French-Style Potato Salad (Salade de Pommes de Terre)
A simple salad with a soul. It is fresh, warm, and full of sunshine.
Light, herbaceous, and beautifully bright, this classic French potato salad skips heavy mayonnaise in favor of a lively vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and good olive oil. It’s the kind of dish that feels effortless yet deeply satisfying. It’s perfect alongside roast chicken, grilled fish, or a simple green salad.
As a stepmother to a French mademoiselle, honing my French cooking skills has become part of our family table. This one has earned her seal of approval and that’s saying something.
Ingredients
- 2 lb small waxy potatoes Yukon Gold, fingerling, or new potatoes
- ½ lb fresh green beans (haricots verts) trimmed — optional
For the Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or vinegar of choice white wine, champagne, or red wine vinegar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot finely minced
- 2 tbsp capers or 2 tbsp cornichons finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
To Finish (Optional)
- Edible flowers to garnish
Instructions
Cook the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, well-salted water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until just tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain and let cool slightly.
Blanch the Green Beans (Optional)
- Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil.
- Blanch the green beans for 2 minutes, until tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Transfer immediately to ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified.
- Stir in the shallot, capers or cornichons (if using), lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Vinegar Tip: Red wine vinegar adds deeper, fruitier notes while white wine or champagne vinegar keeps it light and bright. Choose what suits your mood.
Assemble the Salad
- While the potatoes are still warm, slice them into halves or thick rounds.
- Transfer to a large bowl along with the green beans, if using.
- Gently toss with the vinaigrette so the potatoes absorb all that flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or lightly chilled.
- Finish with extra herbs, a pinch of flaky sea salt, and edible flowers if you like.
Video
Notes
Why You’ll Love It
- Light, tangy, and full of a fresh herby flavor
- Naturally gluten-free and easily vegan-friendly
- No heavy mayo, just good olive oil and vibrant ingredients
- Green beans add beautiful color and a crisp texture (optional)
- Perfect for picnics, dinners, or relaxed gatherings
Serving Suggestion
- Pile the salad onto a rustic platter or shallow bowl.
- Scatter extra herbs and a pinch of flaky salt over the top.
- This is a dish made for slow meals, warm sunshine, and good company — the kind that invites everyone to linger around for just a little longer at the table.
Little French Note
- In true French countryside tradition, potato salad is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature, allowing the vinaigrette to fully soak into the potatoes.
- Green beans add freshness and a crunch, while the herbs bring a lively, aromatic finish.
- Simple. Soulful. Beautifully rustic.