Salade Niçoise – Fresh, Colorful, and Flavorful

Salade Niçoise is a classic French salad that combines fresh vegetables, tender tuna, and hard-boiled eggs for a nutritious and satisfying meal. This vibrant salad is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or a picnic. With its mix of crisp greens, earthy potatoes, and briny olives, every bite delivers a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh & Vibrant – Crisp vegetables and tender tuna make it light yet satisfying.
Protein-Packed – Eggs and tuna provide a filling, nutrient-rich boost.
Mediterranean Flavors – Olives, capers, and a zesty vinaigrette elevate the dish.
Quick & Easy – Minimal prep for a classic, elegant salad.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and sliced
• 1 cup green beans, blanched
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup pitted black olives
• 2–3 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained
• Optional: 2 anchovy fillets

For the Vinaigrette:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vinaigrette
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
   Boil the potatoes until tender, then slice. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then plunge into ice water to retain color and crunch.
3. Assemble the Salad
   On a large platter or individual plates, arrange salad greens. Layer with potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, tuna, and hard-boiled eggs. Add anchovy fillets if using.
4. Dress and Serve
   Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently if desired or serve as a composed salad.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~320
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables make the salad bright and flavorful.
• Perfect Eggs – Cook eggs to your liking, but firm yolks hold up best for presentation.
• Tuna Quality – Choose high-quality canned tuna in olive oil for the best flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of tender tuna, crisp vegetables, creamy eggs, and tangy vinaigrette creates a balanced salad with textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly. The dish is visually appealing and satisfying as a complete meal.

Salade Niçoise is a fresh, colorful, and protein-packed salad that’s simple to make yet elegant enough for special occasions. Light, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s the perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal.