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    Home » Side Dishes

    Updated: Jul 10, 2024 · Published: Jul 11, 2019 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 33 Comments

    French Potato Salad

    Jump to Recipe

    There is nothing more comforting than this warm herbed French Potato Salad recipe. It is a tangy, bright, and fresh side dish that's easy to make but has serious fancy vibes. This is hands down my favorite potato salad recipe - and not just because is has no mayo.

    bowl with french potato salad topped with fresh herbs

    This mayo-free potato salad recipe was inspired by Ina's recipe review. The main difference is that this is a vegan version of her potato salad. This recipe does not include the chicken broth that is in her recipe from the Food Network but has all the flavor - it won't be missed trust me.

    Jump to:
    • The Why
    • Ingredients for Herbed French Potato Salad
    • Best Potatoes for French Potato Salad
    • How to Make Warm Herbed French Potato Salad
    • How to Store French Potato Salad
    • Substitutes & Variations
    • FAQ
    • What to Serve with French Potato Salad:
    • French Potato Salad
    • More Potato Side Dishes

    Bring this to any potluck, picnic, or cookout. Turn any weekday dinner or weekend BBQ into a fancy meal with this French potato salad. Don't forget to finish the meal with a slice of my Puff Pastry Apple Galette for a yummy Parisian experience.

    The Why

    Here are the reasons why I love this recipe & why you will love French Potato Salad:

    • Vinegar-based potato salad, no mayonnaise.
    • Small boiling potatoes are used, no peeling potatoes!
    • Fresh herbs elevate; flavor bursts and keeps it fresh.
    • A healthy potato salad & is great for most diets; it is low-fat, gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, vegetarian, and non-dairy.
    • Stunning colorful presentation, no "gloppy" mayo, or boring white palate thanks to two kinds of potatoes and a burst of green from the herbs.
    • Meal planning - tastes best when it is made ahead of time
    • Goes great with any grilled or smoked meats like Grilled Tri-Tip Steak or Smoked Pulled Pork.

    Ingredients for Herbed French Potato Salad

    The important part of this recipe is to use fresh quality ingredients. The earthiness from the fresh herbs and the zesty brightness from the vinegar-based dressing is simply the best. 

    Warm Herbed French Potato Salad ingredients

    This easy recipe for French potato salad with fresh herbs calls for the following ingredients.

    • Small Boiling Potatoes - red, Yukon gold, white, or a combination is fine, these thin-skinned potatoes need no peeling
    • White Wine - use your favorite vintage, just need a few splashes
    • Champagne Vinegar - the key ingredient in the dressing
    • Olive Oil -extra virgin is best
    • Dijon Mustard -bold flavor & emulsifier in the dressing
    • Fresh Herbs - Dill & Flat Leaf Parsley are best
    • Green Onions - adds a kick of flavor & holds up well in the dish
    • Salt & Pepper - the only seasonings you need for this potato salad

    See the recipe card for the amounts & full instructions.

    Best Potatoes for French Potato Salad

    Small boiling potatoes are used for this. No need to peel any potatoes. I recommend using a couple of different kinds of potatoes for color variety.  In this potato salad recipe, I use these dynamic duo packs by the Little Potato Company that I get from my local store.

    Little Potato Company - Dynamic Duo bag of small boiling potatoes in red and white.

    How to Make Warm Herbed French Potato Salad

    Here are the simple steps for this recipe for warm potato salad:

    1. Boil the Potatoes
    2. Cut Potatoes & Drizzle with Wine
    3. Make the Dijon Vinaigrette
    4. Add Fresh Herbs & Toss
    5. Serve while Warm

    1 -Boil the Potatoes

    Boil the whole small potatoes under fork tender. In a large pot with simmering water, it should take about 12-15 minutes for these potatoes to be soft. You do not want to overcook them or you will have mushy potato salad. 

    2 - Cut Potatoes & Drizzle with Wine

    Once complete, drain the potatoes and let them cool just until you can handle them. You want them to still be quite warm when you slice them in half. If they are larger potatoes, they may need to be quartered. They should be bite-sized.

    The halved potatoes go into a large serving bowl and while still warm, drizzle the white wine over the potatoes. This will allow the potatoes to drink in the white wine - pour a glass for yourself also at this time so the potatoes are not drinking alone! 🙂

    potatoes ready to slice on a cutting board

    3 - Make the Champagne Dijon Vinaigrette

    Mix the champagne Dijon vinaigrette ingredients. The spicy flavor from the Dijon mustard makes this potato salad dressing over the top. When combined, pour over the potatoes and mix to combine evenly.   

    4- Add Fresh Herbs & Toss

    Chop the herbs and the green onions.  Add to the potatoes and toss gently. Season with salt & pepper to taste.

    Toss potatoes with dressing next to another bowl filled with with chopped fresh herbs

    5 - Serve while Warm

    The result is a deliciously warm, tangy, fresh, and comforting bowl of potato salad goodness. It is great to enjoy immediately. 

    I do admit it does get better as it sits and soaks in more of the dressing.  I am always disappointed when there are no leftovers because this is more delicious the next day.

