French style potato salad

French-style potato salad, or “salade de pommes de terre,” is a delightful dish featuring tender potatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette rather than mayonnaise. It often includes fresh herbs and other flavorful ingredients. Here’s a classic recipe:Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (about 900g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well), washed and scrubbed
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (optional)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
• 2-3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the whole potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool until they are easy to handle but still warm.
4. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them (if desired) and cut them into bite-sized chunks. Place the warm potato chunks in a large mixing bowl.
5. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the warm potatoes while they are still warm. Gently toss to coat the potatoes evenly with the vinaigrette.
6. Add the chopped parsley, chives, and dill (if using) to the bowl with the potatoes. Also, add the chopped red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and capers (if using). Gently toss everything together until well combined.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the potato salad for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Before serving, give the potato salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Garnish with extra chopped herbs, if desired.
10. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a delicious side dish or light lunch.

Enjoy your French-style potato salad!