Niçoise Salad Recipe

Niçoise Salad is a classic French dish that beautifully combines fresh vegetables, protein, and a zesty dressing. Originating from the coastal city of Nice, this salad is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors and can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. Its vibrant colors and varied textures make it not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling the eggs and blanching green beans.
• Colander: For draining the beans and cooling the eggs.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining salad ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Serving Platter: For presenting the salad beautifully.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.

Ingredient Overview

• Lettuce: Traditionally, butter lettuce or romaine for a fresh base.
• Green Beans: Adds a crisp texture.
• Tomatoes: Cherry or heirloom tomatoes for sweetness.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs: A rich protein source.
• Olives: Niçoise olives are traditional, but Kalamata works well too.
• Tuna: Canned tuna (preferably in olive oil) for added flavor and protein.
• Red Onion: Provides a mild sharpness.
• Olive Oil: The main ingredient for the dressing.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar for acidity.
• Dijon Mustard: For a flavorful kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   • Start by hard-boiling 4 eggs. Place them in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let them sit for 10-12 minutes, then transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water to cool.
   • While the eggs are cooking, trim and blanch 1 cup of green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Chop the Vegetables
   • In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of torn lettuce, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of sliced red onion, and the blanched green beans.
3. Prepare the Dressing
   • In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad
   • On a large serving platter, arrange the lettuce mixture. Flake 1 can of tuna over the top, then quarter the hard-boiled eggs and place them on the salad. Scatter 1/2 cup of olives around.
5. Dress and Serve
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine if desired, or serve it as is for a more elegant presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Use Quality Ingredients: The freshness of your ingredients, especially the tuna and olives, can significantly impact the flavor of the salad.
• Customize It: Feel free to add other ingredients like artichoke hearts, radishes, or roasted peppers for additional flavor and texture.
• Chill the Salad: For the best taste, allow the salad to chill for about 15 minutes after assembling but before serving.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Niçoise Salad is perfect on its own but can also be served with crusty bread, a light soup, or a glass of chilled white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Q: What if I don’t like tuna?
A: You can substitute grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Niçoise Salad on a large platter for a stunning presentation. Pair it with a side of baguette for a delightful French-inspired meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups butter lettuce, torn
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 1 can tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
• 1/2 cup Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
• Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Hard-boil the eggs and cool them in cold water.
2. Blanch green beans until bright green; rinse under cold water.
3. In a bowl, mix lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and green beans.
4. Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
5. Assemble the salad on a platter with tuna, eggs, and olives, and drizzle with dressing.

Summary

Niçoise Salad is a colorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures!

Notes

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking, and enjoy the fresh, bright flavors of this classic French salad!

Niçoise Salad

Niçoise Salad is a colorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures!

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Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling the eggs and blanching green beans.
• Colander: For draining the beans and cooling the eggs.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining salad ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Serving Platter: For presenting the salad beautifully.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups butter lettuce torn
• 1 cup green beans trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 4 hard-boiled eggs quartered
• 1 can tuna in olive oil drained and flaked
• 1/2 cup Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup red onion sliced
• Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Hard-boil the eggs and cool them in cold water.
• Blanch green beans until bright green; rinse under cold water.
• In a bowl, mix lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and green beans.
• Whisk dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
• Assemble the salad on a platter with tuna, eggs, and olives, and drizzle with dressing.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking, and enjoy the fresh, bright flavors of this classic French salad!