This Easy French Potato Salad is a yummy twist on a classic! With tender potatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette and fresh herbs, it’s bright and oh-so-satisfying.
It’s a perfect side for picnics or barbecues. I love serving it chilled on warm days—it always brings a smile and a bit of sunshine to the table! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
New Potatoes: I love using small new potatoes because they stay firm after cooking and have a lovely creamy texture. If you can’t find them, fingerling potatoes work well too. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly richer flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a nice tang to the dressing. If you prefer milder flavors, you can use yellow mustard or a grainy mustard for a similar taste. Hot English mustard can also add a kick if you’re up for it!
Fresh Herbs: Flat-leaf parsley and dill make this salad really fresh. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried ones, but reduce the amount since dried herbs are stronger. I usually use about one-third of the amount.
Red Wine Vinegar: It pairs beautifully with the mustard. If you need a substitute, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are great options, offering a similar tang without altering the dish’s essence.
How Can I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfectly cooked potatoes lies in the boiling process. Start with cold water and add a pinch of salt; this helps them cook evenly.
- Cut your potatoes into similar sizes for even cooking. Whole small potatoes are fine too.
- Boil them for about 15-20 minutes, checking with a fork. They should feel tender but not mushy.
- Drain and let them cool slightly before cutting; this keeps them from breaking apart.
Taking these steps ensures that your potato salad turns out just right every time!
Easy French Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds small new potatoes (a mix of purple and yellow if possible)
- 3-4 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- 2-3 stalks celery, diced
- 2-3 small dill pickles, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (preferably whole grain with mustard seeds)
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious potato salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook the potatoes, plus some additional time to chill in the fridge after mixing everything together. Aim for about 1 hour to let the flavors blend perfectly, making the total time around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by placing the small new potatoes in a large pot. Fill it with cold water until the potatoes are covered. Add a pinch of salt and bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, checking with a fork—when they’re tender and easily pierced, they’re ready to go!
2. Cool and Cut:
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander and let them cool slightly. When they’re cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized chunks, keeping the skins on for added color and texture.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced shallot, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Potatoes with Dressing:
Now, add the warm potato chunks to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss them together, allowing the potatoes to soak up all that yummy flavor.
5. Add the Veggies and Herbs:
It’s time to add some crunch! Add the sliced scallions, diced celery, sliced dill pickles, chopped dill, and parsley to the bowl. Give everything a gentle toss until it’s well mixed.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your salad. If you think it needs a bit more flavor, feel free to add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar to suit your taste.
7. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve your salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your refreshing dish!
This light, tangy French-style potato salad is perfect for any occasion. Its balance of creamy potatoes and vibrant flavors will make your taste buds dance with joy!
FAQ for Easy French Potato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While small new potatoes are great for this salad due to their creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure whatever potato you choose is waxy enough to hold its shape when cooked.
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Leftover potato salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the salad up to a day ahead. Just be sure to store it in the fridge to let the flavors meld together. Give it a gentle toss before serving to mix everything back up!
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard for a milder flavor or whole grain mustard for a bit of texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different but still delicious!
