Ni Oise Salad Wellplated Com

Pronounced “knee-swahz,” Niçoise salad is named for Nice, France, a city located on the French Riviera. Most often, the ingredients in a Niçoise salad you’ll see are:

Hard-boiled eggsSteamed or blanched veggies (baby potatoes and green beans are quite ubiquitous)Tuna and/or anchovies (I use both)Briny ingredients like olives (Niçoise olives bien sur) and capersTomatoesRed onionA zippy vinaigrette

What will likely surprise you is that the “original” Niçoise salad recipe did not call for potatoes or green beans…or cooked veggies of any kind. That said, I’ve ordered Niçoise salad in many cities in France—including Nice—and every single dish has come with potatoes, and most with green beans too. Chefs also add their own twists. Ina Garten’s salad Niçoise is different from Julia Child’s salad Niçoise, which is different from Nigella’s salad Niçoise. Like many great recipes, Niçoise salad evolves over time. It leaves room for your tastes. For example:

I get that most of you do not share my ardor for anchovies…but if you do (hi soulmate!), Niçoise salad is an ideal place to add anchovy fillets. If not? No biggie, leave them out.Not crazy about tuna? Try Niçoise salad with salmon.Hate olives? Replace them with a different briny, salty ingredient like capers, or do a Niçoise salad with feta.

And if none of this sounds appealing to you, pop on over to Spinach Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing or Steak Salad. It’s impossible not to love them. But, if like me you have a soft spot for a salad Niçoise, join me and let’s make one!

How to Make the Best Niçoise Salad

A classic Niçoise salad recipe does have a lot of components, but none are difficult. This recipe yields a generous amount and lends itself well to scaling and saving for meal prep. For example, you can hard boil extra eggs and slice extra veggies, then assemble the salad in portions as you need it.

The Ingredients

Lettuce. A bed of soft lettuce is the perfect base for this salad. It catches the dressing and is packed with folate and iron. Boston, Bibb, or butter lettuce is our choice. You can also use mixed greens if you prefer. Eggs. Hard-boiled eggs add protein to the salad. The yolk also adds rich flavor and creaminess. (You can use this Instant Pot Boiled Eggs recipes to make them.)

Potatoes + Green Beans. Use both of these veggies, or choose just one. Once boiled, they’re transferred to an ice bath, which ensures they’re the ideal crisp-tender texture.Tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are a delicious juicy, fresh element. Plus, they add beautiful color to the salad. Any ripe tomatoes work well here.Cucumber. Crisp and refreshing. Olives. The perfect salty, briny addition; I love black olives in Greek Salad too.

Tuna. With oodles of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, tuna is an excellent way to make this salad more filling. Using canned tuna makes it easy too.

Niçoise Salad Dressing. A simple blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, garlic, and chives. It’s a light and lively vinaigrette that brings life to all the ingredients. You also can add shallots and Dijon mustard if you wish, but it’s not necessary.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days. If possible, store the ingredients separately so the lettuce doesn’t get soggy.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Dutch Oven. Ideal for boiling the eggs and veggies. Mixing Bowls. This set of mixing bowls has sizes that will work wonderfully for the ice baths. Liquid Measuring Cup. Measure and mix the dressing in this cup.

Who wants to join me in the Riviera?