Salad Nicoise

Salad Nicoise

This classic Salad Nicoise has lots of tasty vegetables, beans, and proteins. It's a traditional French salad full of vitamins and minerals. With tangy lemon dressing, crunchy green beans, and fluffy potatoes, this salad is delicious and keeps you wanting more.

Salad Nicoise

If you are ready to master the art of a traditional Nicoise salad, then you've come to the right place. This easy and highly customizable recipe is both delicious and nutritious!

Recipe Video

 

Why This Recipe Works

This salad Nicoise recipe works wonderfully because it combines a variety of fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients that create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. It's a healthy choice, packed with protein from eggs, fiber from vegetables, and healthy fats from olives and olive oil. The recipe is highly customizable, allowing for easy adjustments to suit dietary preferences.

By omitting the eggs, it becomes a satisfying vegan meal, while the naturally gluten-free ingredients ensure it's suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. This adaptability makes Niçoise salad a versatile, wholesome option for anyone seeking a nutritious and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Green Beans:

As this Nicoise salad is prepared with fresh green beans, you can prepare them for cooking by washing them and trimming the stems off. However, if you don't have access to fresh green beans, you can always use frozen or canned ones. If you opt for frozen beans, you can prepare them the same way by blanching them and tossing them into an ice bath. If you choose canned, ensure you thoroughly rinse them to remove any excess sodium from the brine. Just keep in mind that the canned beans will have a softer texture than the firm and crunchy fresh green beans.

Potatoes:

For an authentic Niçoise salad, use small, firm potatoes like fingerlings, new potatoes, or baby red potatoes. These varieties hold their shape well when boiled and sliced, providing a creamy texture without becoming mushy.

Artichoke Hearts:

If using fresh artichokes for your salad Nicoise, start by trimming the tough outer leaves and cutting off the top quarter and the stem. You can also use canned or jarred artichoke hearts for convenience. If you opt for frozen artichoke hearts, these usually need to be boiled for about 5-10 minutes until tender. However, jarred and canned artichoke hearts are already prepped and cooked making them a very convenient option. If using these as an option, ensure you rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess brine.

Chickpeas:

When it comes to chickpeas, you can use either canned or dried for your classic Nicoise salad. If you opt for canned, drain the chickpeas, and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and preservatives. However, if you are opting to use dried chickpeas, you will need to begin by soaking them in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Drain the soaked chickpeas, then boil them in fresh water for about 1-2 hours until they are tender. Add a pinch of salt during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Once tender, drain the chickpeas and let them cool. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings if desired.

You can also make chickpeas in the Instant Pot as I did.

Cucumber

For Niçoise salad, use fresh, crisp cucumbers such as English or Persian varieties. These cucumbers have thin skins and small seeds, providing a mild, refreshing flavor.

Salad Nicoise vertical

Radishes:

Radishes add a sharp, peppery crunch to Niçoise salad, enhancing its flavor and texture. Use fresh, firm radishes, slicing them thinly into rounds or half-moons. Their vibrant color and crispness provide a refreshing contrast to the softer ingredients like potatoes and eggs. For a milder taste, soak the sliced radishes in ice water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.

Hard-Boiled Eggs:

I'm using this Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs recipe since it's quick, easy, and consistently delivers perfect eggs.

You can also boil the eggs for 8-10 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and make peeling easier. This ensures the yolks are fully cooked without being overdone.

Nicoise Olives:

Niçoise olives are a key ingredient in the traditional Niçoise salad, providing an authentic taste of Provence. When using Niçoise olives, make sure they are pitted. However, if you can't find Niçoise olives, Kalamata olives can be a suitable substitute, although they have a slightly different flavor profile.

Capers:

Capers are small, pickled flower buds that add a tangy, salty punch to Niçoise salad. To use capers in your salad, rinse them briefly to remove excess salt or brine. Scatter them sparingly over the salad to avoid overpowering the other flavors.

Parsley:

Parsley is a versatile herb that adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to Niçoise salad. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is best for its robust taste and bright green color. Chop the parsley finely and sprinkle it over the assembled salad to add a burst of freshness and a subtle peppery note.

