French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad Recipe – French Special

French-style potato and green bean salad is a timeless dish that combines tender potatoes and crisp green beans, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. This salad is a staple in French cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish to complement your main course, this salad is both versatile and satisfying.

  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time15 min
  • Total Time30 min

For the Salad:

  • 500g (1 lb) baby potatoes, halved
  • 200g (7 oz) green beans, trimmed
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook the Potatoes:

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2

Add the baby potatoes and cook for 12–15 minutes, until fork-tender.

3

Drain and let them cool slightly.

Blanch the Green Beans:

4

In the same pot, bring water to a boil again and add the green beans.

5

Cook for 2–3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.

6

Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then drain.

Make the Dressing:

7

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

8

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, green beans, red onion, and capers.

9

Pour the Dijon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

10

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and chives for freshness.

Serve:

11

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a side dish or light meal.

12

Enjoy with grilled meats, seafood, or a crusty baguette.

Recipe Notes :

Potato Selection: Use waxy potatoes like red or fingerling varieties to maintain shape after boiling.

Green Beans: Blanch until bright green and tender-crisp to preserve color and texture.

Vinaigrette: Make a classic mustard vinaigrette with Dijon mustard, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Serving Tips: Serve chilled or at room temperature; garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead: Salad can be prepared a few hours in advance; refrigerate and toss just before serving.