Salad Niçoise is a beautiful and vibrant French dish that brings together the best of the Mediterranean in one bowl. It’s a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, tuna, eggs, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, making it the perfect summer meal or a satisfying lunch or dinner option. Simple yet elegant, it’s a dish that looks as great as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salad Niçoise is full of fresh, healthy ingredients like tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and juicy tomatoes. The combination of flavors from tuna, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and anchovies creates a satisfying meal that balances saltiness, sweetness, and acidity. The refreshing lemon vinaigrette ties everything together, making each bite feel light yet fulfilling. It’s a complete meal in one dish, offering protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time for a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal!

Ingredients

• ½ pound new potatoes, quartered

• ⅓ pound fresh green beans, rinsed, trimmed, and blanched

• 1 (5 ounce) can tuna

• ½ onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup pitted Niçoise olives

• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

• ½ pound mixed salad greens

• 1 cup lemon vinaigrette

• 3 hard-cooked eggs, quartered

• 3 roma (plum) tomatoes, thinly sliced

• 4 anchovy filets

• 1 tablespoon capers

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the quartered potatoes and cook until they are tender but still firm (around 15 minutes). Drain and set aside to cool.

2. In the meantime, prepare the green beans by blanching them in boiling water for a couple of minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Once the potatoes have cooled, combine them in a large bowl with the green beans, tuna, thinly sliced onion, chopped parsley, and olives. Chill in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.

4. In a separate salad bowl, toss the mixed greens with the lemon vinaigrette.

5. Top the dressed greens with the chilled potato mixture.

6. Garnish the salad with the quartered hard-boiled eggs, sliced tomatoes, anchovies, and capers.

7. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Additional Time: 2-4 hours for chilling

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Tuna: Swap out the canned tuna for fresh tuna steak, grilled to your preference for a more premium touch.

• Asparagus: If you prefer asparagus, you can replace the green beans with blanched asparagus tips for a different flavor profile.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the tuna and anchovies for a vegetarian option, or add other proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas.

• Different Greens: You can substitute mixed salad greens with arugula or spinach for a peppery or milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This Salad Niçoise is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the greens crisp, it’s a good idea to store the salad components separately and combine them just before serving. The potato mixture and dressing can be stored separately as well.

Reheating is not recommended, as the salad is meant to be enjoyed cold. However, if you want to prepare the ingredients ahead of time, they can be stored in the fridge and assembled just before serving.

FAQs

How long can I keep leftovers of Salad Niçoise?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the greens separately to maintain their crispness.

Can I use other types of tuna in Salad Niçoise?

Yes, you can use any type of tuna you prefer, but using tuna packed in olive oil will give it a richer flavor compared to the tuna packed in water.

Can I make Salad Niçoise ahead of time?

You can prepare the components of the salad ahead of time, such as boiling the potatoes and eggs, blanching the green beans, and making the vinaigrette. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.

What other vegetables can I add to Salad Niçoise?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as cucumber, radishes, or bell peppers for additional crunch and color.

Can I make the dressing from scratch?

Yes, you can easily make your own lemon vinaigrette by combining lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. You can even add a bit of honey for a touch of sweetness.

Is Salad Niçoise a good option for a party?

Yes, Salad Niçoise is perfect for parties or gatherings. You can make it ahead and serve it as a light meal or a side dish.

What if I don’t like anchovies?

If you’re not a fan of anchovies, simply leave them out of the salad. You can also replace them with other salty ingredients like capers or olives for a similar briny flavor.

Can I make Salad Niçoise without potatoes?

Yes, you can skip the potatoes if you prefer a lighter salad or want to cut down on carbs. The salad will still be flavorful and satisfying without them.

How can I make Salad Niçoise gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just be sure to check the label on your vinaigrette to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I use other types of olives in this recipe?

While Niçoise olives are traditional, you can substitute them with Kalamata or other types of black olives if you prefer.

Conclusion

Salad Niçoise is the epitome of a healthy, vibrant, and satisfying meal. With its combination of fresh vegetables, protein-rich tuna, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, it’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Easy to prepare yet full of bold flavors, this French classic is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.