With Onion and Vinegar
Red or Green?: Spicy Baked Sweet Potatoes
And Love It Too: Sweet Potato Hasselback Potatoes
Virtually Homemade: Twice-Baked Potatoes With Cheddar and Caramelized Onions
Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Crispy Potatoes With Baked Eggs and Pesto Yogurt
Cooking With Elise: Vavos Stewed Potatoes
The Heritage Cook: Potato and Sweet Potato Gratin With Bourbon-Laced Cream Sauce
The Cultural Dish: Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Thursday Night Dinner: If You Need Me, I'll Be With My Potato Soup
Feed Me Phoebe: Baked Sweet Potato Fries With Rosemary
Add a Pinch: Loaded Smashed Potatoes
From My Corner of Saratoga: Garlic and Herb Infused Cheesy Potatoes
FN Dish: Well-Loved Potato Sides

do you have a favorite comfort food recipe you would like featured? feel free to post in the comments section of this post.

best,
diane
napa farmhouse 1885
red or green?
california girl in taos

please follow us on facebook

i have started sharing my taos experiences on my newest blog "california girl in taos". please visit and let me know what you think.