This Classic French Potato Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer picnics! It’s made with tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette that brings everything together.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just boil, mix, and chill. It’s a great side for grilled foods, or you can enjoy it on its own with a sprinkle of love. 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Small waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or fingerling are ideal for this salad as they hold their shape well. If you’re in a pinch, you can use other types like red potatoes. Just make sure they’re firm and not too starchy.
White Wine Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or champagne vinegar if you don’t have white wine vinegar on hand. Each will give a slightly different flavor but keep it delicious!
Dijon Mustard: This brings a lovely complexity to the dressing. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use yellow mustard or even a grainy mustard for a different texture.
Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor. If you need a change, avocado oil or sunflower oil are suitable alternatives that work well in dressings.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and chives give freshness. If you don’t have tarragon, feel free to mix in other herbs like dill or basil, depending on your preference. Fresh herbs really make this dish pop!
How Do I Make the Perfect Vinaigrette?
Creating the vinaigrette is crucial for the salad’s flavor. Here’s how you can ensure it’s just right:
- Start with the vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced shallot in a bowl. This helps the flavors mix before adding oil.
- While whisking the mix, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This motion helps emulsify the dressing, giving it a creamy texture.
- Continue whisking until you see the dressing has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper!
Taking your time with this process will yield a well-balanced dressing that brings all the salad elements together beautifully.
Classic French Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds small waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or fingerling)
- Salt, for boiling and to taste
For the Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
The preparation of this Classic French Potato Salad takes about 15-20 minutes to cook the potatoes and combine the ingredients, plus at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. If you chill it for up to 2 hours, that’s perfect! Total time is roughly 1 hour including prep and chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Place them in a large pot, cover with salted water, then bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on their size.
2. Preparing the Vinaigrette:
While the potatoes are cooking, prepare your vinaigrette. In a bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced shallot until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This will create a lovely, emulsified dressing.
3. Assembling the Salad:
Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and let them cool slightly. When they are warm but can be handled, slice them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the still-warm potatoes and gently toss to coat, being careful not to break them.
4. Adding Fresh Herbs:
Next, add the chopped parsley, chives, and tarragon (if you are using it) to the potato mixture. Toss everything together gently to combine.
5. Seasoning and Cooling:
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. If you’d like to chill it, you can refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
6. Serving:
Serve your Classic French Potato Salad at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy this refreshing dish as a perfect side for summer meals!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Potatoes for This Salad?
Absolutely! While small waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or fingerlings are preferred for their texture, you can use red potatoes or even medium-sized russet potatoes. Just be sure to cook them until tender without letting them get too mushy!
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that the Dijon mustard used does not contain any non-vegan ingredients. The ingredients as listed provide great flavor without the need for animal products!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will actually improve as they meld together! Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
What Are Some Good Variations for This Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced cucumbers for crunch, mix in some cherry tomatoes for sweetness, or even incorporate olives for a briny touch. Adjust seasonings and herbs to your liking – dill or basil can also be great additions!
