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Nicoise Salad (French salad with tuna)

Nicoise Salad (French salad with tuna)
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Nicoise Salad (French salad with tuna) is a vibrant, healthy, and colorful dish combining fresh vegetables, tender tuna, and bright olives. This classic French recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and crisp flavors, ideal for any meal of the day. Nutritious, quick to prepare, and beautifully presented, it can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • Fresh Tuna (seared or canned in olive oil) – 6 oz
  • Green Beans – 8 oz, blanched
  • Baby Potatoes – 12 oz, boiled
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs – 3, peeled and quartered
  • Cherry Tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
  • Kalamata Olives – 1/3 cup, pitted
  • Romaine or Butter Lettuce – 4 cups, chopped
  • Capers – 2 tablespoons

Dressing Ingredients

  • Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 3 tablespoons
  • Fresh Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Fresh Parsley or Chives – 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black Pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Vegetables: Boil the baby potatoes until just tender, about 15-20 minutes, then drain. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately shock them in ice water to retain vibrant color and a crisp texture.
  2. Cook the Tuna: If using fresh tuna, season lightly with salt and pepper, then sear on high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, aiming for a rare center. If using canned tuna packed in olive oil, drain and gently flake it.
  3. Boil the Eggs: Place eggs in boiling water for 9 to 10 minutes for a hard-boiled texture. Cool, peel, and quarter the eggs for easy mixing into the salad.
  4. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil until emulsified and smooth, creating a tangy and flavorful dressing.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Arrange a bed of chopped lettuce on a large plate. Layer the potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, hard-boiled eggs, and tuna artfully over the lettuce. Drizzle generously with dressing and garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook green beans and potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy.
  • Arrange ingredients thoughtfully for an appealing, colorful presentation.
  • Dress the salad just before serving to keep vegetables crisp.
  • Adjust salt and acidity to taste for balanced flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nicoise Salad, French Salad, Tuna Salad, Healthy Salad, Low Carb, Gluten Free

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/nicoise-salad-french-salad-with-tuna/