Name: French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 eggs, hard-boiled; 2 lbs (900g) new potatoes, scrubbed and halved; 1 tbsp salt; 1 lb (450g) green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds; 12 dry-cured black olives; 4–5 sprigs fresh flat parsley, stemmed and chopped; 4–5 sprigs chives, chopped; ⅓ cup (75ml) extra virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice; 2 tbsp (30ml) white wine vinegar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp chopped capers; 1 tbsp chopped black olives (dry cured); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Introduction to French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad

As busy moms and professionals, we’re often pulled in a hundred directions. Meal planning can feel overwhelming, but let me tell you about a gem in my kitchen: French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad. This dish is not just delicious; it’s effortlessly simple and incredibly refreshing.

Imagine crisp green beans and tender potatoes dancing together in a tangy vinaigrette. It’s perfect for busy evenings or as a beautiful side for gatherings. You can make it ahead of time, ensuring you spend more quality moments with your loved ones. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will soon become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad

This French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad is a game-changer for busy schedules. It takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick weeknight option. The crisp texture combined with vibrant flavors leaves your taste buds singing. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and can be made ahead, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without the stress. Trust me; your family will devour it!

Ingredients for French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad

Gathering the right ingredients is part of the joy of cooking. For this delightful French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad, here’s what you’ll need:

Eggs: Hard-boiled for a creamy richness.
New Potatoes: These tender gems add heartiness and a beautiful texture.
Salt: Enhances flavor and is essential for boiling.
Green Beans: Their vibrant crunch pairs wonderfully with potatoes.
Dry-Cured Black Olives: Bring a briny richness that elevates the salad.
Fresh Flat Parsley: A sprinkle for freshness; it’s like the garden on your plate.
Chives: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality oil enhances the vinaigrette with vibrant flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for zesty brightness.
White Wine Vinegar: Adds tang and depth to the vinaigrette.
Garlic: Minced for a touch of boldness.
Dijon Mustard: Thickens the vinaigrette and gives it a lovely kick.
Capers: Tiny bursts of flavor that make every bite special.
Additional Black Olives: For extra richness and flavor throughout.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground adds a subtle warmth.

Remember, the exact measurements are listed at the bottom of the article for your convenience, ready for printing. Feel free to customize as you like; for instance, you can swap out olives for artichokes or add feta for a cheesier taste. Happy cooking!

How to Make French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and create this beautiful French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad! I promise it’s as easy as pie. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a lovely dish ready to impress your family.

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Start by placing your eggs in a saucepan. Cover them with about an inch of water. Bring the water to a boil. Once it bubbles, let it boil for just a minute before removing it from the heat. Cover the saucepan tightly and let the eggs sit for about 10 minutes. This technique gives the perfect hard-boiled texture.

After that, cool the eggs under cold water. Once they’re cool enough to handle, peel and quarter them for a beautiful finish to your salad.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

While the eggs are cooling, it’s potato time! Halve or quarter your new potatoes based on their size; uniformity is key here. Place them in a pot, add salt, and cover them with water. Bring it to a gentle boil and simmer for about 12 minutes.

Make sure your potatoes are tender but not mushy; we want them to hold their shape in the salad!

Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans

Once the potatoes are just about cooked, it’s time to add those vibrant green beans. Toss them into the pot for about 2-3 minutes until they are blissfully bright green and crisp. This quick cooking keeps their beautiful color and crunch.

Drain the potatoes and green beans and immediately plunge them into an ice-water bath. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain that lovely texture.

Step 4: Make the Vinaigrette

Now, onto the magic of flavor! In a jar, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, capers, and some additional black olives. Shake it like crazy until it all combines beautifully.

This vinaigrette is where the salad gets its personality! You can taste the bright tanginess that complements the vegetables perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the freshly chopped herbs, the cooled potatoes, green beans, and olives with half of your vinaigrette. Be gentle here; you don’t want to mash up the potatoes.

After everything is well coated, top with the quartered eggs and drizzle the remaining vinaigrette on top. Voila! Your French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad is ready to shine!

Let it rest for a bit. It tastes wonderful at room temperature, but if you have time, allow those flavors to meld in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.

Tips for Success

Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor—your taste buds will thank you!
Don’t skip the ice-water bath; it keeps those green beans vibrant and crunchy.
Make the vinaigrette ahead of time; it can sit in the fridge for up to a week.
Feel free to adjust seasonings to suit your family’s taste—cooking is all about you!
For a protein boost, add shredded chicken or chickpeas to the salad.

Equipment Needed

Medium Saucepan: For boiling eggs and potatoes. A small pot works too.
Mixing Bowl: Ideal for tossing your salad. Any large bowl will do.
Jar with Lid: Perfect for shaking the vinaigrette. A small bottle can work if needed.
Colander: For draining; you can use a sieve in a pinch.
Cutting Board and Knife: Essential for prep; any sturdy surface is fine!

Variations

Herb Swap: Try swapping parsley and chives for fresh dill or basil for a unique flavor twist!
Vegan Option: Omit the eggs and add chunked avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle in crumbled feta or goat cheese to add a tangy richness.
Change the Beans: Use snap peas or sugar snap peas instead of green beans for a sweet crunch.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a spicy surprise!

Serving Suggestions

Pair with crusty French bread for a delightful crunch.
Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal.
A glass of chilled white wine complements the salad beautifully.
Garnish with extra herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Ideal for picnics or potlucks—everyone will want the recipe!

FAQs about French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad

Can I make this French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better when the flavors have time to mingle. You can make it a few hours or even a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers of the potato and green bean salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long! The flavors may intensify with time, so savor each bite while it lasts.

Can I use different types of potatoes for the salad?

Of course! While new potatoes are recommended for their tenderness, you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes if you prefer. Just be sure to cook them until they are fork-tender for the best texture.

What can I serve with this salad?

This French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a potluck spread. It’s versatile enough to complement any main dish!

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it is! This delightful salad is vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect choice for Meatless Mondays or any time you want to add some greens to your meal. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Creating this French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad brings such joy to my kitchen. Each bite bursts with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, making me feel like I’m dining in a charming Parisian café. It’s perfect for long summer evenings or family gatherings. Plus, knowing I can prep it ahead of time means I get to spend more moments with my loved ones, rather than stuck in the kitchen. Give this salad a try, and let its taste transport you to the French countryside. It truly makes everyday meals feel special, and that’s something worth celebrating!