Classic Nicoise Salad Recipe - Fresh and Flavorful French Salad
A classic Nicoise salad, bursting with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, brings a taste of the French Riviera to your table. This recipe combines tender potatoes, green beans, crisp greens, hard-boiled eggs, briny olives, and seared tuna, all tossed in a zesty, homemade Dijon vinaigrette. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
-
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (like arugula and romaine)
- 1/2 lb (225g) small new potatoes, boiled and halved
- 1/2 lb (225g) green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives (such as Niçoise or Kalamata)
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained (or 2 fresh tuna steaks, seared and sliced)
-
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. Set aside.
Assemble the salad. Lay a bed of mixed greens on a large platter or divide onto individual plates. Arrange the boiled potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, and hard-boiled eggs on top.
Add the tuna. Flake the canned tuna over the salad or, if using fresh tuna, season and sear in a hot pan with olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side until cooked to your preference. Slice and add to the salad.
Dress the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
Serve. Garnish with extra cracked black pepper, if desired, and serve immediately.
Recipe tips
Freshly seared tuna gives a more authentic and delicious flavor. For a bright green color and a slight crunch, blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then immediately plunge them into ice water. For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil to the vinaigrette.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
This Zucchini Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. It combines thinly sliced zucchini with a simple, tangy lemon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or side dish, this salad celebrates the natural flavors of summer and offers a nutritious, low-carb option. The crisp, raw zucchini provides a great texture, while the lemon adds a bright kick. It’s easy to make and ideal for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious dish.
This Roasted Vegetable Salad is a delightful medley of vibrant, oven-roasted veggies tossed with a light vinaigrette. It's hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor. The natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables, combined with the crunch of fresh greens and a zesty dressing, makes it the perfect side dish or light meal. Whether you serve it warm or at room temperature, this salad is sure to impress with its simplicity and rich, roasted flavors.
This fresh Avocado and Tomato Salad is a vibrant, quick-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. With ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a splash of lemon for zest, this salad is both satisfying and incredibly healthy. The colors and flavors are sure to brighten up your table, making it ideal for a light lunch, snack, or a refreshing side at dinner.
A Three Bean Salad is a fresh and tangy dish that's quick to whip up, packed with protein, and full of flavor. It combines kidney beans, green beans, and garbanzo beans in a light vinaigrette dressing that’s perfect for a healthy lunch, snack, or even as a side dish at dinner. This salad is colorful, hearty, and versatile, making it ideal for picnics, barbecues, or meal prep.
This Mixed Greens Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side. Packed with leafy greens, crunchy vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, or cheese. Whether you need a quick lunch or a side for dinner, this salad will add a healthy and delicious touch to your meal.
This vibrant and refreshing Fruit Salad is a delightful blend of seasonal fruits, perfect for any time of day. The natural sweetness of ripe fruits, combined with a light citrus dressing, makes this salad not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a light dessert, this fruit salad is a simple yet satisfying choice. The recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite fruits or whatever is in season, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.
This refreshing Pear Salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combining juicy pears, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and fresh greens. The light honey and lemon dressing adds a delicate touch of sweetness that complements the salad beautifully. It's an easy-to-make dish that works wonderfully as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, and it's great for impressing guests with its elegance and simplicity.
This fresh and vibrant spinach salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, featuring crisp baby spinach, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, crunchy red onions, and toasted almonds. A homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together, making this dish a delightful option for any meal. It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for those who want to cook their own meals.
Looking for a crunchy, refreshing side dish that’s easy to prepare? Coleslaw is a classic, colorful salad made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a simple meal at home. This dish is all about balancing crisp textures with tangy and slightly sweet flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you'll have a delicious, homemade coleslaw in no time.
Barley salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for any meal. Nutty barley combined with fresh vegetables, tangy lemon dressing, and a sprinkle of herbs makes this salad light yet filling. It’s a great option for meal prep and can be served warm or cold. Whether you're looking for a wholesome side dish or a hearty lunch, this barley salad is a go-to choice.
This refreshing cucumber salad is light, crisp, and perfect for a quick, healthy side dish. With the right balance of tangy and sweet, it's ideal for any meal or occasion. The combination of thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a simple vinaigrette dressing creates a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. Great for summer picnics, barbecues, or a simple weekday lunch, this cucumber salad is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Caprese Salad is a classic Italian dish that showcases the simplicity and elegance of fresh ingredients. With its vibrant colors and bright flavors, this salad is a celebration of summer on a plate. Juicy, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil are drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s the perfect dish when you want something quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor.
These Puff Pastry Tarts are light, flaky, and endlessly versatile. Whether you're filling them with fresh fruit for a breakfast treat or savory toppings for a snack, they come together quickly and bake into golden, crispy perfection. Perfect for any time of day, they’re an excellent recipe to keep in your back pocket for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Shrimp Cocktail is a classic appetizer that’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. The tender, juicy shrimp are paired with a zesty homemade cocktail sauce that’s packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity; it’s quick to prepare and delivers a sophisticated taste that will impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or a holiday feast, Shrimp Cocktail is a go-to recipe that never disappoints.
There's nothing quite like the warm, gooey goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie. These cookies are crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and loaded with rich, melted chocolate chips. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade treat, this recipe is sure to become your go-to. Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make these cookies perfect for bakers of all levels.
The classic Gin and Tonic is a refreshing and zesty cocktail perfect for unwinding or adding a touch of sophistication to any gathering. With just a few ingredients, it’s simple to make, yet bursting with bright citrus and botanicals. This recipe highlights the balance between the gin’s aromatic profile and the quinine in tonic water, complemented by a fresh lime wedge for extra zest. It’s a versatile drink, ideal for warm-weather sipping or as a go-to party drink year-round.
Who can resist a juicy, flavorful pulled pork sandwich? Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender pork is shredded and piled high on soft buns with your favorite barbecue sauce. It's perfect for a casual lunch, picnic, or game day, and it's easier to make than you might think! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this pulled pork recipe is sure to impress with its smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Shrimp Alfredo is a classic Italian-inspired dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a creamy, Parmesan-rich Alfredo sauce. It’s quick to make, with a silky sauce that clings to fettuccine noodles, offering a luscious bite every time. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this Shrimp Alfredo is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Steak Frites is a classic French dish that pairs perfectly seared steak with crispy, golden fries. It's a simple yet elegant meal, often found in French bistros. The tender, juicy steak contrasts beautifully with the crunchy fries, all brought together by a side of béarnaise or garlic butter. This recipe will guide you through preparing this beloved dish at home, giving you a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Potato Leek Soup is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for chilly days or when you crave something warm and soothing. The combination of tender potatoes and mild leeks creates a velvety texture, while a hint of garlic and fresh herbs enhances the flavor. This soup is easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying meal, whether you're serving it as a starter or the main course.
S’mores are the perfect campfire treat! This classic dessert combines toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers for a deliciously gooey and sweet treat. Whether you're roasting marshmallows by the fire or making them in the oven, these are sure to be a hit for any outdoor (or indoor!) gathering. Simple to make, S’mores bring nostalgia and flavor in every bite.
These tender and buttery Vanilla Bean Scones are perfect for breakfast or a snack with tea. The rich, creamy flavor of real vanilla bean pairs wonderfully with the light sweetness of the glaze. With their crumbly yet soft texture, these scones are easy to make and irresistible to enjoy fresh out of the oven.
Meat pies are a savory delight packed with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for a hearty meal, these pies are comforting and satisfying, whether served hot or cold. This classic recipe brings together tender beef, rich spices, and a perfectly golden crust that will make it a family favorite. Meat pies are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day, making them a must-try dish for home cooks.
This classic Banana Bread recipe is perfect for using up overripe bananas. It's moist, flavorful, and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you're a beginner baker or experienced, this comforting bread is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it as a quick breakfast, snack, or even dessert.
This Carrot Ginger Soup is a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any time of year. The combination of sweet carrots and spicy ginger makes this soup vibrant and packed with flavor. It's light, creamy, and comforting without any added cream, making it a healthy choice for lunch or dinner. This recipe is simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal effort, yet it’s bursting with deliciousness.
New England Clam Chowder is a creamy, comforting dish packed with fresh clams, tender potatoes, and flavorful bacon. This chowder brings the taste of the sea straight to your kitchen and is perfect for chilly days. The blend of milk, cream, and clam broth creates a velvety soup that's hearty enough for lunch or dinner. A few key ingredients and simple cooking methods make this chowder a must-try for those who want to cook their own comforting, homemade soup.
This Lobster Bisque is a rich, creamy, and indulgent seafood dish perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special. Made with tender lobster meat, a blend of aromatic vegetables, and a splash of cream, this bisque has layers of flavor that are both comforting and luxurious. Whether you're cooking for a fancy dinner or just craving something rich and savory, this lobster bisque will deliver. It's surprisingly easy to make and will give you a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
The Piña Colada is the perfect tropical cocktail, bringing together the sweetness of pineapple and creaminess of coconut with the smoothness of rum. A staple of beach vacations and summer parties, this drink is incredibly easy to make at home. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a tropical-themed dinner, a homemade Piña Colada will transport you to a Caribbean paradise.
These Mini Quiches are the perfect bite-sized delights for breakfast, snacks, or any time you need a delicious, savory treat. With a crisp, buttery crust and a rich, creamy filling, these quiches are endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer classic Lorraine with bacon and cheese or a veggie-packed version, these quiches are sure to impress. Ideal for meal prep or serving at gatherings, they are as versatile as they are tasty.
Boston Cream Pie is a delicious classic dessert that layers light, fluffy sponge cake with smooth vanilla pastry cream, all topped with a rich chocolate ganache. Despite its name, this indulgent treat is more cake than pie and is a favorite for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this recipe will have you coming back for more.
Teriyaki Chicken is a savory and sweet dish with a glossy glaze that clings to tender chicken pieces, giving you that perfect blend of umami flavor. This easy-to-make recipe combines soy sauce, honey, and ginger to create a classic Japanese-style sauce that caramelizes beautifully over the chicken. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it's both quick to prepare and full of flavor.
This Creamy Chicken Gravy is a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or chicken dishes. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to whip up, and it adds a comforting, savory element to any meal. The combination of chicken stock and cream makes for a luscious, silky gravy that’s sure to impress your family and guests.