Introduction
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Tired of the same old potato salad? Get ready to elevate your picnic game (or your weeknight dinner!) with this incredible French Potato Salad. We’re transforming humble potatoes into a creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious side dish that everyone will adore. This recipe is super easy, uses ingredients you probably already have, and tastes like pure summer sunshine. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Works
This French Potato Salad recipe is a winner because it hits all the right notes: creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet. The combination of Dijon mustard, creamy mayonnaise, and a touch of sweetness from the shallots creates a flavor explosion that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing side dish for a gathering. It’s a recipe the whole family will beg for seconds of!
Key Ingredients
- 🥔 2 pounds small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 🧅 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥓 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 🫙 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 🥣 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
1️⃣ Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics: While the potatoes are cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease. In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in the reserved bacon grease over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to combine.
4️⃣ Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use a good quality Dijon mustard.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes! They should be tender but still hold their shape.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried chives.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as chopped celery or bell peppers.
Heat Control
The only heat involved is in boiling the potatoes and sautéing the onions and garlic. Boiling the potatoes ensures they are cooked through evenly. Sautéing the onions and garlic over medium heat prevents burning and allows them to soften without browning too much.
Crunch Factor
The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch to this creamy potato salad, providing a lovely textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra-crispy bacon, cook it on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
- To make the salad ahead of time, prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and blend beautifully.
Storage Tips
Store leftover French Potato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This potato salad makes a fantastic potluck contribution! Simply pack it in a pretty, reusable container or a charming mason jar. Tie a ribbon around it for a festive touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little heat.
🌟 Herby Delight: Incorporate fresh dill, tarragon, or even a little thyme for a more herbaceous flavor profile.
🌟 Creamy Dream: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra creaminess.
🌟 Tangy Twist: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a sharper, more tangy flavor.
Troubleshooting
- Potatoes too mushy: Don’t overcook the potatoes. Start checking for doneness around 15 minutes.
- Salad too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or sour cream to adjust the consistency.
- Salad too bland: Add more salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, or lemon juice to taste.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, but red potatoes hold their shape best.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s even better the next day.
- What can I serve this with? This potato salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches.
- Can I freeze this? It’s not recommended to freeze this potato salad as the mayonnaise may separate upon thawing.
Conclusion
This French Potato Salad recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us – we can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
The BEST French Potato Salad (Family Favorite!)
A classic French potato salad with a tangy vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and a creamy texture that makes it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small waxy potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and scrub the potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Cut them into bite-sized pieces while still warm, then place in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the warm potatoes and gently toss to combine.
- Step 5: Add the chopped parsley, green onions, celery, and feta cheese (if using). Toss gently until everything is well mixed.
- Step 6: Allow the salad to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Tips
- For best flavor, use fresh herbs and let the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like olives, capers, or hard-boiled eggs.