How To Make Authentic French Nicoise Salad – Easy Recipe Guide

Nicoise salad is a classic dish originating from the sunny region of Nice, France. Known for its vibrant colours and fresh Mediterranean flavours, this salad combines ingredients such as tuna, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and tomatoes to create a dish that is both filling and refreshing. In this recipe guide, you will learn how to make an authentic Nicoise salad at home, bringing a taste of the French Riviera to your table.

What makes Nicoise salad so beloved is its simplicity and emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Traditionally served with seared tuna or canned tuna in olive oil, this salad is lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, allowing each ingredient’s natural flavour to shine. It’s the perfect example of how simple preparation can result in a dish that feels both elegant and nourishing.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive starter for guests, Nicoise salad is a versatile choice that fits every occasion. With minimal cooking and quick assembly, this recipe is ideal for busy days when you want something delicious and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Best Time To Eat

Nicoise salad is best enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, especially during spring and summer when you crave fresh, crisp, and cooling meals. It also makes an elegant starter for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.

Best Dishes To Partner

Pair your Nicoise salad with fresh baguette slices, herbed focaccia, or garlic croutons for added texture. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a chilled glass of crisp white wine or rosé to enhance the Mediterranean dining experience.

How to Make Nicoise Salad

Nicoise Salad Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 head of Bibb lettuce or mixed greens
2 cans (5-6 ounces each) tuna in olive oil, drained (or 2 fresh tuna steaks, seared and sliced)
4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
1/2 pound small new potatoes, boiled and halved
1/2 pound green beans, blanched
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
4-6 anchovy fillets (optional)
1/4 cup capers (optional)
For the Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Step By Step How to Make Nicoise Salad

Prepare the Ingredients

Boil the new potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly, then halve them.

Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until tender-crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain.

Boil the eggs for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. Peel and halve the eggs once cooled.

Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme leaves until well combined.

Assemble the Salad

Arrange the lettuce or mixed greens on a large serving platter or individual plates.

Artfully arrange the potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and capers (if using) on top of the greens. Add the tuna (or sliced seared tuna steaks) and anchovy fillets (if using).

Place the halved eggs around the salad.

Dress the Salad

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, or serve the dressing on the side for guests to add as they prefer.

Tips To Make Nicoise Salad

Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially when it comes to vegetables and tuna. While canned tuna in olive oil is traditional, you can elevate the salad by using fresh, seared tuna steaks. Blanching green beans helps to preserve their bright color and crisp texture.

Adjust the vinaigrette to your taste by adding more mustard or vinegar as needed. Nicoise salad is best served fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, keep the ingredients separate and combine just before serving.

How Many Calories Have Nicoise Salad

Tuna: ~200 calories per serving
Hard-Boiled Eggs: ~70 calories per serving
Potatoes: ~70 calories per serving
Green Beans: ~20 calories per serving
Cherry Tomatoes: ~15 calories per serving
Olives: ~40 calories per serving
Red Onion: ~10 calories per serving
Anchovy Fillets: ~20 calories per serving (if using)
Capers: ~5 calories per serving (if using)
Lettuce/Greens: ~10 calories per serving
Vinaigrette: ~100 calories per serving

Total: Approximately 560-600 calories per serving