Purple potatoes don’t get enough credit. Look how pretty they are. Add fancy mustard and herbs, and suddenly potato salad is chic. (Is that a stretch? I’m going for it.)
In all seriousness, potato salad is a favorite summer side for me, but if you’ve been around here a while, you know I am mayonnaise-averse. “Salad” to me, means vinaigrette. I want more acid. A more “salady” potato salad, if you will. Apple cider vinegar and good Dijon (Maille is my go-to) brighten things up, while tarragon brings an earthy, anise flavor that’s pleasantly uncommon.
I love this side for just about any protein. It’s light enough to have with fish, but the acidity balances out fattier red meats nicely too. And while summer is traditionally peak for potato salad, this dish is also great warm and would transition perfectly into early fall. (Today is Friday, August 28th by the way, in case anyone else is struggling with seasons, dates and days of the week lately.) Purple potatoes are not necessary of course, but they are sure to win you bonus points.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds small potatoes, scrubbed
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chopped flat leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh tarragon, plus more for garnish
Method
Place the potatoes into a large pot. Check them for size– if any are particularly large, halve them for even cooking. Cover the potatoes with cold water and season with about a tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Meanwhile, preheat the olive oil in a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the shallot, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about five minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the vinegar, mustard and herbs, and whisk to combine.
Add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper to taste and toss well. Feel free to make this recipe a day in advance up to this point. Serve warm, cold or at room temperature with extra herbs on top.
