How to Make the Perfect Classic French Nicoise Salad
French · Medium · 40 min · 4 servings
This elegant French salad layers crisp green beans, hard-boiled eggs, flaky tuna, olives, and tender potatoes over crisp lettuce dressed in a sharp Dijon vinaigrette. It is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal that is perfectly suited to a refined outdoor picnic.
Why this recipe works
This Classic French Nicoise Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 large eggs hard-boiled and halved
- 2 cans tuna in olive oil drained
- 300 g baby potatoes boiled and halved
- 200 g green beans blanched
- 0.5 cup nicoise or kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Boil Eggs and Potatoes
Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for 12 to 15 minutes until tender then halve them. Hard-boil the eggs for 10 minutes then transfer to ice water before peeling and halving.
Step 2: Blanch the Green Beans
Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes then immediately plunge into ice water to preserve their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
Whisk together dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble and Pack
Layer all components neatly in a large shallow container. Pack the dressing separately in a small jar and drizzle over the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- canned tuna → canned salmon or grilled fresh tuna steak for an elevated version
- baby potatoes → canned white beans for a quicker no-cook base with added fiber
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Dressing the salad too early which makes the lettuce wilt and the potatoes become mushy
- Overcooking the green beans which destroys their vibrant color and satisfying crunch
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 32g protein, 28g carbs, 19g fat, 5g fiber.
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