Nicoise Salad Recipe

Green beans: Fresh and trimmed, these add a crisp texture to the salad.

Hard-boiled eggs: Halved for easy eating and a boost of protein.

Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a burst of sweetness and color.

Pitted black olives: Adds a briny flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Tuna: Drained from a can, providing a rich source of protein.

Red onion: Sliced thinly for a sharp, tangy bite.

Mixed greens: A blend of leafy vegetables for a fresh base.

Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding a smooth richness.

Red wine vinegar: Provides acidity to balance the dressing.

Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the dressing.

Salt and pepper: Season to taste, enhancing all the flavors.

Blanching the green beans is a crucial step to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. To do this effectively, make sure to transfer the beans immediately from the boiling water to an ice bath. This process, known as shocking, halts the cooking and helps preserve the beans' bright green hue and crunch.

• green beans - Substitute with asparagus: Asparagus provides a similar crunch and can be blanched just like green beans.

• hard-boiled eggs - Substitute with soft-boiled eggs: Soft-boiled eggs offer a creamier texture and a slightly different flavor profile.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them a good alternative.

• black olives - Substitute with kalamata olives: Kalamata olives have a richer, more robust flavor that complements the salad well.

• tuna - Substitute with grilled chicken: Grilled chicken provides a different protein source and a slightly different texture.

• red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions.

• mixed greens - Substitute with arugula: Arugula adds a peppery flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the salad.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar texture and a slightly different, but pleasant, flavor.

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar provides a sweeter, more complex flavor.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard offers a similar tangy flavor with added texture.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced flavor compared to regular table salt.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a slightly different heat and flavor profile.

• To keep your Nicoise Salad fresh, store the mixed greens and vegetables separately from the dressing and protein components. This prevents the greens from becoming soggy.
• Place the mixed greens in a large, airtight container. Add a paper towel on top to absorb any excess moisture, which helps keep the greens crisp.
• Store the blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion in separate containers or resealable plastic bags. This keeps each ingredient fresh and prevents flavors from mingling too early.
• For the hard-boiled eggs, peel and store them in an airtight container. If you prefer, you can also keep them unpeeled and peel them just before serving.
• Transfer the tuna to a small, airtight container. If using canned tuna, ensure it is well-drained before storing.
• The dressing can be stored in a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before using to recombine the ingredients.
• When ready to serve, assemble the salad by combining the mixed greens and vegetables in a large bowl. Add the tuna and hard-boiled eggs on top, then drizzle with the dressing and toss gently.
• If you need to freeze any components, avoid freezing the mixed greens and dressing, as they do not thaw well. Instead, freeze the blanched green beans and tuna in separate airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
• For best results, consume the Nicoise Salad within 2-3 days of preparation. The dressing can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.

• Separate the hard-boiled eggs and tuna from the rest of the salad to prevent them from overcooking.
• Gently warm the green beans, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are slightly warm. Be careful not to overheat, as you want to maintain their fresh texture.
• If you prefer, you can also use a microwave. Place the vegetables in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until they reach your desired warmth.
• Reassemble the salad by placing the warmed vegetables back onto the mixed greens.
• Add the tuna and hard-boiled eggs back on top.
• Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss gently to combine.
• For an extra touch, you can lightly toast some bread and serve it on the side for a delightful crunch.

• Pot: Used to blanch the green beans in boiling water.

• Slotted spoon: Helps transfer the blanched green beans from the pot to the ice water.

• Bowl: Holds the ice water for cooling the green beans.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

• Whisk: Helps mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

• Large bowl: Used to combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and green beans.

• Tongs: Useful for tossing the salad gently to combine all ingredients.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the red onion and halving the cherry tomatoes.

• Knife: Used to slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes.

• Can opener: Opens the can of tuna.

• Measuring cups: Measures the quantities of green beans, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens.

• Measuring spoons: Measures the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dijon mustard.

• Serving platter: Presents the final Nicoise salad attractively.

Prep ingredients ahead: Blanch green beans and boil eggs the night before to save time on the day you make the salad.

Use pre-washed greens: Opt for pre-washed mixed greens to cut down on prep time.

Canned tuna convenience: Choose high-quality canned tuna for a quick protein addition without the need for cooking.

Simple dressing: Make the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge to streamline the assembly process.

Cherry tomatoes shortcut: Buy pre-halved cherry tomatoes to eliminate the need for chopping.