Classic Salade Niçoise
A vibrant and satisfying French salad featuring flaky tuna, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, ripe tomatoes, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette.
Instructions
- Place the baby potatoes in a medium pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well and let cool slightly, then halve or quarter them.
- While the potatoes cook, bring another small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking, then drain thoroughly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: On a large shallow platter or in a wide bowl, arrange the torn lettuce leaves as a base. Artfully arrange the warm potatoes, blanched green beans, tomato wedges, hard-boiled egg quarters, black olives, and flaked tuna over the lettuce.
- Drizzle the lemon Niçoise dressing generously over the entire salad just before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh French classic.
Salade Niçoise is a timeless French classic, originating from the beautiful city of Nice. It’s renowned for its elegant presentation and harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a truly iconic dish. This hearty salad makes for a perfect light lunch or an elegant dinner, showcasing fresh seasonal produce alongside pantry staples for a truly delightful experience.