French Potato Salad With Bacon
A vibrant French-inspired potato salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh herbs, and tangy vinegars, perfect for summer gatherings or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Quarter the potatoes and boil in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until tender but still firm.
- Chop the bacon and sauté until crisp.
- Remove the bacon and sauté the scallions in the bacon fat.
- Drain the hot potatoes and place them into a large bowl.
- While hot, pour over the potatoes the red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and sautéed scallions. Toss to coat.
- Add the chopped red onion and parsley; toss again.
- Add the cooked bacon on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of mayonnaise to the salad after tossing in the other ingredients. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon can be used as a substitute. For a lighter version, try using turkey bacon and a touch of Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Fresh herbs can also elevate this dish, so feel free to add some fresh dill or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
This French Potato Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, making it an excellent choice for a summer barbecue. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or as part of a picnic spread. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a refreshing green salad or some roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld together and may enhance the taste. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, but be mindful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy. Alternatively, serve it cold for a refreshing side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Potato Salad With Bacon contains roughly 200 calories, with 6g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1357mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this potato salad ahead of time?
Yes, this potato salad can be prepared a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe but wait to add the bacon until just before serving for the best texture. This allows the flavors to develop and makes it a perfect dish for gatherings.
What kind of potatoes are best for this salad?
New red potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their waxy texture, which holds up well after boiling. If unavailable, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, which provide a buttery flavor and similar texture.
Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad by adding diced celery for crunch, or chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein. You can also include roasted bell peppers or olives for a Mediterranean twist, enhancing the flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).