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French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad

A classic French salad combining tender potatoes and crisp green beans with herb vinaigrette, perfect for summer dining.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: European, French
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 2 pounds small waxy potatoes scrubbed and halved
  • 1 pound fresh green beans trimmed
Vinaigrette
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.33 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh tarragon chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs quartered, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Place potatoes in large pot, cover with cold salted water by 2 inches. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender, 15-20 minutes.
  2. Bring another pot of salted water to boil. Prepare ice bath in large bowl.
  3. Cook green beans in boiling water 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer immediately to ice bath.
  4. Drain potatoes and let cool until warm but comfortable to handle. Cut into bite-sized pieces if needed.
  5. Whisk together vinegar and mustard. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
  6. Drain green beans thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
  7. Combine warm potatoes and green beans in serving bowl. Pour vinaigrette over and toss gently.
  8. Add chopped herbs, season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to distribute herbs.
  9. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Garnish with hard-boiled eggs if desired and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Salad can be made 1 day ahead but add fresh herb garnish just before serving. Best served at room temperature for optimal flavor.