Ina Garten’s Zesty Provencal Potato Salad Recipe – Fresh & Fabulous

Provençal potato salad bursts with rustic Mediterranean charm, transporting you straight to the sun-drenched countryside of southern France.

Each forkful promises a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Salt-kissed potatoes mingle with briny capers and verdant herbs, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

The vinaigrette dances with tangy Dijon and earthy herbes de Provence, elevating this classic side dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Anchovy paste adds a subtle depth that whispers of coastal kitchens and seaside traditions.

Every bite tells a story of culinary simplicity and elegant restraint.

You’ll find this recipe so irresistible, it might just become your new summer staple: get cooking!

Provencal-Inspired Variations to Explore

• Herb Garden Remix: Swap herbes de provence with fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil from your garden for a bright, fragrant spin on the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Mood: Replace green olives with kalamata olives and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that brings sunny flavors to your plate.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Incorporate diced roasted red peppers and a pinch of red pepper flakes to add warmth and complexity to the potato salad's flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in grilled chicken or canned tuna to transform the side dish into a complete, protein-packed meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Recap of the Potato Salad Provençal Style

Provençal Potato Salad whispers Mediterranean charm with each remarkable bite.

Ina Garten’s recipe captures French coastal essence through simple, elegant ingredients.

Herbes de Provence dance alongside briny capers and green olives, creating sophisticated flavor profiles.

Warm potatoes absorb vinaigrette’s tangy embrace, promising culinary delight in every forkful.

Authentic French techniques shine through this classic side dish’s preparation.

Passionate home chefs can savor this extraordinary recipe – scroll down, share your excitement, drop a comment, and spread delicious inspiration with friends who appreciate gourmet experiences.

Why Provencal Potato Salad Is So Fragrant

• Elevate Simple Potatoes: This recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into a gourmet French-inspired dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors and elegant complexity.
• Quick and Foolproof Technique: The method is straightforward and beginner-friendly, requiring basic cooking skills and minimal prep time while delivering sophisticated results that impress guests.
• Flavor-Packed Texture Delight: Warm potatoes absorb the tangy vinaigrette perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of creamy, briny, and herbaceous notes that dance on your palate with each refreshing bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The salad can be prepared hours in advance, making it an ideal dish for stress-free entertaining and allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper taste profiles before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This French Favorite

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Starchy, waxy potatoes work best for a creamy yet firm potato salad; choose medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin for even cooking.

Green Olives: Mediterranean-style green olives add a briny, tangy flavor; select pitted olives for easier preparation.

Capers: Small, pickled flower buds that provide a sharp, salty punch; choose nonpareil capers for a delicate texture.

Herbs and Aromatics:

Parsley: Fresh, bright herb that adds color and freshness; flat-leaf parsley offers more robust flavor.

Herbes de Provence: Classic French herb blend with lavender, thyme, and oregano; adds authentic Provençal character.

Shallot: Mild, sweet onion variety with delicate flavor; provides subtle aromatic base for vinaigrette.

Garlic: Pungent, aromatic allium that enhances overall savory profile; fresh garlic cloves deliver best flavor.

Dressing Components:

Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil creates smooth, rich vinaigrette; choose a fruity, peppery variety.

White Wine Vinegar: Light, tangy acid that balances the dressing; provides bright, clean flavor.

Dijon Mustard: Smooth, sharp mustard that helps emulsify the vinaigrette; adds depth and complexity.

Anchovy Paste: Concentrated umami ingredient that deepens flavor; optional for vegetarians.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall taste.

Instructions for Building a Balanced Salad

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes

Grab a large pot and place whole potatoes inside. Cover potatoes completely with cold water. Sprinkle salt into water. Bring water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer potatoes until they’re tender but still slightly firm, approximately 7-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Tangy Vinaigrette

• White wine vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Herbes de Provence
• Anchovy paste
• Finely chopped shallot
• Dijon mustard

Whisk ingredients together smoothly.

Step 3: Emulsify Dressing

Slowly drizzle olive oil into the vinaigrette mixture while continuously whisking. This creates a rich, well-blended dressing.

Step 4: Drain Potatoes

Once potatoes reach desired tenderness, carefully drain water using a colander.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Capers
• Sliced green olives

Gently fold vinaigrette into potato mixture, ensuring even coating.

Step 6: Chill and Marinate

Cover potato salad and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Serve at Perfect Temperature

Remove potato salad from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving. Allow dish to reach room temperature, which enhances flavor profile.

Helpful Tips for a Classic Provencal Touch

• Choose Perfectly Tender Potatoes: Select small waxy or fingerling potatoes that hold their shape beautifully during cooking, preventing a soggy, disappointing salad.
• Dress Warm Potatoes Strategically: Pour the vibrant vinaigrette over potatoes while they're still warm, allowing the dressing to penetrate deeply and create more intense, mouthwatering flavors.
• Swap Anchovy Magic: Replace anchovy paste with Worcestershire sauce to maintain that rich, savory umami profile without compromising the dish's delicious complexity.
• Handle with Tender Care: Toss the salad gently using a soft spatula or folding technique, protecting the delicate potato pieces from breaking and preserving their perfect, rustic texture.
• Spice Up Your Vinaigrette: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the dressing for a subtle, unexpected heat that elevates the entire salad's flavor profile.

How to Store This Delicate Salad

• Chilled Storage: Transfer the potato salad to a glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass containers prevent flavor absorption and maintain the salad's pristine taste. Keep the salad in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, away from temperature fluctuations.
• Freshness Window: Consume the salad within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. Each day, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the vinaigrette and prevent ingredients from settling. Check for any signs of spoilage like off-odors or discoloration before serving.
• Quick Serving Tip: Remove the potato salad from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop and reach a pleasant temperature. Avoid leaving the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.

Ina Garten Provencal Potato Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Provencal Potato Salad whisks Mediterranean flavors into a classic summer side dish. Crisp herbs, tangy mustard, and perfectly boiled potatoes create a refreshing French-inspired salad you’ll crave at every picnic and barbecue.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) small waxy potatoes or fingerling potatoes, cut in half or quartered
• ¼ cup (40 grams) green olives, sliced
• ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped parsley

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon herbes de provence
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (1 to 2 anchovies, mashed)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• Freshly ground black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with cold water and add of salt. Gently place whole potatoes into the water, ensuring they are completely submerged. Heat the water to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook potatoes for 7 to 10 minutes until they are tender yet slightly firm when pierced with a fork.
2. While potatoes are cooking, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small mixing bowl, combine red wine vinegar, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, herbes de provence, anchovy paste, finely minced shallot, and Dijon mustard.
3. Gradually stream extra virgin olive oil into the vinaigrette mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
4. Once potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander, allowing excess water to completely evaporate.
5. Transfer warm potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the potatoes, then add minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, briny capers, and sliced green olives. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
6. Cover the potato salad and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
7. Remove potato salad from refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before serving, permitting it to reach room temperature and release its full aromatic potential.

Notes

• Choose petite, firm potatoes like new or fingerling varieties to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
• Dress warm potatoes immediately after boiling to help them soak up vinaigrette’s rich flavors more effectively.
• Worcestershire sauce makes an excellent anchovy replacement, delivering comparable depth and umami notes without fishy intensity.
• Handle salad components delicately during mixing to preserve potato chunks and prevent unwanted mashing or breakdown.
• Incorporate red pepper flakes into dressing for a gentle, warming heat that complements the potato’s mild earthiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg