Salad Niçoise with Tunas Recipe
Ingredients
- 450g (15 oz) new potatoes
- 300g (10 oz) green beans, trimmed
- 4 large eggs
- 250g (9 oz) mixed salad greens
- 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 150g (5 oz) black olives, pitted
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 x 170g (6 oz) cans of tuna in olive oil, drained
- 60ml (1/4 cup) extra-virgin olive oil
- 20ml (4 tsp) red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 10g (2 tsp) Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 5g (1 tsp) capers, drained (optional)
- 5g (1 tsp) fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Eggs
Place new potatoes in a small pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. In the last 7 minutes, add eggs to the pot. Once done, drain and set aside to cool. Peel and quarter the eggs after cooling.
Step 2: Cook the Green Beans
In another pot of boiling water, blanch green beans for 3 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then drain thoroughly in a colander.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. This dressing will give your salad a zesty and aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, green beans, salad greens, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion slices. Gently toss with half of the dressing to evenly coat the ingredients.
Step 5: Add Tuna and Eggs
Flake the canned tuna into large chunks and arrange them over the salad. Add quartered eggs, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Drizzle the remaining dressing atop the salad.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
For a final touch, optionally garnish with capers and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Serve immediately, ideally with a crusty baguette.
Conclusion
Your magnificent Salad Niçoise is now ready to serve, offering an explosion of flavors from the earth and sea. With its combination of tender vegetables, zesty dressing, and hearty tuna, this salad is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny afternoon lunch or a chic dinner soirée, this refined dish transcends the ordinary and invites a touch of French elegance to your table. Enjoy the culinary journey and remember, a truly crafted dish is a unique narrative that speaks to its origins and to those who savor it.
