Nicoise salad is a classic French salad that originated from Nice, France. It is a healthy and refreshing salad that is perfect for a summer day. The traditional Nicoise salad is made with fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and olives. In this recipe, we will be using some variations to make it more delicious and healthy.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups of mixed greens
1 can of tuna (in water)
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup of green beans, trimmed
1/2 cup of sliced red onion
1/2 cup of sliced cucumber
1/2 cup of sliced radishes
1/4 cup of pitted Kalamata olives
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to make a delicious Nicoise salad:
Start by boiling the green beans for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside to cool.
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, sliced cucumber, sliced radishes, and pitted Kalamata olives.
Drain the canned tuna and add it to the salad bowl.
Add the cooled green beans to the salad bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Garnish the salad with sliced hard-boiled eggs and serve immediately.
Nutrition
This Nicoise salad recipe yields 4 servings. Here is the nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 290
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 18g
Variations
If you want to add some more flavor to your Nicoise salad, you can try these variations:
Instead of canned tuna, you can use grilled tuna or salmon.
Try adding some capers or anchovies for a saltier flavor.
Add some cooked potatoes for a heartier salad.
For a vegan version, omit the eggs and tuna and replace with grilled tofu or tempeh.
Use a different type of lettuce such as romaine, butter lettuce, or arugula.
Conclusion
Nicoise salad is a simple and healthy salad that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its fresh vegetables, protein-packed tuna, and healthy fats from the olive oil and eggs, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. Give it a try and enjoy!