French Bean & Potato Salad with Bacon & Egg

French Bean & Potato Salad with Bacon & Egg is delicious warm salad that is made extra tasty with a dressing that makes the most of the juices released from the bacon.

The ‘au pair’ salad

I first ate this salad when I worked as an au pair looking after three young children for a French Belgian family. This was the first time I’d had a warm salad and I absolutely loved it.

I took note of the ingredients for the salad in a notebook and, although I have made it many times, it never made it onto my website. As I have a really good crop of French beans in my garden this year I decided it was definitely time to share this recipe with you.

Why should I make French Bean & Potato Salad?

If you’re looking for a dish that combines freshness, comfort with a touch of indulgence, then this French bean and potato salad with bacon and egg is ideal.

The blend of crisp beans, tender potatoes, savoury bacon, and velvety egg is much more than a simple side dish. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a picnic in the park, or a substantial dinner, this warm salad will be the star of your meal.

What ingredients will I need for French Bean & Potato Salad with bacon & egg?

All the ingredients that you will need are everyday items that you may already have in your larder or fridge. Here is what you need:

• potatoes
• french beans
• oil
• bacon
• eggs
• vinegar
• parsley

You’ll find all the quantities and full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

What kind of potatoes should I use?

The best potatoes for any potato salad are waxy potatoes. Most new potatoes are the waxy kind. I grow Charlotte potatoes and they are perfect for salads but any new potatoes will do.

Can I peel the potatoes?

As I use new potatoes I leave the skins on. But if you don’t like the skins then you can either peel the potatoes or cook the potatoes in their skins an slip off the skins once they are cooked.

What are French Beans?

French beans, also known as green beans, haricots verts, or snap beans, are a popular and versatile vegetable enjoyed worldwide. With their slender shape, vibrant green colour, and crisp texture, French beans add freshness and character to countless dishes from simple salads to elaborate main courses.

What kind of oil should I use?

I use olive oil, you don’t need very much but it helps the bacon to cook and provides a good basis for the dressing. If you don’t have olive oil, then use a seed oil such as sunflower oil or rape seed (canola) oil.

What kind of bacon should I use for French Bean & Potato Salad?

You need bacon that has a good fat content because you will use the fat from the cooked bacon in the dressing for the salad. So I use streaky bacon, pancetta or lardons all of which give good flavour and a good ratio of meat to fat.

How should I cook the eggs?

Boil the eggs in water to the level of softness that you like. ‘Jammy’ eggs where the yolk is still slightly soft are very popular and would work well in this salad. However, as my husband prefers his eggs hard boiled that’s how I made mine for this salad.

What kind of vinegar should I use?

Traditionally you would use white wine vinegar to make the dressing for this salad. However, cider vinegar or one of my flavoured vinegars like Apple Mint Vinegar or Rosemary Vinegar would also be really good in this dish.

What other herbs could I use as a garnish for French Bean & Potato Salad with bacon & egg?

If you don’t have parsley or don’t like it, then I suggest you use finely chopped chives. The mild onion flavour works really well with the salad.

Can I make French Bean & Potato Salad ahead of time?

This salad is best made and eaten on the same day. However, you can cook the potatoes a few hours before you plan to eat and you can definitely boil the eggs and remove the shells.

It’s best to cook the French beans just before you want to eat the salad and also cook the bacon and make the dressing just before serving. As this salad is best eaten slightly warm, it’s a good idea to reheat the potatoes before combining with the other ingredients.

Can I freeze this salad?

No, this salad will not freeze successfully. You can use frozen French beans but everything else really needs to be fresh.

Vegetarian

This salad contains bacon and is not suitable for vegetarians.

Gluten Free

There are no obvious ingredients in this recipe that contain gluten. However, please check all ingredients to ensure that they meet your dietary requirements.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve French Bean & Potato Salad with Bacon & Egg?

The beauty of French Bean and Potato Salad lies in its adaptability. Whether you choose to serve it as a simple supper with crusty bread and cheese, as part of a larger buffet with grilled meats and vibrant salads, or within a refined, multi-course dinner, the options are endless.

The key is to balance its gentle flavours with contrasting textures, bright accents, and a sense of occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve with a simply grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs, lemon, and olive oil.
• This salad pairs really well with poached salmon providing a luxurious contrast to the beans and potatoes, while its natural oils complement the salad’s freshness.
• Lightly seasoned and served cold, roast turkey works well with the French Bean & Potato Salad especially for summer gatherings.
• Try adding some cheese to the salad. Crumbled salty feta adds a Mediterranean flair. Or top with some Parmesan shavings for some bold nutty flavours.