How to Make the Perfect Niçoise Salad at Home?

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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. It is light yet satisfying, making it 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, and 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

  • 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. If using fresh tuna, season it with salt and pepper and 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. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Arrange the mixed salad greens on a large serving plate.
  4. Add the boiled potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion on top of the greens.
  5. Distribute the tuna (sliced or flaked) evenly over the salad.
  6. Place the hard-boiled egg halves and olives around the plate, and add anchovy fillets if using.
  7. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.

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.