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    Home » Side Dishes

    Published: Jul 11, 2019 · Modified: Feb 18, 2022 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 31 Comments

    French Potato Salad

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    French potato salad is a tangy, bright, and fresh side dish.  It actually gets better with time as the Champagne dijon vinaigrette continues to marinate along with the tender boiling potatoes and fresh herbs.  This recipe is simple, simply divine.  Bring this to any potluck or fancy up dinner at home with this french potato salad and enjoy the praise that will come your way.

    This no mayo potato salad recipe was inspired by Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa recipe.  It has small boiling potatoes, fresh herbs, Champagne vinegar, and the classic  fresh tangy comfort it has.  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.

    bowl with french potato salad topped with fresh herbs

    Why Make French Potato Salad?

    • Vinegar based potato salad, no mayonnaise here!
    • Small boiling potatoes are used, no peeling potatoes!
    • Fresh herbs elevate; flavor burst and keeps it fresh.
    • Great for most diets; it is gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, vegetarian, and no dairy.
    • Stunning presentation, no "gloppy" mayo, and boring white palate thanks to two kinds of potatoes and a burst of green from the herbs.
    French Potato Salad ingredients

    French Potato Salad ingredients

    This No Mayo Potato Salad is Perfect for...

    • Picnics, barbecues, and potlucks - it can sit out and will not spoil
    • Weeknight meals - it is fast and easy to assemble
    • Meal planning - tastes best when it is made ahead of time

    Ingredients for 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 ever.  This easy recipe calls for -

    • Small Boiling Potatoes
    • White Wine
    • Champagne Vinegar
    • Olive OIl
    • Dijon Mustard
    • Fresh Herbs - Dill & Flat Leaf Parsley
    • Green Onions
    • Salt & Pepper

    How to Make a French-Inspired Red 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

    Little Potato Company - Dynamic Duo

    Boil the 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 over cook them or you will have mushy potato salad.  If you have larger potatoes you can still make this - just adjust the cooking time with help from Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa recipe

    Once complete, drain the potatoes and let 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

    potatoes ready to slice

    Mix together the champagne dijon vinaigrette ingredients. The spicy flavor from the dijon mustard really makes this potato salad dressing over the top. When combined, pour over the potatoes and mix to combine evenly.   Chop the herbs and the green onions.  Add to the potatoes and toss gently.

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

    Toss potatoes with dressing and then with fresh herbs

    Toss potatoes with dressing and then with fresh herbs

    How to Store French Potato Salad

    As I mentioned, this potato salad actually gets better as it marinates and sits. Therefore, it is a great make-ahead side dish and perfect for lunches and meal planning.  To store this potato salad, place 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

    French Potato Salad ready to eat

    PIN THIS RECIPE FOR SAFEKEEPING & SHARING!

    French Potato Salad

    What to Serve with French Potato Salad:

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

    French Potato Salad

    Angela
    Tender potatoes in a Champagne dijon vinaigrette with fresh herbs is bright, tangy, and crowd-pleasing.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine French
    Servings 8

    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

    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)
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • French potato salad can store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an air-tight container.

    Notes

    Nutrition Facts
    Servings: 8
    Amount per serving  
    Calories 275
    % Daily Value*
    Total Fat 13g 17%
    Saturated Fat 1.9g 9%
    Cholesterol 0mg 0%
    Sodium 112mg 5%
    Total Carbohydrate 37g 13%
    Dietary Fiber 4.1g 15%
    Total Sugars 2.4g  
    Protein 4.6g  
    Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
    Calcium 41mg 3%
    Iron 2mg 12%
    Potassium 1077mg 23%
    *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
    Keyword dairy-free, easy, gluten-free, grain-free, healthy, light, picnic, potluck, summer

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    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
    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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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat and explore all things food. I have been cooking since I could pull up a stool to finally reach the counter. I still rely on my trusty stool every day. I am a former personal chef turned blogger that enjoys cooking with and for my family, traveling to try new cuisine, and constantly learning about food, drink, & how it touches all our lives.

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