This classic French potato salad is a light and flavorful dish that combines tender potatoes with fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal.
The recipe is simple and highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. You can easily adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.

Overview of Classic French Potato Salad
This classic French potato salad is a delightful dish that brings together tender potatoes and fresh herbs, all enveloped in a light vinaigrette.
Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side for any meal, it highlights the natural flavors of its ingredients.
With its simple preparation, this salad can be customized with various herbs and seasonings to match personal preferences.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this French potato salad lies in its straightforward ingredients.
Using small waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, ensures a creamy texture that holds up well in the salad.
Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions add a burst of flavor, while the optional additions of green beans or olives can enhance the dish further.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is a breeze and can be completed in about 30 minutes.
Start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender, then let them cool slightly before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
The vinaigrette, made from olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, is whisked together to create a tangy dressing that brings the salad to life.
Serving Suggestions
This French potato salad can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
Garnishing with additional green onions and parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds layers of flavor.
Pair it with grilled meats or serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
Creating the Perfect Atmosphere
When presenting this salad, consider using a rustic bowl to enhance its charm.
Setting it on a wooden table surrounded by fresh ingredients like olives and herbs creates an inviting atmosphere, perfect for summer dining.
This setting encourages guests to enjoy the meal and appreciate the vibrant flavors of the salad.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This classic French potato salad serves four and is a light option, with each serving containing approximately 180 calories.
With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, it can fit well into a variety of dietary plans.
Enjoy this dish knowing it not only tastes great but also offers a nutritious addition to your summer meals.
Easy French Potato Salad Recipe
This French potato salad features boiled potatoes tossed with a mustard vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and optional ingredients like green beans or olives. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and blanched (optional)
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, vinaigrette, parsley, green onions, and any optional ingredients like green beans or olives.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated in the dressing. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g