Perfect Jamaican Jerk Potato Salad Recipe for Easy Caribbean Feasts Recipe
This Perfect Jamaican Jerk Potato Salad is a vibrant and flavorful Caribbean-inspired side dish featuring tender Yukon Gold or red potatoes tossed in a creamy jerk-spiced dressing. Enhanced with fresh scallions, colorful bell peppers, red onion, and a touch of cilantro, this salad brings a delightful balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for any Caribbean feast or summer gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled and diced
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2–3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2–3 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or green)
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes into a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil, then cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, jerk seasoning, freshly squeezed lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the spice and tang.
- Prep the Vegetables: Finely chop the scallions, dice the bell peppers, finely dice the red onion, and chop the fresh cilantro. Set all the vegetables aside in a prepared space for assembly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, gently toss the cooled potatoes with the chopped scallions, bell peppers, red onion, and cilantro to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the salad.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared jerk dressing over the potato and vegetable mixture and stir carefully to coat everything evenly. If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up. Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, garnish with extra fresh cilantro if desired, adding a fresh finish and vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as they hold their shape well when boiled, preventing the salad from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning depending on your preferred spice level; homemade jerk seasoning adds an authentic flavor.
- If the dressing is too thick after mixing, add a small amount of milk or water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors and allows the dressing to meld with the potatoes and vegetables.
- Fresh cilantro is optional but highly recommended for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Keywords: Jamaican jerk potato salad, Caribbean potato salad, jerk seasoning, creamy potato salad, Caribbean side dish, spicy potato salad
