This Classic French Potato Salad is creamy, tangy, and oh-so-delicious! Made with tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette, it’s a perfect side dish for any meal.
Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner lineup! I love serving it chilled on warm days—it’s the ultimate picnic treat! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Using a mix of small potatoes adds color and texture. I recommend red, purple, and yellow. If you can’t find these, any small waxy potatoes will work, like new potatoes or Yukon Gold.
Vinegar: White wine vinegar gives a nice tang, but you could substitute with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor.
Dijon Mustard: This is key for the tangy flavor. If you need a milder option, yellow mustard can work too, or even a whole grain mustard for texture.
Cornichons: These little pickles are traditional in French salads. If unavailable, dills or chopped capers could provide a similar kick!
Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley are essential for freshness. If you don’t have dill, fresh tarragon or chives could also be delightful substitutes.
How Do You Emulsify the Dressing Properly?
Emulsifying the dressing is important for a creamy texture. To do this, follow these tips:
- Start with the vinegar and mustard in a bowl.
- Whisk them together until combined.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking constantly. This helps break the oil into tiny droplets, mixing it evenly with the vinegar.
- Keep whisking until it thickens slightly—it should look smooth and slightly creamy.
Don’t rush this step! The slower you add the oil, the better your dressing will turn out!
Classic French Potato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds small mixed potatoes (red, purple, yellow), scrubbed and quartered
- 4 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cornichons (small pickles), sliced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to chill for the flavors to develop. Add some extra time if you want to make it in advance—it’s even better after sitting in the fridge for a while!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Potatoes:
Begin by placing the quartered potatoes in a large pot and covering them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender but still firm, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once they are done, drain them well and transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
While the potatoes are cooking, take a small bowl and whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and the finely chopped shallot until well combined. This is where the tangy flavor begins!
3. Emulsify the Dressing:
Next, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly. This helps to emulsify the dressing, making it creamy and delicious. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle the sliced scallions, cornichons, chopped parsley, and dill over the warm potatoes. This will make your salad colorful and vibrant.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the prepared dressing over the potato mixture and gently toss everything together. Make sure you coat all the potatoes but be careful not to break them apart. You want them to stay nice and chunky!
6. Final Seasoning:
After mixing, take a moment to taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding a little more salt, pepper, or vinegar to brighten it up further.
7. Chill Before Serving:
Now, let your salad sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you prefer, you can cover it and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The cold temperature enhances the flavors beautifully!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, consider garnishing with extra fresh herbs for a lovely presentation. Enjoy this beautiful Classic French Potato Salad with your favorite dishes!
It’s tangy, creamy, and bursting with flavor—perfect as a side or a light meal on its own. Enjoy! 🥗✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While the small mixed potatoes add great flavor and color, you can use any waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or new potatoes. Just make sure to keep them small or cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the second day! Just give it a gentle toss before serving again.
Is it Possible to Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the mustard you use is free from dairy. It’s a delicious option for everyone!
Can I Make This Potato Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, making it ahead is a great idea! You can prepare the salad a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This gives the flavors more time to develop, making it even tastier when served cold at your gathering!
