How to Make a Classic Nicoise Salad: A Taste of the French Riviera

The Nicoise salad: a vibrant, colorful dish that embodies the essence of the French Riviera. Imagine fresh vegetables glistening under the Mediterranean sun, tender tuna, and perfectly boiled eggs, all brought together by a simple yet flavorful dressing. It’s no wonder this salad has become a beloved classic worldwide.

This recipe will guide you step-by-step in creating your own Nicoise salad masterpiece. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen novice, get ready to impress your family and friends with this taste of the French Riviera.

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Market

To make a truly authentic Nicoise salad, you’ll need the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Head to your local farmer’s market (or your trusted grocery store) and gather the following:

For the Salad:

• 1 pound small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Nicoise olives, pitted
• 1 can (5 ounces) oil-packed tuna, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional additions for extra flavor and texture:

• Artichoke hearts (canned or marinated)
• Roasted red peppers
• Anchovies
• Fresh chives, chopped

Nicoise salad ingredients

Tools of the Trade:

• Large pot
• Large bowl
• Small bowl (for the dressing)
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Let’s Get Cooking: Assembling Your Nicoise Salad

1. Prepare the Vegetables and Eggs:

   • Fill the large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
   • While the potatoes are cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice water.
   • Add the green beans to the boiling water with the potatoes during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking time.
   • Carefully remove the potatoes and green beans using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain and set aside.
   • In a separate pot, gently place the eggs in cold water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook for 8 minutes for perfect hard-boiled eggs. Immediately transfer the eggs to the ice bath to cool. Once cool, peel and set aside.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In the small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • Arrange the cooked potatoes, green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, olives, and capers on a large platter or individual plates.
   • Gently flake the tuna and distribute it evenly over the salad.
   • Cut the hard-boiled eggs into quarters or halves and place them on top of the salad.

4. Final Touches:

   • Drizzle the prepared dressing generously over the salad.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
   • Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Assembling a Nicoise salad

Tips and Tricks for a Delicious Nicoise Salad:

• For a more intense flavor, use fresh tuna instead of canned. Sear it quickly in a pan and let it cool before flaking it onto your salad.
• Don’t overcook the green beans. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
• Feel free to experiment with different dressings. A simple lemon vinaigrette also works well with this salad.
• To prevent the potatoes from becoming waterlogged, salt the boiling water generously.

Presentation is Key:

The beauty of the Nicoise salad lies not only in its taste but also in its presentation. Arrange the ingredients artfully on the plate, creating a visual feast for the eyes.

• Use a variety of colors and textures to make your salad more visually appealing.
• Consider using a mix of colorful heirloom tomatoes for an added visual element.
• Serve your Nicoise salad with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.

Enjoy!

Your classic Nicoise salad is ready to be devoured. This refreshing and flavorful dish is perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a delightful addition to your next picnic basket.

Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us! Snap a picture of your beautiful Nicoise salad and tag us on social media.