Homemade Nicoise Salad Recipe (Salade Niçoise)

Name: Nicoise Salad: A French Classic in Your Kitchen
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup cannellini beans; 1/2 cup Kalamata olive halves; 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel; 1/2 cup of olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon of fresh rosemary; 3 cloves of garlic; 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup of red onion; 2 3/4 cups of green bean; 1 head lettuce; 2 tomato; 2 tablespoons of parsley; 3/4 pounds of tuna fish; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper; 2 hard-boiled egg

Learn how to make a classic Nicoise Salad at home with our easy-to-follow recipe. Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavors, it's a dish that will transport you straight to France.

French Cuisine

June 15, 2023

Difficulty Medium

Servings 4 people

Preparation 25 mins

Cooking 25 mins

Total 50 mins

Recipe Contents

Ingredients Directions Nutrition Equipments Tips

Ingredients

1/2 cup of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of fresh rosemary
3 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
1/4 cup of red onion
2 3/4 cups of green bean
1 head lettuce
2 tomato
2 tablespoons of parsley
3/4 pounds of tuna fish
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 hard-boiled egg
1 1/2 cup cannellini beans
1/2 cup Kalamata olive halves
1/2 teaspoon lemon peel

Directions

For the dressing, microwave the olive oil and rosemary in a glass measuring cup on high for 1 minute. Add the remaining dressing ingredients.
Combine the cannellini beans, olives, onion, and 1/4 cup of the dressing. Toss the green beans with 1 tablespoon of the dressing.
Brush the tuna with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Grill or broil for 4 to 6 minutes per side. Cool slightly and slice.
Toss the lettuce with 3 tablespoons of dressing. Arrange the lettuce on a platter, then top with the tuna, green beans, bean salad, and tomatoes.
Combine the parsley, garlic, and lemon peel.
Add the parsley mixture to the salad. Drizzle remaining dressing over tuna and tomatoes.
Serve with hard-boiled egg.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Nicoise Salad: A French Classic in Your Kitchen

Serves 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories709

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 55 g70.5%

Cholesterol 42 mg14%

Sodium 976 mg42.4%

Protein 30.7 g61.4%

Potassium 700 mg14.9%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

Use fresh ingredients. The quality of your ingredients can greatly affect the taste of the salad. Try to use fresh and high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
Cook the green beans al dente. To make a slight crunch, blanch the green beans in boiling water for a few minutes. Then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This ensures they remain crisp and retain their nutrients.
Use fresh tuna. Look for high-quality canned or fresh tuna packed in olive oil. It adds richness and flavor to the salad. Flake the tuna and gently mix it with the other ingredients.
Be flexible with your ingredients. While there are traditional ingredients that are typically used in a Nicoise Salad, feel free to customize the salad with your favorite ingredients.
Make homemade dressing. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice is traditionally used in Nicoise Salad.

Rate This Recipe

The Nicoise Salad, a culinary icon from the French city of Nice, is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines a variety of fresh ingredients with a tangy dressing. It's a perfect choice for a light lunch or a side dish, offering a blend of flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds. Here's how you can make a Nicoise Salad (French Salad with Tuna) at home.

Equipment for this recipe

Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowls

Chef Pan

Cutting Board

Chef Knife

Grater

What Is A Nicoise Salad?

A Nicoise Salad (Salade Niçoise) is a French salad that originated in the city of Nice. It's a composed salad that typically includes ingredients like tuna, green beans, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and potatoes. It's hearty enough to be served as a main dish.

What Are The Ingredients of A Classic Nicoise Salad?

A classic Nicoise Salad is tuna, tomatoes, potatoes, hard-boiled egg, green beans, olives, capers, and onion. The dressing often includes ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and lemon juice.

What Does The Word Nicoise Mean?

Nicoise is a term that refers to the city of Nice in France. In the context of food, it refers to dishes that are prepared in the style of Nice, which often includes ingredients like tomatoes, black olives, garlic, and anchovies.

Remember, when making a Nicoise Salad, the quality of ingredients matters a lot as it's a simple dish that relies on the freshness and flavor of its components.

History of Nicoise Salad

The Nicoise Salad, named after the city of Nice in the Côte d'Azur region of France, is a classic dish that perfectly embodies the fresh and vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The salad is a testament to the culinary philosophy of the region, which emphasizes the use of fresh, local, and high-quality ingredients. The traditional version of the salad is often a subject of debate, with purists insisting on a specific set of ingredients and others embracing more flexible interpretations.

The origins of the Nicoise Salad can be traced back to the early 20th century, although the exact details of its creation are somewhat murky. What is clear, however, is that the salad was born out of the simple and rustic cooking traditions of Nice. The city, located in the southeastern corner of France, is known for its rich culinary heritage, influenced by both Italian and French cooking. Tuna Nicoise Salad, with its combination of fresh produce, seafood, and vibrant dressing, is a reflection of this culinary melting pot.

Over the years, the Nicoise Salad has gained international recognition and has been embraced by chefs and home cooks around the world. Despite its global popularity, the salad remains true to its roots, celebrating the flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite. Whether you're enjoying it in a high-end restaurant or making it at home, the Nicoise Salad is more than just a dish - it's a culinary journey that transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera.