Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- High in protein and incredibly satisfying.
- Beautiful presentation makes it ideal for entertaining.
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
- Easy to customize based on seasonal ingredients.
- Combines vibrant textures and flavors.
- Naturally gluten-free and nutritious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Tuna steaks or high-quality canned tuna
- Mixed salad greens
- Baby potatoes
- Green beans
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Kalamata olives or Niçoise olives
- Olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Red wine vinegar
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley
Directions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the baby potatoes until tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
- In the same pot, blanch the green beans for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer them immediately to ice water, then drain.
- If using fresh tuna, season it lightly with salt and pepper and sear in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side, leaving the center slightly pink if desired. Let rest before slicing.
- Prepare the hard-boiled eggs and cut them into halves or quarters.
- Arrange the salad greens on a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Distribute the potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, eggs, and tuna over the greens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Use canned tuna for a quicker and more traditional preparation.
- Add anchovy fillets for an authentic French touch.
- Include radishes for extra crunch.
- Replace green beans with asparagus when in season.
- Add capers for additional briny flavor.
- Use arugula instead of mixed greens for a peppery bite.
- Top with avocado for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
Nicoise Salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, the individual components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If using freshly cooked tuna, store it separately and add it to the salad just before serving. Keep the dressing refrigerated and drizzle it over the salad when ready to eat to maintain freshness and texture.
Avoid freezing, as the vegetables and eggs do not freeze well.
FAQs
What is a Nicoise Salad?
Nicoise Salad is a traditional French salad from Nice that typically includes tuna, eggs, vegetables, olives, and a simple vinaigrette.
Can I use canned tuna instead of fresh tuna?
Yes. High-quality canned tuna is commonly used and makes preparation even easier.
What type of olives are traditionally used?
Niçoise olives are traditional, but Kalamata olives are an excellent substitute.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving.
Is Nicoise Salad healthy?
Yes. It is packed with protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
What dressing is used for Nicoise Salad?
A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and seasonings is most commonly used.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Radishes, bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and cucumbers are popular additions.
Is Nicoise Salad gluten-free?
Yes. The traditional ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve with Nicoise Salad?
Crusty bread, soup, or a light fruit dessert pair wonderfully with this salad.
How do I keep the salad fresh for meal prep?
Store the dressing separately and keep the ingredients chilled until ready to assemble and serve.
Conclusion
Nicoise Salad with Tuna is a fresh and elegant dish that combines protein-rich tuna, crisp vegetables, hearty potatoes, and flavorful olives in a beautifully balanced meal. Easy to prepare and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, it’s perfect for everything from casual lunches to sophisticated dinners. Whether you’re serving it for guests or enjoying it as a healthy weeknight meal, this classic French salad is sure to impress.
PrintNicoise Salad with Tuna
Nicoise Salad with Tuna is a classic French salad featuring tender tuna, crisp vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and briny olives tossed with a simple Dijon vinaigrette. This colorful and satisfying dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tuna steaks or 2 cans high-quality tuna, drained
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 12 ounces baby potatoes
- 8 ounces green beans
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata or Niçoise olives
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the baby potatoes until tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
- In the same pot, blanch the green beans for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer them immediately to ice water, then drain.
- If using fresh tuna, season lightly with salt and pepper and sear in a hot skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.
- Cut the hard-boiled eggs into halves or quarters.
- Arrange the salad greens on a large serving platter or individual plates.
- Distribute the potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, eggs, and tuna over the greens.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- High-quality canned tuna can be used for a quicker and more traditional preparation.
- Add anchovy fillets or capers for a more authentic French flavor.
- Radishes, asparagus, or avocado make excellent additions.
- Store the dressing separately when preparing ahead.
- Assemble just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- This salad is naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 205 mg
