French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s as vibrant and lively as a summer picnic in Provence, look no further than French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette. This salad skips the heaviness of mayo, letting perfectly cooked potatoes soak up a zippy, herb-packed vinaigrette. Every bite is bursting with tangy mustard, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic, making it a brilliant companion for everything from grilled veggies to roasted chicken. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together in a snap, and I guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette starts with simple ingredients that each play an important role. From creamy potatoes to punchy mustards and vibrant herbs, every component adds something essential to the taste, texture, or color of this salad.
- Small yellow or red potatoes (2 lbs): Their waxy texture holds up beautifully and soaks up the vinaigrette without falling apart.
- White wine vinegar (1/4 cup): Adds bright acidity, balancing the richness of the potatoes and olive oil.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Gives the dressing its signature creamy tang and authentic French flavor.
- Whole grain mustard (1 tsp): Adds a gentle pop of texture and extra depth to the vinaigrette.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning both the potatoes as they cook and the dressing itself.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Brings a subtle heat that rounds out the flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Creates a silky, luscious vinaigrette that clings to every potato.
- Shallot, finely minced (1 small): Adds a mild oniony bite and a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tbsp): Gives a pop of color and fresh, grassy notes.
- Fresh chives, chopped (1 tbsp): Offers a delicate onion flavor and lovely green flecks.
- Fresh tarragon, chopped (1 tbsp, optional): Delivers a subtle anise flavor that’s classic in French salads.
- Garlic clove, minced (1): Infuses the vinaigrette with aromatic depth and sharpness.
How to Make French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette
Step 1: Cook the Potatoes
Place your halved or quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt—this is your chance to season the potatoes from the inside out! Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let the potatoes cook for 10 to 15 minutes, just until they’re fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook; you want them to hold their shape. Drain and let them cool just slightly so they’re still warm when you dress them.
Step 2: Make the Herb Mustard Vinaigrette
While the potatoes are simmering away, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking all the while, until the dressing is emulsified and glossy. Stir in the minced shallot, parsley, chives, and tarragon if you’re using it—the aroma alone will have you swooning!
Step 3: Dress the Potatoes
When the potatoes are still warm (but not piping hot), gently toss them with the herb mustard vinaigrette. Warm potatoes absorb flavors so much better, resulting in a salad that’s deeply seasoned all the way through. Be gentle—use a large spoon or spatula to fold everything together without breaking up the potatoes.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Meld
Give your French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette a little time to rest at room temperature—at least 15 minutes. This patience is rewarded with potatoes that are infused with every nuance of the vinaigrette and herbs. Feel free to make it a few hours ahead and let the flavors deepen even further.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad warm or at room temperature. It’s ready to steal the show at your next gathering, picnic, or family dinner. The contrast of creamy potatoes and tangy, herby dressing is truly irresistible!
How to Serve French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette
Garnishes
Add an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon just before serving. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a few grinds of black pepper on top really wakes up the flavors and makes the salad look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette with classics like grilled fish, roasted chicken, or vibrant ratatouille. It’s also right at home alongside veggie burgers, quiche, or a crisp green salad. Its zesty, herby notes make it a versatile companion for almost any main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a chic presentation, serve the salad on a bed of baby greens or tuck it into lettuce cups for a light appetizer. You can also pile it high in a rustic bowl for a casual family meal, or spoon it into individual jars for a portable picnic treat. However you serve it, this salad always looks effortlessly elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious the next day. Just remember to give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze potato salad, I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Freezing changes the texture of the potatoes, making them mealy and less appealing once thawed. This fresh, herby salad is best enjoyed within a few days of making it.
Reheating
If you’d like to serve the salad warm, simply let it come to room temperature or place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat gently, just until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as this can cause the potatoes to break down and the herbs to lose their vibrant color and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While small yellow or red potatoes work best for their creamy texture, you can use fingerling potatoes or even baby Yukon Golds. Just be sure to choose waxy varieties that hold their shape after boiling.
Is French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette vegan?
Yes, this salad is naturally vegan as long as your mustards are free from animal-derived ingredients. It’s a fantastic plant-based option for picnics, potlucks, and family meals.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette tastes even better when made a few hours ahead. Just store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What herbs can I substitute if I don’t have tarragon?
If tarragon isn’t on hand, simply leave it out or swap in extra parsley and chives. Fresh dill or basil also make lovely additions, bringing a different but equally delicious twist to the salad.
How do I keep the potatoes from falling apart?
Be sure not to overcook the potatoes—check them after 10 minutes and stop cooking as soon as they’re fork-tender. Also, toss them gently with the vinaigrette while they’re warm, using a large spoon or spatula to avoid breaking them up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a side that’s fresh, flavorful, and just a bit French, you can’t go wrong with French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette. Whether you’re sharing it at a picnic or serving it at a family dinner, this salad brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes your new go-to!
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French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This French Potato Salad with Herb Mustard Vinaigrette is a light and flavorful side dish featuring tender boiled potatoes tossed in a tangy mustard-based dressing with fresh herbs. It’s mayo-free, making it perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings, and can be served warm or at room temperature to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 lbs small yellow or red potatoes, halved or quartered
Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp whole grain mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Fresh Herbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Prepare Vinaigrette: While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
- Add Shallots and Herbs: Stir the finely minced shallot and the chopped fresh parsley, chives, and optional tarragon into the vinaigrette, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Toss Potatoes with Dressing: While the potatoes are still warm, gently fold them into the herb mustard vinaigrette, ensuring each piece is coated well so the warm potatoes absorb the flavors.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve warm or at room temperature for best taste.
Notes
- This potato salad is mayo-free, making it ideal for picnics and outdoor gatherings as it holds up well without refrigeration for a short period.
- For more robust flavor, prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate, then bring it to room temperature before serving.
- You can omit the tarragon if you prefer a more traditional herb flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
