Teresa's Recipes
Nicoise Salad
Experience the vibrant flavors of the French Riviera with this classic Nicoise Salad. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tender green beans, rich tuna, and creamy hard-boiled eggs, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Originating from Nice, France, this dish has been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine since the 19th century, embodying the region's love for fresh, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated dinner, the Nicoise Salad is a celebration of summer and a symbol of French culinary tradition.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Mixed salad greens
- 1 can (5 oz), drained and flaked Canned tuna
- 2, peeled and sliced Hard-boiled eggs
- 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup, trimmed and blanched Green beans
- 1/4, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1/3 cup, pitted Kalamata olives
- 2-3 (optional) Anchovy fillets
- 1/4 cup, torn Fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- to taste Salt and pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Begin by blanching the green beans: bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the beans, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed salad greens as the base.
- Top the greens with the flaked canned tuna, sliced hard-boiled eggs, halved cherry tomatoes, blanched green beans, red onion slices, Kalamata olives, and anchovy fillets if using.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a zesty dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking the eggs or tuna too much.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Tips
- For a heartier salad, add slices of boiled potatoes or fresh herbs like parsley and chives.
- Feel free to substitute the tuna with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a different protein option.
- Serve with a crusty baguette for a complete meal.