What's the Secret to the Best French Warm Potato Salad?
This French Warm Potato Salad is a favorite crowd-pleaser at gatherings because it is delicious and affordable. There are as many recipes as there are potato varieties; some have a hint of sweetness with sugar or pickle relish; others are creamy with mayonnaise or sour cream, and other variations can include hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and celery. This simple recipe is a classic French bistro style using new potatoes and fresh herbs in an oil and vinegar dressing. The secret to the best French warm potato salad is to add the vinaigrette when the potatoes are warm to immerse the flavors.
What are the Best Potatoes for a Salad?
Potatoes come in three categories: waxy, starchy, and all-purpose. This recipe calls for waxy potatoes, which are low in starch, have tender skins, and maintain their shape after cooking. Waxy potatoes are generally small and round; they have a firm texture and will hold up when you blend the ingredients. Get more tips for purchasing potatoes at the farmer’s market. Look for these names at the grocery store or farmer’s market:
What is the Difference Between French Bistro Style Potato Salad and German Potato Salad?
German Potato Salad and Bistro French Warm Potato Salad are similar because they are dressed with oil and vinegar and served warm. Both also use unpeeled new red potatoes. The German potato salad, usually sweetened with sugar, contains bacon bits and uses bacon grease in the dressing.
Perfect Picnic Dish - More Reasons to Try this Recipe
This warm potato salad recipe is perfect for an outdoor family gathering or the open house buffet. Its colorful and simple ingredients are suitable for many diets and taste preferences. Try this Easy Bistro Salad with Grilled Maple Pork Chops for a summer dinner.
- Easy summer side dish
- Healthy picnic recipe idea
- Vegan make-ahead recipe
- Great no-mayo recipe for a potluck
- Gluten-free side dish for a BBQ
- You can make it in the Instant Pot (pressure cooker) or stovetop.
- Okay to serve at room temperature for 2+ hours.
- This salad is safe to serve outdoors in a chilled bowl nestled in ice. Due to the acidic vinaigrette and the absence of high-risk ingredients such as eggs, dairy, mayonnaise, or meat, this makes a great side dish at an outdoor or picnic.
Pressure Cooker or Stovetop Cooking
Tips and Tricks for Warm Potato Salad
- Wash the potatoes well, cut them into bite-size pieces before steaming, and do not peel.
- Toss the dressing with the potatoes very gently so that they maintain their shape and don’t turn into mashed potatoes.
- Serve it warm or at room temperature. It can stay on the counter for 2 hours, making it great for potlucks.
- If making ahead more than 2 hours, place Warm Potato Salad in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make potato salad the day before?
Yes! Let it come to room temperature before serving or gently reheat in the microwave.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Waxy varieties like red potatoes hold their shape best.
Is this recipe good for outdoor events?
Absolutely! It’s mayo-free and safe at room temperature.
Serve With
French Warm Potato Salad: BBQ & Picnic Favorite
Delicious steamed new potatoes tossed with crisp herb vinaigrette for a simple make-ahead French warm potato salad. It tastes great warm or at room temperature and contains no mayonnaise. This gluten-free, vegan recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and barbecues, and the recipe inspiration comes from Patricia Wells Bistro Cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Marinate: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1–1/2 pounds of small new red potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine or white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated pepper
- water for steaming potatoes: 1 cup for Instant pot, and 2 – 4 cups for stovetop
- 1 teaspoon salt for simmering water
- 2 shallots, minced about 1/3 cup
- 1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley or curly parsley
- 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Quarter ping-pong-size potatoes and cut all others to be uniform. See below for directions to steam potatoes in Instant Pot (pressure cooker) or stovetop.
- A. Instant Pot – add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon salt to the pressure cooker pan. Place the trivet on top of the water and add potatoes. Lock the pressure cooker lid and set the valve to pressure. Select high pressure for 4 minutes. It will take about 9 minutes for the pressure to get high then the 4-minute timer will begin. When the timer goes off, turn off the cooker and release the pressure immediately. Carefully remove the lid, allowing the steam to escape away from you. Carefully place the potatoes into the serving bowl.
- B. Stovetop – add 2 – 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt into a skillet with a lid. The depth of the water should fill just below the basket. Place the steamer basket into the pan and top with potato pieces and cover. Bring water to a simmer and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Combine dressing while potatoes are cooking; combine 1/3 cup olive oil, apple cider vinegar, wine or balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- Pour dressing over cooked potatoes and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Swirl a few times to integrate the potatoes on the top with the vinegarette.
- Chop parsley, chives, and shallots and add to a small bowl. Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil and blend.
- Add the herb mixture to the potatoes and gently combine just before serving.
Notes
This recipe can sit on the kitchen counter or buffet for two hours. If making French potato salad early in the day, store it in the refrigerator and place it on the counter 30 – 60 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can warm the potato salad in the microwave for 2 minutes on high, stir, and check the temperature. Repeat if necessary to achieve the desired temperature.
For outdoor potlucks or picnics, play it safe when the salad may sit out for 2+ hours, and store potato salad in a cooler or insulated bag with ice.
5 responses to “French Warm Potato Salad: BBQ & Picnic Favorite”
The absolute best!! My family and friends love it!!
Thank you so much for your review! I’m thrilled to learn that your family and friends love the French Bistro Warm Potato Salad. It’s always a joy when a recipe brings people together. Hope it becomes a staple at your gatherings—bon appétit!
I love foregathering utile information , this post has got me even more info! .
Literally my favorite side to bring to a bbq or get together! I typically never got to eat potato salad because I hate Mayo and mustard based things, so this is a WINNER! I made it today and was excited that there was just enough left over for me to have some when I got home :)
Thank you for this wonderful review.