Name: Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 Tbsp grainy Dijon mustard; 2 Tbsp Sherry vinegar; 1 shallot, finely minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced very fine; Pinch of salt, to taste; 2 lbs small fingerling potatoes (or other new/baby potatoes); Salt; 1/3-1/2 lb green beans, trimmed and cut in half; 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, or more to taste; 1/4 red onion, slivered; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Imagine a dish that’s bright, lively, and full of character: that’s French Potato Salad. With tender fingerling potatoes, crisp green beans, and a tangy, herb-studded vinaigrette, this salad is like a little holiday on your plate. It’s inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and makes ordinary meals feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic or making a quick weeknight dinner, French Potato Salad is guaranteed to impress.

Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each component enhances the dish in its own special way. Choosing quality ingredients lets the flavors and textures truly shine, turning classic staples into an unforgettable salad.

Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of the dressing, giving luscious richness and smooth body.
Grainy Dijon mustard: Adds that signature French bite and serious depth to the vinaigrette.
Sherry vinegar: This brings subtle sweetness and tang; don’t skimp on using a good one!
Shallot, finely minced: Gentle onion flavor that balances everything; skip if you must, but it’s worth including.
Garlic, minced very fine: One of those small touches that fills every bite with aroma and savory flavor.
Salt: Needed for both the cooking water and dressing—it’s what elevates all the ingredients.
Small fingerling potatoes: Their creamy texture and subtle sweetness are perfect here, but any new or baby potatoes will do.
Green beans, trimmed and cut in half: For a burst of color and gentle crunch.
Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Loads the salad with freshness and a pop of green.
Fresh thyme leaves: Earthy and fragrant, adding a hint of Mediterranean sunshine.
Red onion, slivered: Just a bit for color and zing.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Finishes the salad with warmth and a little kick.

How to Make French Potato Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Start by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, grainy Dijon mustard, sherry vinegar, finely minced shallot, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until it forms a thick, golden dressing. Taste it—if you want a bit more tang or salt, adjust to your liking. This dressing is the backbone of French Potato Salad and packs layers of flavor in every drizzle.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Green Beans

Place the fingerling potatoes in a large pot and cover them by about two inches with cold water. Generously salt the water—like the sea! Bring it all to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. In the last couple of minutes, toss in your green beans so they get just-tender and brilliantly green. Drain everything together immediately.

Step 3: Slice the Potatoes

While the potatoes are still warm (but cool enough to handle!), cut them in half lengthwise for that classic French Potato Salad look. If they’re particularly chubby, quarter them—bite-sized pieces soak up more dressing. Warm potatoes absorb flavor beautifully.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing

In a large bowl, combine your just-cooked potatoes and green beans. While they’re still warm, drizzle in some of your fabulous vinaigrette and toss gently. The warmth lets the flavors really sink in, infusing the potatoes with all that dressing goodness.

Step 5: Add Herbs and Onions

Once the salad has cooled to room temperature, fold in chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and those slivers of red onion. Add more dressing now if you like it extra flavorful. Give everything a gentle toss so that every morsel gets its share of herbs.

Step 6: Chill and Finish

Pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—it’s worth the wait! Letting things chill marries the flavors. Finish with a flurry of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve French Potato Salad

Garnishes

Top your French Potato Salad with a shower of extra parsley, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, or a little scattering of sliced radish for crunch and color. A flourish of flaky sea salt at the end also makes the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

Pair with a roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a simple omelette to make a stylish, relaxed lunch or dinner. Crusty baguette is practically mandatory—perfect for mopping up that punchy dressing!

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating it family-style on a big platter for summer gatherings, or individual portions in little glass jars for picnics. For something special, scoop the salad onto endive leaves or stuff it into halved avocados—French Potato Salad gets a fancy party makeover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Potato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor only gets better as it sits, making it a lunchbox superstar the next day.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as potatoes and green beans can take on a mushy texture after thawing. It’s truly at its best fresh or from the fridge within a few days.

Reheating

French Potato Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; reheating isn’t necessary. If you’d like to take the chill off, let it sit out for 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While fingerlings give a wonderful texture, new potatoes or small Yukon Golds work beautifully too—just aim for bite-sized pieces for the best flavor soak.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, French Potato Salad as written is entirely plant-based. Just make sure your mustard is vegan if you have ingredient concerns.

Can I make French Potato Salad ahead of time?

It’s actually even better when prepared a few hours ahead, which lets the flavors meld. Just add any final garnishes right before serving for peak freshness.

What other herbs can I add?

Try fresh tarragon, chives, or basil for a new twist! French Potato Salad is versatile and welcomes whatever fresh herbs you have on hand.

Can I serve this warm?

Definitely! In fact, tossing the potatoes and beans with dressing while still warm creates the most flavorful salad—just let it cool slightly so all the flavors come together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a side dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and always a crowd-pleaser, give French Potato Salad a try. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to all year long—so don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your new favorite, too!