French Potato Salad

Name: French Potato Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 pound small yellow potatoes; 10 ounces haricots verts (or other green beans); 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided; 3 ounces pitted green olives, roughly chopped; 2 anchovy fillets, minced; 1 shallot, finely diced; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons roughly chopped basil; 1 tablespoon roughly chopped chives; 1 tablespoon capers; 3 hardboiled eggs, halved; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper

By:

dani

Published:

October 4, 2025

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French Potato Salad is a delightful dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the charming bistros of France. Imagine sitting outside on a sunny day, the warm breeze playing gently with your hair, as you savor every bite of this delightful salad. The main stars, small yellow potatoes and vibrant green beans, come together beautifully, creating a colorful plate that not only looks good but tastes amazing too. The tangy dressing, infused with olive oil and red wine vinegar, brings a refreshing twist, making it perfect for any occasion—be it a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home with family or friends.

Making this recipe is surprisingly simple, and you may already have some of the ingredients lying around in your kitchen. As you follow along, you’ll discover not just how to whip up this charming salad but also tips and tricks that may elevate your cooking game. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a mouthwatering French potato salad that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

Why This Recipe Works

This French potato salad combines the robust flavors of Mediterranean ingredients with the comforting heartiness of potatoes, making it both satisfying and refreshing. The careful balance of olive oil and vinegar creates a tangy dressing that enhances rather than overwhelms, allowing each ingredient to shine. The small yellow potatoes provide a creamy texture, while the green beans add a crispness that complements the dish perfectly. Plus, the anchovies bring an umami richness, making it not just another potato salad, but a celebration of flavors on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This French Potato Salad

Whether you’re enjoying a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner at home, this French potato salad is versatile enough to complement any meal. With vibrant green beans and the umami richness of anchovies, it offers layers of flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s not just easy to prepare but also perfect for sharing. Picture this: friends gathered around, serving themselves heaping spoonfuls of this delightful dish while discussing their day. Plus, the bright colors and aromatic herbs make it a feast for the eyes too!

Ingredients

1 pound small yellow potatoes
10 ounces haricots verts (or other green beans)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 ounces pitted green olives, roughly chopped
2 anchovy fillets, minced
1 shallot, finely diced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons roughly chopped basil
1 tablespoon roughly chopped chives
1 tablespoon capers
3 hardboiled eggs, halved
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Preparing the Potatoes

Boil the Potatoes

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, toss in the small yellow potatoes and let them cook for about 20 minutes or so, until they are fork-tender. You want them soft enough to eat but firm enough to hold their shape.

Cool and Slice the Potatoes

When the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly. This way, you can handle them without burning your fingers! Once they’re cool enough, slice them into ¼ inch rounds. Just be gentle while doing this, so they don’t end up crumbling into pieces.

Cooking the Green Beans

Blanch the Green Beans

Now, let’s cook those gorgeous green beans. Using the same pot of boiling water, toss in the haricots verts or your choice of green beans. Blanch them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn bright green and get tender but still have a little crunch. Drain them well and set them aside; we’ll be using them shortly.

Making the Dressing

Combine Ingredients for the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, let’s whip up our flavor-packed dressing! Combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the roughly chopped green olives, minced anchovies, finely diced shallot, red wine vinegar, and the freshly chopped basil and chives. Add in a tablespoon of capers for that extra zing, plus a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, letting the ingredients mingle and get to know each other.

Combining Ingredients

Mix Potatoes with Dressing

Grab a large bowl for this next step. Gently toss the warm potato rounds with our flavorful dressing. Just be careful not to crush the potatoes; we want them intact to enjoy that lovely texture!

Assembling the Salad

Layer the Salad

Next, transfer those dressed potatoes into a low serving bowl or plate. Now, it’s time for the green beans to join the party! Layer the cooked green beans on top, along with the halved hardboiled eggs. As a finishing touch, drizzle the remaining olive oil over everything and season with a little extra salt and pepper to taste.

Final Touch

Garnish and Serve

For an optional pop of freshness, sprinkle additional chopped herbs over the salad. It not only looks beautiful but adds a lovely aromatic touch. You can serve the salad warm or let it chill in the fridge before serving. Either way, enjoy the medley of flavors you’ve created!

Serving Suggestions

This French potato salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue. It’s also delightful served as part of a picnic spread or enjoyed on its own as a light meal—perhaps with some crusty bread and a light white wine to tie it all together.

Tips for Success

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
If preparing in advance, add the eggs just before serving to ensure they stay fresh.

Variations

Feeling a little adventurous? You can substitute baby potatoes with red or fingerling potatoes for a different texture. Add some diced cucumbers or bell peppers to give it extra crunch and color. For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the anchovies and add a splash of lemon juice for zing!

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The flavors will continue to develop, but keep in mind that the potatoes may lose some firmness over time.

Pairing Ideas

Try serving this French potato salad alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even as part of a picnic spread with a nice selection of charcuterie and fresh fruits for a delightful meal.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. However, keep the hardboiled eggs separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their freshness.

Can I swap the green beans for another vegetable?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with peas, asparagus, or even roasted vegetables for a tasty substitute.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

What can I use instead of anchovies?
If anchovies aren’t your thing, a splash of soy sauce or miso paste can provide a similar umami flavor.

How long will leftovers last?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but will keep in the refrigerator for one day.

Elevate your next meal with this delightful French potato salad that brings together simple ingredients for a delicious experience. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, it showcases the beauty of rustic French cuisine, all while being easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. Enjoy making this beloved classic!