Lemon Vinaigrette:

This healthy salad Nicoise pairs incredibly well with this tasty lemon vinaigrette. However, you can pair it with just about any fresh vinaigrette. Even just a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar will really take your salad to the next level.

How to Make a French Nicoise Salad

Step One: 

Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This process preserves their vibrant color and crisp texture.

Step Two: 

Boil the potatoes until just tender, about 10-15 minutes. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy, so keep an eye on them. After boiling, let them cool before slicing to keep their shape intact.

Step Three: 

Boil the trimmed artichoke hearts in salted water for about 20-30 minutes until they are tender. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the base; it should go in easily. You can skip this step if using canned, jarred, or frozen artichoke hearts.

Step Four:

Arrange your tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, radishes, and hard-boiled eggs thoughtfully on a large platter. A visually appealing presentation enhances the dining experience.

Step Five: 

Scatter the top of your salad with olives, capers, artichoke hearts, and parsley.

Step Six: 

Finish with a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of zesty lemon vinaigrette.

Step Seven:

Serve with a glass of chardonnay, and enjoy your authentically French meal!

Tips

  • For a refreshing experience, chill all the ingredients before assembling the salad. A cold Niçoise salad is especially delightful on a warm day.
  • Feel free to add tuna, tofu, chicken or anything you like.

What to Serve With a Traditional Salad Nicoise

Salad Niçoise pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it alongside a crusty French baguette or a light, herbed focaccia to soak up the tangy lemon vinaigrette dressing. For a heartier meal, add a simple soup like French onion or a light vegetable soup. Finish with a classic French dessert, such as a fruit tart or creme brulee, for a delightful, well-rounded dining experience.

FAQs

Is a French Nicoise salad gluten-free?

Yes, traditional Niçoise salad is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, like certain dressings or canned goods, do not contain gluten.

How can I make this salad Nicoise more filling?

To make the salad more filling, add extra protein such as tuna, grilled chicken, or seared tofu. You can also increase the amount of potatoes or add a serving of crusty bread on the side.

For how long can leftover salad Nicoise be kept fresh?

Leftover Niçoise salad can be kept fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To maintain the best quality, store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

More Salad Recipes

With summer just around the corner, you might be looking for more fresh and flavorful salad recipes to take advantage of all the delicious produce available. Check out this collection of more salad recipes to inspire you this summer.

Caprese Salad

Eggplant Salad

Caesar Salad

Grilled Peach Salad

Salad Nicoise

This incredibly satisfying traditional salad Nicoise is not only delicious and fulfilling, but it's also packed with protein and a variety of essential vitamins and nutrients.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad
Cuisine: French
Keyword: french salad, nicoise, Salad Nicoise, Salad Nicoise recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 48 minutes
Total Time: 53 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Corrie

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces green beans
  • 8 ounces potatoes
  • 4 artichoke hearts
  • 1 cup cucumber sliced
  • 1 cup chickpeas
  • 1 cup radishes
  • 3 eggs boiled
  • ยฝ cup nicoise olives
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon vinaigrette

Instructions

  • Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath.
  • Boil the potatoes until just tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Boil the trimmed artichoke hearts in salted water for about 20-30 minutes until tender.
  • Arrange your tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, radishes, and hard-boiled eggs on a platter.
  • Top with olives, capers, artichoke hearts, and parsley.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and finish your Nicoise salad with a splash of lemon vinaigrette.
  • Serve with a glass of chardonnay, and enjoy your authentically French meal ๐Ÿ™‚

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcal Carbohydrates: 21g Protein: 9g Fat: 11g Saturated Fat: 2g Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g Monounsaturated Fat: 4g Trans Fat: 0.01g Cholesterol: 123mg Sodium: 1137mg Potassium: 532mg Fiber: 5g Sugar: 3g Vitamin A: 484IU Vitamin C: 20mg Calcium: 75mg Iron: 2mg

Notes

  • For a refreshing experience, chill all the ingredients before assembling the salad. A cold Niçoise salad is especially delightful on a warm day.
  • Feel free to add tuna, tofu, chicken or any other protein you like.
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