French Potato Green Bean: Amazing 2-Minute Prep

Name: French Potato Green Bean: Amazing 2-Minute Prep
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 eggs, hard-boiled; 900g new potatoes, scrubbed and halved; 1 tablespoon salt; 450g green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds; 12 black olives (dry cured); 4-5 sprigs fresh flat parsley, stemmed and chopped; 4-5 sprigs chives, chopped; 75ml extra virgin olive oil; 30ml lemon juice; 30ml white wine vinegar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon chopped capers; 1 tablespoon chopped black olives (dry cured); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

by Fatima Garcia

•

4 de August de 2025

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French Potato Green Bean salads have a special place in my heart, reminding me of sunny afternoons spent in my grandmother’s garden. This classic French potato and green bean dish is so simple yet incredibly satisfying, bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. The tender new potatoes, crisp green beans, and the tang of the Dijon vinaigrette create a delightful medley that sings of summer. It’s the perfect way to enjoy seasonal produce, and I can’t wait for you to try this easy French potato green bean recipe. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This French Potato Green Bean

An incredibly delicious taste that’s both fresh and savory.
Super quick to prepare with minimal prep time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free option.
A budget-friendly meal that uses common, affordable produce.
A guaranteed hit with the whole family, even picky eaters will love it.
This French green bean potato salad is a vibrant addition to any meal.
It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a side dish.
You’ll find this French green bean potato salad is easy to customize with your favorite herbs.

Ingredients for French Potato Green Bean

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step in creating a fantastic French potato and green bean dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its fresh components, perfect for Potatoes and green beans French cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 large eggs, hard-boiled – for a creamy texture and protein boost
900g new potatoes, scrubbed and halved – their small size and waxy texture are ideal
1 tablespoon salt – for seasoning the potato cooking water
450g green beans, trimmed and cut into thirds – ensuring they’re crisp-tender
12 black olives (dry cured) – adding a salty, briny punch
4-5 sprigs fresh flat parsley, stemmed and chopped – for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor
4-5 sprigs chives, chopped – adding a mild oniony note
75ml extra virgin olive oil – the base of our vibrant vinaigrette
30ml lemon juice – for brightness and acidity
30ml white wine vinegar – adding a classic French tang
2 garlic cloves, minced – for a hint of pungency
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard – emulsifies the dressing and adds depth
1 tablespoon chopped capers – for a delightful salty, piquant bite
1 tablespoon chopped black olives (dry cured) – extra olives for more briny goodness
½ teaspoon salt – to season the dressing
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – for a touch of spice

How to Make French Potato Green Bean

Mastering the art of a classic French potato and green bean dish is simpler than you think! This recipe breaks down the Classic French potato green bean preparation into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a delicious result every time. We’ll focus on perfectly cooked vegetables and a bright, flavorful dressing.

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs
Add the 2 large eggs to a small saucepan. Cover them with about 2.5cm of cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then immediately remove the pan from the heat. Cover the pan and let the eggs sit for 10 minutes. While they’re resting, prepare an ice bath. Once the time is up, carefully transfer the eggs to the ice bath to stop the cooking. Once cooled, peel them under cool running water and slice into quarters.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes and Green Beans
Place the halved 900g new potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water by about 2.5cm and add 1 tablespoon salt. Bring this to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. Add the trimmed 450g green beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are crisp-tender and bright green. This quick blanching is key to the Classic French potato green bean preparation. Drain the vegetables immediately and plunge them into a large bowl of ice-cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the beans vibrant.

Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
Grab a small jar with a lid. Combine the 75ml extra virgin olive oil, 30ml lemon juice, 30ml white wine vinegar, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon chopped capers, the extra 1 tablespoon chopped black olives, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and emulsified. This dressing is what makes this a true French potato and green bean dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped fresh flat parsley and chives with about half of the prepared vinaigrette. Add the drained potatoes and green beans, along with the 12 black olives. Toss everything gently to coat evenly. Arrange the quartered hard-boiled eggs on top of the salad. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the eggs and the rest of the salad, using as much as you like. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving this delightful French green bean potato salad.

