Tuna Niçoise Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that originates from the sunny region of Nice, France. This classic salad combines fresh, high-quality ingredients for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With flaky tuna, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives, every bite is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether served as a light lunch or an elegant dinner, Tuna Niçoise Salad is both satisfying and nutritious, making it a timeless favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb small new potatoes, halved
- 8 oz green beans, trimmed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup pitted black or Niçoise olives
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the halved potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Blanch the Green Beans: In a separate pot of boiling salted water, cook the green beans for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain and pat dry.
- Cook the Eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 9 minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath, peel, and slice into halves or quarters.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the salad greens on a large platter or individual plates. Top with the cooked potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Flake the tuna over the salad and add the sliced eggs.
- Dress and Garnish: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a standalone dish or with crusty bread on the side.
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Tuna Niçoise Salad that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
