lemon-thyme potato salad

Many of Dora's little friends are turning two right now. We've been going to a lot of birthday parties lately, and I can't think of a better way to bid summer farewell than celebrating all of these fabulous two-year-olds that we're fortunate enough to know. Potluck birthday parties are great and a lot of the birthday parties we've attended recently have been potluck-style, Dora's included. I just don't have the time or energy to put together a meal for a huge group of people these days, and fortunately everyone seems to understand.


I love going to potlucks because I get to focus on one dish and make sure it's really delicious. We have an abundance of potatoes right now from our CSA, so for this weekend's birthday party I made a lemon-thyme potato salad. It was very easy and quick, and tasted like a grown up version of the picnic standby.


lemon-thyme potato salad

1 pound small new potatoes, scrubbed, rinsed, and halved lengthwise (quarter if large)
3 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 - 2 Tbs fresh thyme leaves
1 Tbs fresh rosemary leaves
1 Tbs fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground black pepper


Set the potatoes in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes are just tender. While the potatoes cook, combine the garlic and olive oil in a large bowl. When the potatoes are tender. drain and immediately transfer to the bowl with the garlic and olive oil. Toss the hot potatoes gently with the garlic and olive oil until coated. Let stand about 5 - 10 minutes. Add the fresh herbs and lemon zest, season with salt and pepper, and stir again. Tastes great at room temperature or chilled.