Introduction
Nicoise Salad is a traditional French dish that hails from the city of Nice. This vibrant salad typically includes fresh ingredients like tomatoes, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and tuna, all beautifully arranged and drizzled with a flavorful vinaigrette. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and colors, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Nicoise Salad can be customized with seasonal vegetables, ensuring a fresh taste every time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, romaine, or spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna (preferably packed in olive oil), drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup black olives (such as Niçoise or Kalamata)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and blanched green beans. Toss gently to combine.
-
Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- On a large serving platter or individual plates, arrange the salad greens and vegetables as a base. Top with the flaked tuna, quartered hard-boiled eggs, black olives, and sliced red onion.
-
Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly if desired, or leave it as a composed salad for presentation.
-
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if using, and serve immediately.
Health Notes
- Nicoise Salad is a nutritious dish, packed with protein from the tuna and eggs, as well as fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. It's a balanced meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.
Serving Suggestions
- This salad can be served as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or as part of a picnic spread. Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing meal.
Tips
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or radishes, for additional flavor and crunch.
- Tuna Options: While canned tuna is convenient, consider using grilled fresh tuna for an upscale version of the salad.
- Blanching Beans: To blanch green beans, simply boil them for 2-3 minutes until bright green, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Meal Prep: This salad can be made ahead of time. Store the components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
