How to Make the Perfect Niçoise Salad at Home?

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Niçoise saThe Niçoise Salad is a classic French dish originating from Nice, known for its fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and rich flavors. This Mediterranean salad is a perfect combination of crisp vegetables, tender tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a tangy vinaigrette. Light yet satisfying, it’s an excellent choice for a healthy lunch or dinner.

The Secret to an Authentic Niçoise Salad

A traditional Niçoise salad is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients. The key components include:

  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Crisp lettuce
  • Green beans
  • Boiled potatoes
  • Niçoise olives

Tuna, either fresh or canned, adds protein and richness, while hard-boiled eggs provide a creamy contrast. The dressing, typically made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and red wine vinegar, ties everything together with a zesty touch.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 200g fresh tuna (or canned tuna in olive oil)
  • 4 small potatoes, boiled and sliced
  • 150g green beans, trimmed and blanched
  • 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
  • 50g Niçoise olives or black olives
  • 4 anchovy fillets (optional)
  • 100g mixed salad greens (lettuce, arugula, or mesclun)

For the Dressing:

  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Cook the Tuna
    If using fresh tuna, season it with salt and pepper. Sear it in a pan over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side. Let it rest before slicing. If using canned tuna, drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Dressing
    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Assemble the Salad
    • Arrange the mixed salad greens on a large serving plate.
    • Add the boiled potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion on top of the greens.
    • Distribute the tuna (sliced or flaked) evenly over the salad.
    • Place the hard-boiled egg halves, olives, and anchovy fillets (if using) around the plate.
  4. Finish the Salad
    Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Niçoise salad is a perfect blend of freshness, flavor, and nutrition. Whether served as a light meal or a side dish, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Try it for a refreshing and satisfying dining experience.