Here’s a delicious Nicoise Salad recipe inspired by Love and Lemons, known for their healthy and vibrant meals. Nicoise salad is a classic French salad that combines fresh vegetables, protein-packed tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and a simple vinaigrette dressing. It’s perfect for a light yet filling lunch or dinner!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (or any other black olives)
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 1/2 cup cooked green beans (steamed or blanched)
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil (or fresh grilled tuna if preferred)
- 1/4 cup roasted or boiled baby potatoes, sliced
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or tarragon), for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Components:
- Hard-boiled eggs: Place eggs in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Let cool, then peel and cut into quarters.
- Green beans: Steam or blanch the green beans for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Baby potatoes: If using fresh potatoes, boil them until tender, then slice into rounds. If using roasted potatoes, simply warm them before adding to the salad.
- Tuna: Drain the tuna from the can (if using canned tuna) and break it into pieces. You can also use grilled or seared fresh tuna for a more elevated version.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl or on individual plates, arrange the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, olives, eggs, green beans, potatoes, and tuna.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well-coated.
5. Serve:
Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or tarragon, and serve immediately. You can also add a few extra olives or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.
Tips:
- Make it Vegan: Skip the tuna and eggs, and replace them with chickpeas or roasted tempeh for protein.
- Add a Cheese: For a more indulgent version, add some crumbled feta cheese or fresh goat cheese.
- Serve with Bread: Serve this salad with a side of crusty French baguette or pita for a complete meal.
This Nicoise Salad is the perfect combination of fresh vegetables, protein, and a zesty dressing, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish for any occasion. Enjoy!