Elevate your side dish game with French Potato Salad by Barefoot Contessa! Creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs, this elegant potato salad is perfect for picnics, brunches, or holiday gatherings.

Looking for a simple, elegant potato salad that’s perfect for picnics, brunches, or dinner parties? 🍽️
The French Potato Salad by Barefoot Contessa is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, combining tender potatoes, fresh herbs, and a light, zesty dressing.
This classic recipe is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual meals alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Tender, Perfectly Cooked Potatoes – Soft yet firm potatoes hold up beautifully in the dressing.
- Fresh, Flavorful Herbs – Parsley, chives, and tarragon add a burst of fresh flavor.
- Zesty, Creamy Dressing – A mix of Dijon mustard, vinegar, and mayonnaise keeps it light but flavorful.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it a few hours in advance; flavors only get better!
- Elegant Yet Easy – Simple ingredients make it perfect for entertaining without stress.
Barefoot Contessa French Potato Salad Ingredients

- Yukon Gold potatoes – Tender, creamy potatoes perfect for classic potato salad.
- Mayonnaise – Creamy base that binds salad ingredients together smoothly.
- Dijon mustard – Adds tangy, slightly sharp flavor to the dressing.
- White wine vinegar – Brightens flavors with subtle, acidic balance for dressing.
- Olive oil – Adds richness and silky texture to the salad.
- Salt and black pepper– Enhances all flavors, balancing seasoning perfectly throughout.
- Fesh parsley – Fresh herb adds color, aroma, and mild flavor.
- Chives – Mild onion flavor with bright green, delicate garnish.
- Tarragon – Aromatic herb adds subtle anise-like flavor notes.
How To Make Ina Garten French Potato Salad

Step One: Place 2 lbs of small Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
Step Two: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.

Step Three: Cut the warm potatoes into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and gently toss to coat evenly.
Step Four: Stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped chives, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step Five: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Ina Garten French Potato Salad Recipe Tips
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes – They hold their shape when cooked and have a naturally creamy texture. This ensures your salad is tender without turning mushy.
- Toss Dressing While Potatoes Are Warm – Warm potatoes absorb flavors better, giving a more flavorful salad. Wait until slightly cooled so they don’t break apart.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference – Parsley, chives, and tarragon add bright, fresh flavor and color. Chop them finely to evenly distribute throughout the salad.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste – Taste the salad after mixing and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Balancing flavors ensures the perfect tangy, creamy bite.
- Make Ahead for Best Flavor – Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to allow flavors to meld. Chilling enhances the herb and dressing flavors for a more cohesive dish.
Storing & Make Ahead Instructions
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the air fryer or microwave before serving to enjoy them warm and gooey.

Barefoot Contessa French Potato Salad Recipe Faqs
Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold? Yes! Red potatoes work, but Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamier, buttery texture that’s ideal for this salad.
Should I peel the potatoes? No need to peel them; leaving the skins on adds texture, color, and extra nutrients.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare it a few hours in advance or even the day before. Flavors deepen when chilled.
Can I make it vegan? Yes, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based version to make a vegan-friendly French potato salad.
Should I serve it warm or cold? This salad is best served cold or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
How long will leftovers keep? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
More Ina Garten Copycat Recipes
- Easy Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa’s Tuna Casserole
- Barefoot Contessa Chicken Divan Recipe
- Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa Chicken Marsala Recipe
- Ina Garten Deviled Eggs Recipe
- Easy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Parmesan
- Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Ina Garten’s Banana Bread Recipe
- Barefoot Contessa’s Cream of Asparagus Soup
- Ina Garten Stuffed Peppers Recipe
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French Potato Salad by Barefoot Contessa
Description
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes ,
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard ,
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar ,
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup parsley , chopped
- 2 tablespoons chives , chopped
- 2 tablespoons tarragon , chopped
Instructions
- Place 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then simmer until tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise , 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard , 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil , and 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
- Cut the warm potatoes into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in ¼ cup parsley , 2 tablespoons chives , and 2 2 tablespoons tarragon . Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Nutrition
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