How to Make French Summer Vegetable Salad
French summer vegetable salad, also known as “salade niçoise,” is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for warm days. Packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the bounties of summer. Here’s how to make this delicious salad at home.
Ingredients
To prepare a classic French summer vegetable salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or yellow)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 100g green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cooked potatoes, cubed
- 1 can of tuna in olive oil, drained (optional)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 1/4 cup black olives (preferably Niçoise or Kalamata)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Dressing
For the dressing, you will need:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
Follow these simple steps to create your French summer vegetable salad:
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Cut the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper, and slice the red onion. Steam the green beans for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp, then plunge them into cold water to stop cooking. If you’re using potatoes, boil them until fork-tender, then cube them once cooled.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, ensuring a balance between acidity and oiliness.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and cooked potatoes. Add the blanched green beans, tuna (if using), and black olives. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
4. Add the Dressing
Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly. Be careful not to mash the ingredients.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top the salad with hard-boiled egg quarters and fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. This salad is a beautiful centerpiece for any summer meal.
Tips for the Perfect Salad
- Use seasonal vegetables for the freshest flavor.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like artichoke hearts or radishes for extra crunch.
- This salad can be made in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve.
Enjoy your homemade French summer vegetable salad as a light meal on its own or as a side dish at your next barbecue or picnic. Bon appétit!