If you’re craving a taste of France that’s both elegant and satisfying, look no further than the Nicoise Salad. This classic French dish is a delightful medley of fresh ingredients, textures, and flavours that come together to create a salad that’s not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty.
Ingredients:
- 200g green beans, trimmed
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 200g baby potatoes, boiled and sliced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 100g black olives
- 1 can of tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the green beans for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender yet crisp. Drain them and set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. This dressing will infuse your salad with flavour.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced baby potatoes, hard-boiled egg slices, black olives, drained tuna, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything to ensure the dressing coats all the components evenly.
- Season and Garnish: Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and visually appealing finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Nicoise Salad is now ready to be enjoyed. It’s perfect as a light lunch or dinner on its own, or you can pair it with a crusty baguette for a more substantial meal.
The Nicoise Salad is a celebration of Mediterranean flavours and textures. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences – whether you choose to add capers, anchovies, or even grilled chicken, the choice is yours. So, indulge in a taste of the French Riviera with this delightful and nutritious salad. Bon appétit!
