Tuna Nicoise Salad Recipe with Easy Vinaigrette- combines fresh ingredients, a well-balanced flavor profile, a tangy dressing, and various textures. These elements come together to create the perfect salad. With each bite, you get a blend of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more of this irresistible dish!
1cupFrench green beanstrimmed (other green bean varieties will also work)
4largeeggs
25-ounce canstuna, packed in olive oil
2cupscherry tomatoeshalved
1cupKalamata olivespitted (or black olives)
¼cupcapers
½cupthinly sliced red onion
4cupsmixed salad greens
Salt and pepperto taste
For the vinaigrette:
½cupextra virgin olive oil
2tablespoonsred wine vinegar
1tablespoonDijon mustard
1garlic cloveminced
Salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until fork tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon leaving the water in the pot. Cut the potatoes in halves or quarters, and set aside.
In the same saucepan, bring water to a boil again. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and transfer the green beans to a bowl of ice water to cool (ice bath). Once cooled, drain and set aside.
Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 6-10 minutes- depending on how you like the yolk done. Drain the eggs and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Let them cool for a few minutes, then peel and cut them into quarters.
Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside. You can also combine all the dressing ingredients in a small jar with a lid and shake.
In a large platter or salad bowl, arrange the salad greens. Arrange the cooked potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, sliced red onion, tuna, and hard-boiled eggs over the top of the greens.
Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the composed salad and let it sit for a few minutes. When ready to serve, gently toss to combine to avoid breaking up the eggs—season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the salad onto individual plates and serve.
Notes
Freshness is Key: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for vibrant vegetables, ripe cherry tomatoes, and firm tuna packed in olive oil.
Cook Potatoes and Green Beans Correctly: Cook the baby red potatoes until they are tender but still hold their shape. Similarly, blanch the green beans until they are crisp-tender to retain their vibrant color and crunchiness.
Flake the Tuna Carefully: Flake the tuna into the salad gently to maintain its texture and prevent it from breaking apart too much.
Dress Just Before Serving: To keep the salad fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy, dress it with the vinaigrette or serve it on the side. This ensures that the salad retains its crispness.