Nicoise Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a light and healthy salad for a summer meal, look no further than the classic Nicoise Salad. This French salad is packed with fresh vegetables and a delicious vinaigrette dressing that will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. So, let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Nicoise Salad:

For the Salad:

• 500g (1 pound) baby potatoes, halved
• 250g (8 ounces) green beans, trimmed
• 4 large eggs
• 250g (8 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5 ounces) black olives
• 200g (7 ounces) canned tuna, drained
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Vinaigrette Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Start by boiling the baby potatoes in salted water until tender. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool.
2. In a separate pot of boiling water, blanch the green beans for about 2-3 minutes or until they become vibrant green and crisp-tender. After blanching, transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their bright color.
3. To make the perfect hard-boiled eggs, place them in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 9-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water and let them cool before peeling and halving them.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette dressing.
5. Now it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large serving bowl, arrange the cooked baby potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, black olives, and tuna.
6. Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
7. Finally, garnish the salad with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes/Tips

• Feel free to add other ingredients to your Nicoise Salad, such as boiled shrimp, anchovies, or capers, to customize it to your liking.
• For a vegetarian version, simply omit the tuna and add more vegetables like roasted bell peppers or artichoke hearts.
• This salad can be made in advance and served chilled, making it a great option for picnics or potlucks.

Conclusion

The Nicoise Salad is a perfect dish for those warm summer days when you crave something light, yet satisfying. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your personal touch to this classic recipe. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and the healthy goodness of this delightful salad!