How to Make Salad Nicoise (Step-by-Step)

Experience the delightful flavors of a classic French dish with Julia’s Salad Niçoise. This vibrant salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a rich source of nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome meal. Below, you will find the recipe complete with ingredients and instructions to help you prepare this exquisite dish for any occasion.

Julia’s Salad Niçoise

A traditional Salad Niçoise is a composition of fresh ingredients that brings together the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility, allowing for customization based on seasonal ingredients.

Julia's Salad Niçoise

Ingredients

  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and blanched
  • 1 cup small new potatoes, boiled and sliced
  • 1 can (5 oz) tuna in oil, drained and flaked
  • 1/4 cup black olives, preferably Niçoise or Kalamata
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil and parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Begin by preparing the vegetables. Blanch the green beans in salted boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until tender but crisp. Drain and plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a separate pot, boil the new potatoes until fork-tender. Once cooked, drain, allow them to cool slightly, and slice them into rounds.
  3. On a large serving platter, arrange the wedges of tomatoes, green beans, and sliced potatoes in sections. This will create a beautiful rainbow effect on your dish.
  4. Scatter the flaked tuna over the vegetables and add the black olives. Place the quartered hard-boiled eggs around the salad for an elegant touch.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.
  6. Lastly, garnish with fresh basil and parsley to elevate the flavors. Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for a short while to serve chilled.

This Salad Niçoise offers a refreshing balance of flavors that celebrate the spirit of French cuisine. It’s perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish at gatherings. Enjoy this beautiful medley of colors and tastes as you indulge in a classic culinary experience.