Pro Tips for the Best French Potato Green Bean

To elevate this dish from good to truly exceptional, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. Following these simple tips will ensure your French potato green bean salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Always use new potatoes; their waxy texture holds up beautifully without getting mushy.
Don’t overcook the green beans – they should be bright green and crisp-tender for the best texture.
Shocking the vegetables in ice water is crucial for maintaining their vibrant color and crispness.
Taste and adjust the vinaigrette before dressing the salad; the balance of acid, oil, and seasoning is key.

What’s the secret to perfect French Potato Green Bean?

The real magic lies in the technique: perfectly cooked, tender-but-firm new potatoes and crisp green beans, combined with a zesty Dijon vinaigrette. Achieving this balance is what makes it the Best French potato green bean recipe.

Can I make French Potato Green Bean ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the potatoes, green beans, and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Toss them together about an hour before serving for the best flavor integration.

How do I avoid common mistakes with French Potato Green Bean?

The most common pitfall is overcooking the potatoes and beans, which turns them mushy. Also, ensure your vinaigrette is well-emulsified; a separated dressing won’t coat the ingredients properly.

Best Ways to Serve French Potato Green Bean

This versatile French potato and green bean salad is fantastic served at room temperature or chilled. It’s a wonderful addition to any picnic spread or summer barbecue. For a light lunch, enjoy it on its own. It also makes a superb Simple French potato green bean side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a crusty baguette. I often pair it with a simple lemon-herb roasted chicken or some pan-seared salmon for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutrition Facts for French Potato Green Bean

This classic French potato and green bean dish is a healthy and flavorful option. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delicious French green bean potato salad.

Calories: 220
Fat: 12 g
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat French Potato Green Bean

Proper storage is key to enjoying this delightful French potato and green bean salad. Once it’s cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This French potato green bean dish can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While freezing isn’t ideal for the potatoes and beans as they can become watery upon thawing, you could technically freeze components separately for up to 3 months if absolutely necessary, though I don’t recommend it for the best texture. For serving, simply take the salad out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to eat it to allow it to come to room temperature, which really helps the flavors meld.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Potato Green Bean

How do I cook French potato green beans perfectly every time?

The key to perfectly cooked French potatoes and green beans is to not overcook them. For the potatoes, aim for tender but still firm, and for the green beans, crisp-tender is best. Blanching them together briefly after the potatoes have started cooking, then shocking them in ice water, ensures they retain their vibrant color and texture, which is a crucial part of classic French preparation.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of new potatoes for this French potato and green bean dish?

While new potatoes are ideal due to their waxy texture that holds up well, you can substitute them with other waxy varieties like Yukon Golds. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces and monitor their cooking time closely to avoid them becoming too soft. This helps maintain the integrity of the French green bean potato salad.

What other vegetables can I add to this French potato green bean medley?

This French potato green bean salad is quite forgiving! You can add chopped radishes for a peppery crunch, some blanched asparagus spears, or even some sweet peas. A few cherry tomatoes halved would also add a lovely burst of freshness. These additions can make it a more substantial and varied French potato green bean dish.

How do I make sure the dressing coats everything evenly in my French potato green bean preparation?

Ensure your vinaigrette is well-emulsified by shaking or whisking it vigorously right before dressing the salad. Add the dressing in stages, tossing gently after each addition. This allows the dressing to coat the potatoes and beans without overwhelming them, ensuring a balanced flavor in every bite of your French potato green bean medley.

Variations of French Potato Green Bean You Can Try

This classic French potato and green bean dish is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, creating a delightful French potato green bean medley.

Add some protein: For a heartier meal, toss in some flaked canned tuna, grilled chicken strips, or even some crumbled feta cheese. This transforms it into a more substantial French potato and green bean dish.
Spice it up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or finely chopped jalapeño to the salad.
Roast instead of boil: For a different texture, try roasting the potatoes and green beans instead of boiling them. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender and slightly caramelized before tossing with the dressing. This makes for a fantastic roasted French potato green bean variation.
Herb variations: While parsley and chives are classic, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or even a little mint for a unique twist on this French green bean potato salad.

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About the Author

Fatima Garcia