This Classic French Potato Salad is the perfect side dish for summer! It features tender potatoes blended with fresh herbs, green onions, and a light mustard vinaigrette.
The best part? It’s so easy to make ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy those sunny days! I love serving it chilled—you’ll find it refreshing on a warm day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Waxy Potatoes: I recommend using Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes for their creamy texture. If you can’t find these, red potatoes work well too. They hold their shape nicely after cooking!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang to the salad. If you’re out of Dijon, regular mustard can work, but it will alter the flavor a bit. You can also try whole grain mustard for extra texture!
Vinegar: White or red wine vinegar helps brighten the salad. Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute if you want a sweeter touch. Just adjust it based on your taste preference.
Shallots: These add a mild onion flavor. You can use red onion if shallots aren’t available, but they can be stronger, so use less.
Fresh Herbs: While parsley, chives, and tarragon make this salad shine, feel free to mix in dill or basil if you prefer. Fresh herbs elevate the dish and bring that summer feel!
How Do You Cook Potatoes Perfectly for Salad?
Getting those potatoes just right is vital for a delicious salad! Follow these steps to ensure they’re tender but not mushy.
- Start with cold water. Place potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold, salted water. This will cook them evenly.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium heat. Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes. Start checking at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Once tender, drain immediately. This prevents further cooking from residual heat and helps keep their shape.
- Slice the potatoes while they are still warm. This helps them soak up the vinaigrette better!
Classic French Potato Salad for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds small waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or fingerling)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots or red onion
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered (optional for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Classic French Potato Salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes for cooking the potatoes. Plus, chilling time of at least 1 hour in the refrigerator makes it perfectly refreshing and flavorful, adding up to about 1 hour and 30 minutes total. That’s all you need to create this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by placing the waxy potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold salted water. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes depending on their size. Keep an eye on them!
2. Slice the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and let them cool slightly. While they are still warm, slice them into halves or quarters depending on their size. This warmth will help absorb the dressing better!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and vinegar. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create a smooth vinaigrette. This combination adds a lovely tang to your salad!
4. Mix in the Herbs:
Add the finely chopped shallots, parsley, chives, and tarragon (if using) to the vinaigrette. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything Together:
Pour the dressing over the warm sliced potatoes and gently toss to coat them thoroughly. The warm potatoes will soak up all those delicious flavors!
6. Chill Before Serving:
Let the potato salad cool to room temperature, then cover it and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Right before serving, gently toss the salad again and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like, garnish with the quartered hard-boiled eggs for an extra touch!
Enjoy this refreshing Classic French Potato Salad as the perfect side dish for grilled meats or light summer meals. It’s bound to impress at any gathering!
FAQ for Classic French Potato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or fingerling are best for their creamy texture, you can substitute with red potatoes. Just make sure they are small and similar in texture to maintain the salad’s consistency.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this potato salad vegan, simply omit the hard-boiled eggs. The salad is already free from any animal products aside from the eggs, so you’ll still have a delicious, herb-infused dish!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
