This French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad is a light yet satisfying dish featuring tender new potatoes, crisp green beans, and a bold vinaigrette made with capers, Dijon mustard, and briny olives. True to French tradition, it’s mayo-free, focusing instead on Mediterranean flavors and fresh herbs like parsley and chives. Topped with quartered hard-boiled eggs, this salad makes a perfect summer lunch or side for gatherings and picnics. Its flavor deepens over time, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Main Salad:

• 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

Vinaigrette:

• 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

Directions

1. Boil the Eggs: Add eggs to a saucepan and cover with 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil, boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and cover for 10 minutes. Cool under cold water, peel, and quarter.

2. Cook Potatoes & Beans: Halve or quarter potatoes depending on size. Place in a pot with water and salt, bring to boil, and simmer for 12 minutes. Add green beans and boil for 2–3 more minutes until beans are bright green and potatoes are tender. Drain and transfer to an ice-water bath to stop cooking.

3. Make Vinaigrette: In a jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, mustard, capers, olives, salt, and pepper. Shake well to emulsify.

4. Assemble Salad: In a bowl, toss herbs with half the vinaigrette. Add cooled potatoes, green beans, and olives. Toss gently. Top with quartered eggs and drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.

5. Serve: Enjoy at room temperature or chilled. Flavors improve after a few hours or overnight.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving – serves 4)

Calories: ~280
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~24g
Protein: ~6g
Fiber: ~4g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~450mg
Vitamin A: High
Vitamin C: High
Iron: Moderate

The Foundations of a French Classic

At its core, this salad showcases three components: tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and a briny vinaigrette. These humble ingredients, when thoughtfully prepared, create a dish greater than the sum of its parts. French cuisine often emphasizes the quality and preparation of each ingredient, and this salad is no exception.

The potatoes offer a creamy, comforting base. New potatoes or fingerlings are best for this recipe due to their waxy texture—they hold their shape after boiling and absorb the vinaigrette without turning mushy. The green beans provide contrast with their bright color and crisp-tender texture, adding both freshness and structure to the plate. When cooked just right and shocked in an ice bath, they retain their vibrant green hue and slight crunch.

A Vinaigrette That Elevates

What truly defines this dish is the vinaigrette. Made with high-quality extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, capers, and chopped olives, the dressing embodies everything a great vinaigrette should be: zesty, savory, and deeply flavorful.

Each ingredient plays a role. The mustard helps emulsify the dressing while contributing a subtle tang. Capers and olives bring salty, briny notes that pair perfectly with the earthy potatoes. Garlic adds punch, while lemon juice and vinegar ensure a bright finish. Unlike thick, creamy dressings, this vinaigrette coats the ingredients delicately, allowing each flavor to shine through.

A Nutrient-Packed Dish

Beyond its flavor, this salad is packed with nutritional benefits. Potatoes are often misunderstood—they’re actually a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, especially when the skins are left on. Green beans add antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and a dose of plant-based iron.

The olive oil-based vinaigrette provides heart-healthy fats, while capers and olives contribute minerals and anti-inflammatory compounds. Fresh herbs like parsley and chives are more than garnish—they add vitamins and phytonutrients while contributing a burst of freshness.

Hard-boiled eggs complete the meal with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and key vitamins like B12 and D. This combination of macronutrients makes the salad satisfying enough to serve as a light main course, especially when paired with crusty bread or a chilled glass of white wine.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Entertaining

One of the standout advantages of this French-style salad is its make-ahead potential. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours or overnight as the flavors continue to meld. Unlike creamy salads that can break or become watery over time, this vinaigrette only enhances the texture and depth of the ingredients as it soaks in.

Because it’s served chilled or at room temperature, the salad is incredibly portable and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or buffets. It travels well and doesn’t require last-minute assembly, refrigeration, or reheating—making it a host’s dream. It’s also visually appealing with its mix of greens, yellows, and garnished eggs, creating an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.

Customizations and Variations

This salad is also highly adaptable. While the base of potatoes and green beans is classic, you can easily add other vegetables or proteins to make it your own. Cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or thinly sliced radishes could be added for additional color and crunch. Swapping out green beans for asparagus or sugar snap peas gives a springtime twist.

For those wanting extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken, canned tuna, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian variation. If you prefer a more Mediterranean feel, add crumbled feta, kalamata olives, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Not a fan of olives or capers? Try chopped cornichons or pickled onions for a different type of briny bite. Herbs like tarragon, dill, or basil also offer exciting alternatives to parsley and chives.

Pairing Suggestions

While the salad stands well on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. It’s an excellent side to grilled meats like steak or lamb, and also complements fish such as salmon or tuna steaks. As a lunch entree, serve it with a crusty baguette or a slice of quiche for a full French bistro-style experience.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, a rosé from Provence, or even sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing companion. The acidity in the vinaigrette works well with wines that have bright, citrusy profiles.

An Ode to Simplicity and Flavor

The elegance of this French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad lies in its simplicity. With just a few fresh, high-quality ingredients, it demonstrates how balance and restraint can yield something truly special. It’s a dish that doesn’t need to shout—it charms with subtlety, texture, and contrast.

In a world of overcomplicated meals and over-the-top flavors, this salad is a return to basics—but not in a boring way. It’s satisfying without being heavy, sophisticated without being fussy, and comforting without being bland. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or just need a quick, healthy lunch, this salad always delivers.

Conclusion

This French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a masterclass in flavor balance and culinary simplicity. With tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and a boldly flavored vinaigrette packed with capers, mustard, and herbs, every bite is vibrant and satisfying.

It’s a great example of how wholesome ingredients, prepared thoughtfully, can create something unforgettable. Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and easy to make ahead, this salad is ideal for everything from alfresco lunches to elegant dinners. Whether served at a celebration or prepped for weekday meals, it’s a versatile, healthy, and timeless dish you’ll come back to again and again.