How to Make a Classic French Nicoise Salad

The Niçoise salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that originates from Nice, France. It's a perfect combination of fresh vegetables, proteins, and the quintessential Mediterranean flavors. Making a classic French Niçoise salad is not only simple, but it also provides a healthy and delicious meal option. Below, we’ll break down the steps necessary to create this iconic French dish.

Ingredients for a Classic Niçoise Salad

To prepare a classic Niçoise salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups of mixed greens (such as arugula or butter lettuce)
4 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, quartered
1 cup of green beans, trimmed
2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and cubed
1 can of tuna in olive oil, drained
4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
1 cup of black olives (preferably Niçoise or Kalamata)
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions to Prepare the Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing and preparing your vegetables. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 3 minutes until they are tender yet crisp. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This will help retain their vibrant green color.

Next, boil the potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender (approximately 15-20 minutes). Once cooked, drain and let them cool before cutting them into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl or platter, start with a bed of mixed greens. Arrange the quartered tomatoes, blanched green beans, and cubed potatoes on top of the greens. Flake the tuna over the salad, followed by the quartered hard-boiled eggs, and sprinkle the black olives throughout.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

To make the dressing, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar in a small bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle the dressing over the assembled salad.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish your classic French Niçoise salad by garnishing it with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately, either as a main dish or as a delightful side salad.

Tips for the Perfect Niçoise Salad

Here are a few tips to elevate your Niçoise salad:

Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a delicious Niçoise salad lies in the freshness of its ingredients. Whenever possible, opt for organic and seasonal produce.
Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients such as roasted bell peppers, radishes, or artichoke hearts based on your preference.
Properly Cook the Eggs: Ensure your hard-boiled eggs are cooked perfectly; you can achieve this by simmering them for about 9-12 minutes.

The classic French Niçoise salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a healthy meal filled with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Enjoy cooking and savoring this exquisite salad that celebrates the flavors of the Mediterranean!