French Potato Salad Recipe
Introduction
French Potato Salad is a vibrant and tangy twist on the classic comfort dish. Featuring tender potatoes tossed in a zesty mustard and vinegar dressing, it’s a refreshing side perfect for any meal or picnic.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds small red or yellow potatoes
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ⅓ cup green onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons dill
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced shallot
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. While waiting, wash and quarter the potatoes. Once boiling, add the potatoes and 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium-high and cook potatoes until tender, about 10–15 minutes. Test doneness by cutting into a larger piece—it should be soft but not falling apart. Drain and rinse potatoes under cold water to stop cooking, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: While potatoes cool, chop the green onion, dill, parsley, and shallot.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 5: Add cooled potatoes to a large bowl along with the chopped green onion, dill, and parsley. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let flavors marinate and salad chill evenly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped capers or a touch of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
- Use fingerling potatoes for a more gourmet presentation.
- Fresh herbs like tarragon or chives can be added or substituted for dill and parsley.
Storage
Store leftover potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle toss. It can be served cold or at room temperature, but avoid reheating as the dressing is best enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, while red or yellow potatoes hold their shape well, you can use fingerlings or new potatoes for a different texture. Avoid starchy varieties like Russets, which may fall apart during cooking.
Is it okay to prepare the salad a day ahead?
Absolutely. Preparing the salad a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle toss before serving.
PrintFrench Potato Salad Recipe
This French Potato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish featuring tender boiled red or yellow potatoes tossed with a tangy dijon mustard vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and aromatic shallots. Served chilled, it’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light accompaniment to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds small red or yellow potatoes
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling)
Herbs and Vegetables
- ⅓ cup green onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced shallot
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. While waiting, wash and chop the potatoes into quarters. Once boiling, add potatoes and 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Cook Potatoes: Reduce heat to medium-high and boil potatoes for 10-15 minutes until tender but not falling apart. Test by cutting into a larger piece. Drain and rinse under cold water. Chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Chop Herbs: While potatoes cool, slice green onions and chop dill, parsley, and shallot finely.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss Salad: Combine cooled potatoes with green onion, dill, and parsley in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill to Marinate: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let flavors meld and salad chill evenly before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use small, firm potatoes such as red or yellow for best texture.
- Do not overcook potatoes to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Chilling the salad allows the dressing to fully infuse the potatoes.
- This salad keeps well and flavors improve after a day in the fridge.
- For variation, add chopped celery or capers for extra crunch and tang.
Keywords: French potato salad, potato salad recipe, French side dish, summer salad, boiled potatoes, dijon mustard dressing

