Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that screams summer? The Nicoise Salad is the answer. This iconic French salad not only brings together a medley of flavors but also celebrates the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. Made with crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, tender green beans, and perfectly boiled eggs, it’s a wholesome meal that feels satisfying without being heavy.
This Nicoise Salad is a feast for the senses, combining the crunch of fresh vegetables with the richness of tuna and the creaminess of olive oil dressing. Whether you’re planning a picnic or just want a light dinner, this salad is versatile enough to serve any occasion.
Let’s not forget the taste – a delightful balance between the saltiness of the olives and the freshness of the herbs, this salad will leave your palate dancing with joy. It’s a dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious!
A Summer Delight
The Nicoise Salad captures the essence of summer with its vivid colors and fresh ingredients.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together the best of the season.
With a mix of crunch from greens and the juiciness of tomatoes, each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavor.
Incorporating fresh green beans adds a textural contrast, while slices of hard-boiled eggs contribute creaminess.
The succulent tuna ties everything together, ensuring a satisfying yet light meal perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients That Shine
This salad showcases a variety of vibrant ingredients that serve both aesthetic and culinary purposes.
Mixed salad greens form the foundation, providing a crisp base that complements the other elements.
Quartered tomatoes, with their bright red hues, not only look appealing but add a burst of juiciness to each mouthful.
Blanched green beans introduce a satisfying crunch, while the richness of tuna and the softness of hard-boiled eggs create a balance of textures.
The addition of black olives and thinly sliced red onion provides savory notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
A Simple Yet Flavorful Dressing
The dressing elevates the Nicoise Salad to new heights, enhancing the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients.
A blend of extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar creates a light vinaigrette that ties everything together without overpowering the dish.
Just a sprinkle of salt and pepper ensures the dressing complements rather than masks the freshness of the vegetables.
Garnishing for a Touch of Freshness
To finish off this colorful dish, fresh basil leaves are generously scattered over the top.
Their aromatic qualities not only brighten the appearance of the salad but also add a layer of depth to the flavor.
The vibrant green of basil against the other colors creates a stunning presentation, making the salad irresistible.
The Perfect Setting
Serving this Nicoise Salad in a rustic bowl enhances its charm, making it a centerpiece worthy of any table.
Setting it against a wooden table adds warmth, inviting diners to come together and enjoy a meal that’s both beautiful and nutritious.
Complementing the salad with a glass of chilled white wine creates an ideal pairing, perfect for a delightful summer dining experience.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Preparing the Nicoise Salad is a straightforward process that doesn’t require extensive cooking skills.
In just 25 minutes, you can have a beautiful and satisfying meal ready to serve.
This makes it an excellent choice for quick lunches, casual dinners, or even picnics, where fresh food shines.
The Perfect Classic Nicoise Salad
This classic Nicoise Salad is a vibrant combination of fresh vegetables, tuna, and hard-boiled eggs, all drizzled with a simple vinaigrette. It’s light yet filling, making it a perfect choice for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad greens as the base.
- Add the Vegetables: Top the greens with quartered tomatoes, blanched green beans, and sliced red onion.
- Layer the Protein: Arrange the tuna and hard-boiled eggs on top of the salad.
- Finish with Olives: Scatter the black olives over the salad for added flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish: Finish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and flavor before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