    How to Store French Potato Salad

    As I mentioned, this potato salad gets better as it marinates and sits. Therefore, it is a great make-ahead side dish and perfect for lunches and meal planning.  Without any mayo, this potato salad lasts longer in the fridge.

    To store this potato salad, place it in an air-tight container.  It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Enjoy best at room temperature but it is fabulous cold right out of the fridge too.

    French Potato Salad ready to eat in a large yellow serving bowl

    Substitutes & Variations

    This simple recipe is classic & traditional. I would not try and change it up too much. However, if you are in a pinch for an ingredient you may be missing, here are some ideas for alternate items & variations you can use.

    • Tiny Boiling Potatoes - you can use larger red potatoes and cut them into quarters or bite-sized pieces after boiling.
    • Champagne Vinegar - this may not be in your pantry but you can use apple cider vinegar instead.
    • Dijon Mustard - use spicy or mild brown mustard instead.
    • Dill & Parsley - these are the best choices for the flavor profile but you can also use a pinch of dried dill vs fresh dill. Also substitute it for other herbs like fresh basil, chervil, or chives.

    This recipe is already vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, & vegetarian - no adjustments necessary.

    FAQ

    Is French potato the same as German potato salad?

    Though both recipes are mayo-free & served warm, they are different. French potato salad has fresh herbs & a vinaigrette dressing. German potato salad is traditionally served in a bacon dressing.

    Why are my potatoes mushy?

    Mushy potatoes or ones that fall apart when making potato salad are a result of overcooking them. If yours are mushy they may have been cooked too long.

    Also, DO NOT cut them before boiling them since cut potatoes will absorb water resulting in a soggy texture. Always cut the potatoes after cooking.

    French Potato Salad topped with fresh herbs in a large bowl.

    What to Serve with French Potato Salad:

    • VIETNAMESE GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS
    • CRISPY PARMESAN CHICKEN CUTLETS
    • GRILLED BBQ CHICKEN BREASTS
    • GRILLED WAGYU HAMBURGERS
    bowl with french potato salad topped with fresh herbs

    French Potato Salad

    Angela
    Tender warm herbed potatoes in a Champagne dijon vinaigrette with fresh herbs are bright, tangy, and crowd-pleasing. This is the best potato salad recipe without mayo. It is great for parties, picnics, & BBQs to feed a crowd. A fun summer side dish that's gluten-free, vegan, & dairy-free.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine French
    Servings 12
    Calories 198 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 pounds small boiling potatoes two colors recommended
    • 2 TB white wine
    • 3 TB Champagne vinegar
    • ½ C olive oil
    • 1 TB dijon mustard
    • 2 TB fresh dill minced
    • 2 TB fresh flat-leaf parsley minced
    • ¼ C green onions/scallions minced (white & green parts)
    • salt & pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Boil the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water, ensure there is about 2″ of water over the top of the potatoes. Cook about 20 minutes, until fork-tender. (do not overcook or they will be mushy)
      4 pounds small boiling potatoes
    • Drain immediately and let cook just until they are no longer too hot to touch.
    • Once cool but still warm, cut each in half or in quarters if medium-sized.
    • In a large serving bowl, add the potato halves. Sprinkle the warm potatoes with the white wine. Toss gently with a spoon so that all get some wine soaked into the warm potatoes.
      2 TB white wine
    • Let sit for about 15 min to ensure the potatoes cool more and all the white wine is absorbed.
    • Combine the vinegar, olive oil, and dijon in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and whisk to combine the dressing ingredients.
      3 TB Champagne vinegar, ½ C olive oil, 1 TB dijon mustard
    • Pour the vinaigrette over the potatoes and stir gently. Top with fresh herbs and green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.
      2 TB fresh dill, 2 TB fresh flat-leaf parsley, ¼ C green onions/scallions, salt & pepper
    • French potato salad can store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an air-tight container.

    Notes

    STORING:
    Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This potato salad tastes better the longer it sits & gets to marinate in the dressing. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 24mgPotassium: 645mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 65IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword dairy-free, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, healthy, light, picnic, potluck, summer
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Potato Side Dishes

    If you love this recipe, try these similar favorites here on the blog:

    • ROASTED POTATOES & BROCCOLI
    • TOASTER OVEN BAKED POTATOES
    • INSTANT POT RANCH SALT POTATOES
    « Tahoe Treetop Adventures in Tahoe City
    Watermelon Mint Martini »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Laura Lee says

      August 16, 2019 at 9:04 am

      This looks so good and so easy. I love the fact that I don't have to peel the potatoes. Any time I don't have to peel something it's an extra WIN in my book!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 17, 2019 at 7:51 am

        Yes, a bonus for sure. This is an easy recipe that is so delicious - a total WIN!

        Reply
    2. Cynthia says

      August 16, 2019 at 9:25 am

      These look amazing! I'm definitely going to try them out 🙂

      Reply
    3. Katie says

      August 16, 2019 at 9:34 am

      This looks so good! I love potatoes so I'm going to have to try this recipe.

