This French Style Potato Salad is light and zesty with a lovely dressing made from mustard, olive oil, and vinegar. It’s perfect for picnics or barbecues!
It’s such a treat to enjoy potatoes tossed with crunchy veggies and fresh herbs. I always find myself going back for seconds—it’s just too good to resist!
I love making it ahead of time because it tastes even better after the flavors mix. Serve it chilled, and you’ve got a simple, tasty dish that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
New Potatoes: These are great for their creamy texture. Baby red potatoes also work well. If you can’t find them, Yukon Golds are a lovely substitute but won’t be as small.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a nice kick to the salad. If you prefer something milder, you can use yellow mustard, or for a twist, try whole grain mustard. It’s all about your taste!
Vinegar: White wine vinegar adds a nice tang. If you want a bit more sweetness, apple cider vinegar is a perfect alternative, while red wine vinegar offers a deeper flavor profile.
Shallots: These are sweeter and milder than regular onions. If you don’t have shallots, finely minced red or green onions work in a pinch.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley are traditional, but feel free to add chives or tarragon for a different twist. Fresh herbs boost the salad’s flavor!
How Do You Ensure Your Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the potatoes just right is key for a great salad. Follow these tips for success:
- Start with cold water: Place potatoes in cold, salted water. This keeps them from overcooking on the outside before the insides are done.
- Check for doneness: After boiling for 15-20 minutes, poke a potato with a fork. If it slides in easily, they’re ready!
- Let them cool: You want the potatoes to be warm but not hot when you mix them. This lets them absorb the dressing nicely.
Using these techniques, your potato salad will be creamy and flavorful!
French Style Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds small new potatoes or baby red potatoes
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful French Style Potato Salad takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation, along with an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. This means you can have a delicious side dish ready in under an hour—a fantastic option for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Place them into a large pot filled with salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes, so keep an eye on them!
2. Cool and Cut the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool slightly until they’re just warm. Cut the potatoes in halves or quarters based on their size to allow better absorption of the dressing.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, vinegar, and minced shallot until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously. This will help emulsify the dressing, giving it a creamy texture. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix well.
4. Toss the Potatoes:
Gently add the warm potatoes to the dressing and toss them until they’re evenly coated. This step ensures that every potato is enveloped in the delicious flavor of the dressing!
5. Add Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the chopped fresh dill and parsley for that wonderful fresh herb taste that complements the potatoes beautifully.
6. Chill the Salad:
Let the salad cool to room temperature or place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential as it allows all the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve:
When ready to serve, you can enjoy the salad slightly chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish. It’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
This recipe beautifully combines tender new potatoes with a tangy mustard vinaigrette and fresh herbs, making it a classic and beloved dish. Enjoy your French Style Potato Salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While small new potatoes or baby red potatoes are traditional, you can use Yukon Golds or even fingerling potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly based on the potato size.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and if it looks dry, you can add a splash of olive oil or vinegar to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it doesn’t contain any animal products. Just make sure to double-check the olive oil and mustard brands to confirm they haven’t added any non-vegan ingredients.
Is it Necessary to Chill the Salad?
Chilling the salad allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully. While you can serve it warm, chilling it for at least 30 minutes enhances the taste and makes for a more refreshing dish!
