Perfect-for-Summer Easy Red Potato Salad {Recipe}

I know that sustainability is of great importance to many people, but will admit that it’s something I’m still learning about. When it comes to locally grown food, I knew that it supports local farmers, but didn’t know too much more about its benefits beyond that. In working with the Walmart team as a member of the Walmart Moms program, I was recently sent information about locally grown food, allowing me to learn more and explore the variety of locally grown food which can be found at Walmart stores. Let me share some of the benefits of locally grown food that Walmart shared with me, plus an easy red potato salad recipe that’s perfect for a summer BBQ or get-together!

5 Benefits of Locally Grown Food

1. Locally grown food is full of flavor. When grown locally, crops are picked at their peak of ripeness instead of harvested early for shipping.
2. Eating local food is eating seasonally. Though it would be nice if produce like strawberries was grown year-round, it’s best to eat them when purchased directly from a local grower since they taste better than ones available in the winter that have traveled thousands of miles and were picked before they were ripe.
3. Local food has more nutrients. Local food has a shorter time between harvest and our homes, so it’s less likely that the nutrient value is lost due to travel or from sitting in a distribution center before arriving to your store.
4. Local food supports the local economy. The money spent with local farmers and growers is reinvested with businesses and services in your community.
5. Local food benefits the environment. By purchasing locally grown foods, you help maintain farmland and/or open space in your community.

As I browsed my local Walmart and took a look at the produce available, I found Florida-grown watermelons and a variety of potatoes. I’m a fan of red potatoes, so I decided to make something that I love eating, but have never made myself – potato salad! Here’s the simple recipe I came up with using baby red potatoes from local Florida farms.

Easy Red Potato Salad Recipe – Perfect for Summer!

Ingredients

• 3 lbs baby red potatoes, cubed & rinsed
• 1 cup red onions, diced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
• 1/2 cup green onions

Directions

1. Add potatoes to a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.
2. Continue boiling until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In large bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Add potatoes and lightly stir to mix.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

This is such an easy red potato salad recipe to make and it works great as a side dish for summer grilling or when you get together with friends and family for a picnic! I love to leave the skin on the potatoes (one less step!) and the simplicity of the ingredients is a major bonus. I hope your family enjoys the flavors of locally grown food this summer!

Were you aware of the benefits of locally grown food?

All photos © Melanie Edwards/modernmami™