French Style Potato Salad

This French Style Potato Salad is something my grandma used to make when I was little. It’s made without mayonnaise and full of delicious fresh herbs. Traditional French potato salad has cornichons (tiny gherkin pickles) but my grandmother did not put them in so I do not either but you do you! Either way this potato salad is delicious served slightly warm or room temperature. It never lasts long in our house! Love a traditional potato salad? Try this Dairy Free Potato Salad. Are you a pickle lover? You might like this Dill Pickle Potato Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Having only 11 ingredients and mayonnaise free, its a bowl full of warmth and cozy thats herby and delicious. If you’re looking for a straightforward yet delightful French style potato salad, this recipe is perfect for creating an authentic salad experience.

Ingredients You Will Need

Baby whole potatoes: are a starchy root vegetable that are small, bite sized potatoes that have a more concentrated flavor making them ideal for salads, baked, roasted or pan fried.

Shallot: are a type of onion that are a member of the allium family. Closely related to garlic, chives and onions. Having a mild, savory flavor with garlic undertones.

Chicken broth: can be used or chicken bone broth; the bone broth offers enhanced health benefits along with a richer flavor profile. I like Kettle and Fire for my bone broth and broths.

Extra virgin olive oil: is the least processed form of olive oil. Due to this, it retains its natural antioxidants and vitamins perfect for the French style potato salad.

Champagne vinegar: made by fermenting champagne or sparkling wine.  It has a light, delicate, and slightly sweet flavor.

Dijon mustard: is my preferred mustard for this recipe as it imparts a subtle tanginess and a vinegary note.

Flat leaf parsley: brings a burst of fresh, herby goodness.

Fresh dill weed: is herby, light and refreshing flavor with a slightly sweet with element of parsley, celery and anise.

Fresh chives: are a versatile herb often used as a garnish or added to dishes for a subtle onion flavor.

Salt and black pepper: salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish and ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Instructions

Place all of the herbs: in a food processor and chop until fine but do not over process.

Cool: the boiled potatoes and cut them into 1/4’s.

Place the warm potatoes: into a large bowl to prepare the classic French Style potato salad. Ensure that you mix everything together thoroughly to capture the authentic taste.

Add: the herbs and shallot mixing gently with a rubber spatula.

In a small bowl: whisk together the broth, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.

Pour over: warm potato mixture and stir gently. Enjoy this salad served warm or cold.

Note: that the excess liquid will get absorbed into the salad as it sits.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use multi colored baby whole potatoes: to give the salad some color.

High quality extra virgin olive oil: like Garcia De La Cruz will elevate the flavor of this French Style Potato Salad recipe.

Recipe Variations

Red wine vinegar: is an excellent choice if you do not have champagne vinegar on hand.

Green onions: make a great substitute for the chives however, I would only use the green part of the scallion.

Storage Tips

You can store this French Style Potato Salad in the refrigerator for up to 5 days placed in an airtight glass container for optimal freshness, ensuring the salad’s taste is preserved over time.

FAQs About French Style Potato Salad

What is the difference between French and American potato salad?

The key difference in French Style Potato Salad is its lighter and more flavorful approach, using olive oil and vinegar or mustard instead of mayonnaise, which makes it distinctively French.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making potato salad?

Using the wrong type of potatoes, not salting the cooking water, overcooking or undercooking the potatoes, and adding the dressing too early or too late.