Warm South African Potato Salad with Bacon, Chives & Rocket

Warm South African Potato Salad with Bacon, Chives & Rocket

Serves 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 40 mins

This hearty, warm potato salad is a real comfort dish — perfect for braais, family dinners, or even as a midweek side. It’s made with crispy bacon, a tangy dressing, and finished with fresh herbs, rocket, and olives for a lekker local twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg small potatoes (like baby potatoes or any waxy variety), peeled and cubed
• 250 g bacon, roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1/3 cup pitted olives, sliced
• 1 cup fresh rocket, roughly chopped
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes:
   Place the cubed potatoes in a pot with salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until just tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
2. Fry the bacon:
   In a large pan, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy and golden. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towel, but keep the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Sauté the onion:
   Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook for 3–4 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
4. Make the dressing:
   Add vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper to the onions in the pan. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Mix everything together:
   Add the cooked potatoes and half the bacon to the hot dressing. Stir gently so the potatoes soak up the flavours but don’t break apart. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes.
6. Add the fresh ingredients:
   Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped chives, sliced olives, and rocket leaves.
7. Serve:
   Spoon into a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top and garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like. Serve warm or at room temperature.

🍴 Tips & Serving Ideas:

• Pairs beautifully with roast chicken, lamb chops, or boerewors straight off the braai.
• Add a handful of crumbled feta or goat’s cheese if you want something creamier.
• No rocket? Try fresh spinach or even wild greens if you’ve got some in the garden.

❄️ Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.