Name: Niçoise Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/2 Tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp dried dill; 1/2 lb baby potatoes, quartered; 1 cup green beans, stems removed; 4 cups water (for blanching); 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved; 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, julienned; 7 radishes, halved or sliced; 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped; 1/4 cup olives, strained; 2 (5 oz) cans chunk light tuna, drained; Salt and pepper, to taste

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you have ever wanted to enjoy a salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors but also stands strong as a hearty meal, this Niçoise Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining perfectly tender baby potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and savory tuna, it’s a classic French dish that balances textures and tastes beautifully. Every bite delivers that delightful mix of freshness, protein, and a tangy twist from the dressing that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board on a white marbled surface holds neatly arranged chopped ingredients in separate sections. On the left side, there are six slices of hard-boiled eggs with yellow yolks and white edges. Next to the eggs are small, halved red cherry tomatoes, showing their juicy interiors. Below the tomatoes, a small pile of green and dark purple olives creates a mix of round shapes and shiny textures. Above the tomatoes, diced cucumber pieces with green skin and pale green flesh form a small heap. To the right of the cucumbers, quartered radishes with bright red skin and white insides sit in a cluster. Below these, thin slices of light purple onion are spread out in a loose pile with some strands extending outward. The scene is clean and colorful, capturing fresh, ready-to-use ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Niçoise Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each component brings a unique texture, color, and flavor, making this salad a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Olive oil: The heart of the dressing that adds a rich, smooth base and helps the spices infuse flavor into the potatoes.
Garlic powder: Adds a mild pungency that elevates the savory notes without overpowering.
Onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
Dried dill: A classic herbal touch that adds freshness to the dish.
Baby potatoes: Quartered for bite-size pieces, they are tender yet satisfyingly firm after air frying or roasting.
Green beans: Blanched and crisp, these add vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
Water: Essential for blanching green beans to preserve their bright color and texture.
Hard-boiled eggs: Halved to provide creamy richness and protein to the salad.
Romaine lettuce: Chopped for a crisp, refreshing bed to soak up all the flavors.
Grape tomatoes: Halved to burst with juicy sweetness in every bite.
Red onion: Julienned for a peppery bite that contrasts the mellow veggies.
Radishes: Sliced or halved for a peppery crunch that enlivens the salad.
Cucumber: Peeled and chopped to add coolness and crunch.
Olives: Strained to contribute that salty, briny punch.
Chunk light tuna: Packed with flavor and protein, it ties the dish together as the star ingredient.
Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and bring out all the natural flavors.

How to Make Niçoise Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing and Seasoning

Start by choosing your favorite salad dressing as a base or keep it simple and light. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill until well combined. This mixture will be your secret weapon to coat the potatoes and add a fragrant herbal lift to the salad.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Quarter the baby potatoes and toss them generously in the olive oil and herb blend you’ve just made. Air fry these at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden, crisp exterior. If you don’t have an air fryer, roasting in the oven at 400°F for about 30 minutes works beautifully as well, giving the potatoes a tender inside and that irresistible caramelized touch.

Step 3: Blanch the Green Beans

Trim the green beans by removing any stems, then plunge them into boiling water. Immediately turn off the heat and let them steep for roughly three minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer the beans to an ice bath right away to stop the cooking process and lock in that beautiful crunch and vivid color. This step is crucial for the perfect texture contrast in your salad.

Step 4: Prep the Fresh Veggies and Eggs

While your potatoes and green beans are cooking, hard boil your eggs, peel them, and cut them in halves. Chop the romaine lettuce, halve the grape tomatoes, julienne the red onion, slice or halve radishes, peel and chop cucumber, and strain the olives to prepare all your fresh ingredients. This vibrant assembly of veggies delivers the fresh snap needed to balance the richer elements.

Step 5: Combine and Dress

Drain the canned chunk light tuna and break it into bite-sized pieces with a fork. In a large bowl, gently toss together the romaine, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, radishes, onions, cucumber, olives, eggs, and tuna. Drizzle lightly with your chosen dressing or the olive oil-dill mix and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and a good crack of black pepper to taste. This final touch brings every layer of flavor together harmoniously.

How to Serve Niçoise Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with many potato wedges that are golden yellow with hints of light brown in some edges, sprinkled evenly with small green dried herb flakes. The wedges look crispy on the outside and soft inside, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Niçoise Salad Recipe, consider adding a few fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the flavor just before eating, enhancing the herbs and bringing a lovely zing to every forkful.

Side Dishes

This salad is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty French bread or a light garlic baguette. If you want something extra, a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of cucumber can round out the experience beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, arrange the components in sections on a large platter rather than tossing everything together. This allows the colors and textures to shine individually and creates an elegant look perfect for entertaining or a special family dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because the ingredients retain their texture, storing leftovers in separate airtight containers works best. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the lettuce and other veggies from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Niçoise Salad Recipe, as the fresh vegetables and eggs do not freeze well and will lose their desirable texture upon thawing.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the potatoes warm again, gently reheat them on the stove or in the oven. The rest of the salad is best served cold or at room temperature to maintain freshness and crispness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned in this Niçoise Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Seared fresh tuna works beautifully and adds an amazing texture and flavor, but canned tuna keeps it easy and affordable while still delicious.

How long can I store the salad once it’s combined?

It’s best enjoyed within a day or two after combining, especially if dressed, to keep the vegetables crisp and the flavors fresh.

What dressing pairs best with Niçoise salad?

A mustard vinaigrette or a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs complements the flavors perfectly without overwhelming them.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this Niçoise Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Of course! Steamed asparagus, roasted bell peppers, or artichoke hearts can be great additions, just be careful not to overpower the classic balance the dish offers.

Final Thoughts

Niçoise Salad Recipe is one of those timeless classics that never disappoints. It brings together fresh ingredients, robust flavors, and satisfying textures in a way that feels both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or a special gathering, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate—dive into this recipe and treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly delightful meal!