Nicoise Salad - Classic French Salad

If you're looking for a dish that's both delicious and healthy, look no further than the classic Nicoise salad. Originating from the sunny shores of Nice, France, this vibrant and flavorful salad combines fresh vegetables, protein-packed ingredients, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for food enthusiasts, home cooks, and health-conscious individuals alike!

What You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need to create this delightful dish:

Ingredients

• 12 small new potatoes
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 head Boston lettuce or mixed greens
• 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 can (7 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained
• 8 anchovy fillets (optional)
• Handful of fresh parsley

Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Washing and Preparing the Vegetables

Start by thoroughly washing all your vegetables under cold running water. This includes the potatoes, green beans, lettuce, and tomatoes. Once cleaned, set them aside in separate bowls.

2. Cooking the Potatoes and Green Beans

Potatoes

1. Place the new potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
2. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Drain the potatoes and set aside to cool slightly.

Green Beans

1. In another pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
3. Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and retain their bright green color. Once cooled, drain and set aside.

3. Preparing the Hard-Boiled Eggs

1. Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, cover the saucepan, remove from heat, and let the eggs sit for 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to cool, then peel and cut into quarters.

4. Assembling the Salad

1. On a large serving platter, arrange a bed of lettuce or mixed greens.
2. Halve the cooled potatoes and arrange them on the platter along with the green beans, tomato wedges, olives, capers, and red onion slices.
3. Flake the tuna over the salad and add the anchovy fillets if using.
4. Distribute the egg quarters around the salad.

5. Making the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the assembled salad.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

The Nicoise salad is a versatile dish that can be tweaked to suit your preferences:

• Add some crunch by including radishes or bell peppers.
• Switch the protein by using grilled chicken, salmon, or even a vegetarian option like chickpeas.
• For a heartier meal, serve the salad with a crusty baguette or garlic bread on the side.

Health Benefits of Nicoise Salad

Not only is this salad a feast for the eyes and taste buds, but it also boasts numerous health benefits:

• Rich in protein thanks to the tuna and eggs, which help maintain muscle mass and keep you feeling full.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables.
• High in healthy fats from olive oil and olives, which are good for heart health.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a classic Nicoise salad that's as nutritious as it is delicious. We hope you enjoy making and eating this delightful dish. Don't forget to share your Nicoise salad photos and experiences with us on social media!