Michael Symon Potato Salad Recipes

GRILLED POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare a grill using the snake method or for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, stack the unlit charcoals around the perimeter of the grill, about halfway, then light the first few at one end so the snake begins to burn slowly. (This results in a controlled 325 to 350 degrees F heat.) If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
• Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large bowl. Season well with salt and pepper.
• Lay out 2 sheets of aluminum foil in a cross and place the potatoes in the middle. Gather up the sides to create a foil packet, add 2 tablespoons of water and seal the foil packet.
• Place the foil packet over direct heat and steam until the potatoes are cooked through, about 30 minutes. Open the foil packet and continue to cook until the potatoes take on some smoke and dry out, about 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the peanuts, remaining 1/4 cup oil, vinegar, cilantro, mustard, celery seeds and sugar in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• Remove the potatoes from the grill, add to the bowl with the vinaigrette and toss to coat.
• (Alternatively, you can bake the potatoes in a 375 degrees F oven for 30 minutes.)

MOM'S SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the romaine, tomatoes, cucumber and onions in a large bowl.
• Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, sour cream, oregano and garlic in a small bowl to make the vinaigrette.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the salad, season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Serve with more freshly cracked black pepper over the top.

GRILLED EGGPLANT AND FRESH MOZZARELLA SALAD

Steps:

• Set up a grill for cooking with direct and indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• Peel the eggplants and slice into 1/2-inch-thick rings. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil on both sides. Place on the direct-heat side of the grill and char, cooking until softened, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a cutting board and cut each slice into quarters.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon and honey. Drizzle in 1/2 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the arugula, mozzarella, onion and eggplant. Dress with the vinaigrette and serve!

POTATO ZUCCHINI PANCAKES WITH YOGURT SAUCE

Steps:

• Set up your grill for even medium-high heat by building coals evenly on the bottom of the grill.
• Place the shredded zucchinis and potatoes into a tea towel and wring as much moisture out as you can. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, flour, scallions, dill and lemon zest and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the zucchinis and potatoes and mix to combine. Using a 1/3 cup measure, scoop the mixture into balls on a cookie tray.
• Place a large cast-iron pan on the grill and add a good splash of oil (it should be 1- to 1 1/2-inches deep in the pan). Set a cooling rack in a sheet tray and set aside.
• Bring the oil to 350 degrees F, then add 3 balls to the pan and flatten into pancakes. Brown and crisp on one side, 2 to 3 minutes, then flip and brown and crisp on the other side, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to the cooling rack set and season with salt. Repeat with the remaining potato pancakes, adding more olive oil to the pan as needed.
• For the yogurt sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, chives, olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the potato zucchini pancakes with a dollop of yogurt sauce.

CHARRED BROCCOLI SALAD

Steps:

• Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• Trim the bottom inch off of the broccoli stems and discard or save in your freezer for a soup. Quarter the broccoli lengthwise into large pieces and place in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Place the broccoli on the direct heat side of the grill and char on all sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Move to the indirect side of the grill, close the grill lid and roast until cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, scallions, vinegar, dill, brown sugar and mustard. Season to taste with the fresh nutmeg, salt and pepper. Remove the broccoli to a serving platter and drizzle with as much of the buttermilk dressing as you'd like. Top with the dried cherries and peanuts. Serve!