This French-style potato salad is creamy, tangy, and full of fresh flavors. Made with tender potatoes, zesty mustard, and crunchy veggies, it’s a delightful side that pairs well with anything!
I love how easy it is to make—just boil the potatoes, mix in the dressing, and voilà! Perfect for picnics or family dinners. Plus, it’s always a hit! 🥔🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Small New Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect as they stay creamy and hold together well. If you can’t find them, baby Yukon Golds or even fingerling potatoes work beautifully too.
Bacon: Bacon adds a savory crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit it or substitute with crispy sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for that umami flavor.
White Wine Vinegar: This gives a nice tang. If you’re out, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar as good alternatives while keeping the flavor balanced.
Dijon Mustard: Essential for that zing! You can swap it for yellow mustard for a milder taste or even whole grain mustard for added texture.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Potatoes?
Cooking the potatoes right is crucial! You want them fork-tender but not too soft. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Rinse the potatoes well to remove any dirt.
- Put them in a large pot and cover with salted water. Salt helps flavor the potatoes as they cook.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Start checking at 15 minutes with a fork.
- Once tender, drain and allow them to cool slightly—that way they absorb the dressing better.
With these tips, you’ll have a wonderfully balanced potato salad that’s both flavorful and satisfying!
How to Make French Style Potato Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds small new potatoes or baby Yukon Gold potatoes
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes of cooking time. Once everything is prepared, you can savor the salad warm or let it chill to enhance the flavors even more. In total, you’ll spend about 35-40 minutes on this lovely French-style side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by rinsing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Place them in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring the pot to a boil, and let it cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the potatoes are cooking, take a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add in the chopped bacon and cook it until nice and crispy. Once crispy, carefully remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for the dressing.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and optional garlic. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved warm bacon fat. This will create a lovely warm vinaigrette dressing for the salad.
4. Combine It All:
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle but still warm, cut them in half or quarters as needed and add them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the vinaigrette over the potatoes and gently toss everything to coat, allowing the wonderful flavors to blend together.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Gently fold in the crispy bacon bits and sprinkle the fresh parsley on top. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one last toss to mix everything together perfectly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious French-style potato salad can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s ready to be served as a delightful side dish for any meal. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While small new potatoes or baby Yukon Golds work best for their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or fingerling potatoes. Just ensure they are cooked until tender and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to mix the flavors back together.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and replace the bacon fat in the dressing with additional olive oil. You can also add ingredients like capers or olives for an added burst of flavor!
