This French Style Potato Salad is a tasty mix of tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and a light dressing. It’s perfect for picnics or as a side dish at dinner!
The best part? You can make it ahead of time! I love how the flavors get even better after sitting a bit, just like a good story that’s worth telling twice! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Small new potatoes are ideal for this salad due to their tender skin and creamy texture. If you can’t find them, fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes are great alternatives. They bring a similar flavor and hold up well in salads.
Mayonnaise: Traditional recipes use mayonnaise for creaminess, but you can switch to Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It adds a bit of tang while keeping the salad creamy. For a vegan option, try a plant-based mayo.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a nice kick! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use yellow mustard. You could also skip it altogether if mustard isn’t your thing, but it does enhance the taste!
Shallots: Shallots give a delicate onion flavor, but if you don’t have them, finely chopped red onion can work as a substitute. Just use a bit less, as red onions can be stronger in taste.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley is a must-have, but feel free to mix in any herbs you like, such as dill or basil. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can work in a pinch; just reduce the amount by half.
How Do You Cook Potatoes Perfectly for Salad?
The cooking process of potatoes plays a big role in the texture and taste of your salad. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use cold salted water to start. This helps them cook evenly.
- Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Check for doneness after about 15 minutes; they should be tender but not falling apart. A fork should slide in easily.
- Drain and let cool slightly before mixing with the dressing. This prevents them from turning mushy.
By following these steps, your potatoes will have the perfect texture for the salad! Enjoy making this delightful dish!
French Style Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds small new potatoes (red or yellow), halved or quartered
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation and cooking time, along with at least 30 minutes of resting time for the flavors to meld. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to make this delicious potato salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Start by placing the small new potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold salted water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork, which should take about 15-20 minutes depending on their size. You want them cooked but firm so they hold their shape in the salad.
2. Drain and Cool:
Once the potatoes are done, drain them in a colander and set them aside to cool slightly. This is important; you want them warm but not hot to make sure they absorb the dressing well!
3. Make the Dressing:
While the potatoes are cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely chopped shallot, white wine vinegar, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This dressing will bring all the wonderful flavors together.
4. Combine Potatoes with Dressing:
After the potatoes have cooled a bit, add them to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the potatoes in the dressing to coat them evenly. Be careful not to mash them; we want them to stay nice and whole!
5. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, stir in the fresh parsley, chives, and optional tarragon. These herbs will add freshness and a lovely color to your salad. Mix gently so the herbs are well distributed.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Now it’s time to taste your salad! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or vinegar to your liking. This is your chance to make it perfect!
7. Let it Rest:
For the best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the ingredients to mingle beautifully. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled—whatever you prefer!
Enjoy your fresh, herbaceous French Style Potato Salad! It’s perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or as a delightful side for any meal.
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While small new potatoes are recommended for their creaminess and tenderness, you can also use fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes. They all hold up well in salads and provide a great texture!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! Just substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based version or use Greek yogurt for a lighter feel. Dijon mustard is typically vegan, but always check the ingredient list to be sure!
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad, you might add a bit of extra dressing right before serving to bring back some creaminess.
Can I Add Additional Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like diced celery, bell peppers, or even hard-boiled eggs. Just be mindful of the additional moisture they might add to the salad!