      Reply
    4. Melissa Parcel says

      August 16, 2019 at 9:59 am

      This looks delicious! I've never seen potatoes like that I'll have to look for them locally.

      Reply
    5. Suzan says

      August 16, 2019 at 9:59 am

      Nice variation on potato salad! I look forward to trying the tanginess of this one!

      Reply
    6. Jen says

      August 16, 2019 at 10:49 am

      I’ve never heard of this before but just may try it! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    7. Darlene says

      August 16, 2019 at 11:24 am

      I love french potato salad! This looks like a keeper, especially with the fresh dill! YUM 😃

      Reply
    8. Ramae Hamrin says

      August 16, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      I want to try this! I've never come across champagne vinegar before. I love potato salad, and I love the simplicity of this recipe! Thanks for posting 😊

      Reply
    9. Lisa says

      August 16, 2019 at 1:17 pm

      This looks amazing! We are always looking for new recipes to try.

      Reply
      • Rebecca Carbone says

        June 01, 2022 at 5:17 am

        My friend and s strict halal. What can I replace the alcohol with?

        Reply
        • Angela says

          June 01, 2022 at 10:29 am

          Hi - you can leave out the white wine. It is simply a flavor enhancer. The vinaigrette adds enough moisture to dress the salad well. I hope that helps and yo and your friend enjoy it.

          Reply
    10. Lisa Manderino says

      August 16, 2019 at 2:28 pm

      What a great side dish! Would go perfect with any summer grill recipe!

      Reply
    11. Jennifer Morrison says

      August 16, 2019 at 8:28 pm

      I love French Potato Salad! I have never made it,but used to get it in a little patisserie. I can't wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
    12. Karla Petersen says

      August 16, 2019 at 8:57 pm

      I doubled this and made it for our neighborhood block party a couple of weeks ago. It was the first bowl to empty on the long table. 🙂 Fabulous!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 17, 2019 at 7:49 am

        Oh Karla, that is wonderful to hear. Thank you for letting me know and glad they all loved it. I love block parties, glad you have a wonderful set of neighbors to share this with.

        Reply
    13. Sian says

      August 17, 2019 at 6:42 am

      This looks great! One to add to my list 🙂

      Reply
    14. Jen at My Average Life says

      August 17, 2019 at 9:44 am

      This looks ah-mazing! I can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
    15. Stacey Billingsley says

      August 17, 2019 at 11:38 am

      This looks so good! I love just about anything with vinegarette. Thanks for a great idea for a side dish to bring to gatherings!

      Reply
    16. Melissa Jones says

      August 17, 2019 at 1:05 pm

      Great photos of your work!!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 17, 2019 at 1:42 pm

        Thank you, I am starting to just get the hang of this food photography thing. I still have a lot to learn & practice but I am enjoying it more than I initially thought I would.

        Reply
    17. Christa says

      August 17, 2019 at 4:42 pm

      I’m not a huge fan of mayonnaise so this recipe looks like a potato salad I can enjoy! I can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
    18. Cindy says

      August 17, 2019 at 10:11 pm

      This recipe looks amazing! I love potato salad and being vegan now, this is perfect. I’m excited to try the recipe.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 18, 2019 at 4:40 pm

        Cindy, so glad you found a good vegan option. This one is delicious for everyone to enjoy and I cannot wait to hear what you think.

        Reply
    19. Maria says

      August 18, 2019 at 10:20 am

      I LOVE potato salad! My grocery store has this amazing twice baked potato salad, and it's a regular feature in my fridge!

      Reply
    20. T.M. Brown says

      August 18, 2019 at 3:34 pm

      I love that this does not use mayo because we have a son with an egg allergy. Definitely going to keep this recipe on hand!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 18, 2019 at 4:35 pm

        I am glad you found something that would be wonderful for your son. I hope you all like it.

        Reply
    21. Dawnmarie @ EnjoyingtheDays says

      August 22, 2019 at 5:10 am

      Healthier alternatives to everyday dishes can be good to find. Also, frankly, some people are just not crazy about mayonnaise.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 22, 2019 at 9:13 pm

        I am an "anti-mayo gal" for sure. I am always looking for options to classics without it and this is one of my favorite no-mayo recipes.

        Reply
    22. Harriet says

      October 01, 2019 at 2:44 am

      I usually avoid potato salad because they are heavy in mayo. This looks like a great alternative that I will be making soon.

      Reply
    23. Paula @ Mummy Vs Work says

      October 05, 2019 at 8:40 am

      These look amazing, we don't get such dinky potatoes that I have seen here but I am going to give it a try!

      Reply
    24. Beth says

      October 18, 2019 at 3:28 pm

      How can it get much better than champagne vinaigrette with baby potatoes? This recipe is inspired, yum, yum.

      Reply
    25. Yannick says

      November 27, 2019 at 6:57 am

      Very refreshing salad, ideal for a summer day picknick on the beach.
      Also, I dislike mayonaise in potato salad and I've replaced it years ago with sour cream and chopped chives. It's also fresh like yours, only a bit more "goo-ey"

      Reply

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