Tuna Nicoise Salad

Tuna Nicoise Salad is a classic French salad that is both beautifully colorful and wonderfully nutritious. Originating from Nice, France, this salad traditionally includes a variety of fresh vegetables, tuna, and hard-boiled eggs, all topped with a luscious dressing. It embodies a perfect balance of flavors - from the briny olives and anchovies to the crisp freshness of cucumbers and radishes, with a hint of tangy caperberries. Tuna Nicoise Salad is not only a visual delight but also a hearty and filling dish that can serve as a complete meal. The star of the salad is undoubtedly the tuna, often seasoned with a vibrant herb dressing that ties all the ingredients together. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, especially during the warmer months.

Tuna Nicoise Salad Ingredients

▪️ 2 cups of fresh tuna chunks (or canned tuna in olive oil)
▪️ 4 boiled eggs, halved
▪️ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
▪️ 1 cup radishes, whole or halved
▪️ ½ cup cucumbers, sliced
▪️ 1 cup mixed olives (green and black)
▪️ ½ cup cornichons (small pickles)
▪️ 4-6 anchovy fillets
▪️ Fresh greens (e.g., spring onions, chives)
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste
▪️ Mixed edible flowers (optional, for garnish)

Herb Dressing:

▪️ ½ cup olive oil
▪️ ¼ cup lemon juice
▪️ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
▪️ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
▪️ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
▪️ 1 clove garlic, minced
▪️ Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Tuna Nicoise Salad

Step 1: Prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, basil, parsley, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: On a large serving platter, arrange the tuna chunks, boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, radishes, cucumbers, mixed olives, cornichons, and anchovy fillets in sections.

Step 3: Drizzle the prepared herb dressing evenly over the arranged salad components.

Step 4: Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh greens and edible flowers, if using.

Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant and refreshing Tuna Nicoise Salad.

Overview of Tuna Nicoise Salad

Category	Details
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	10 minutes (for boiled eggs)
Servings	4
Nutritional Information	Protein: 20g, Carbohydrates: 10g, Fats: 15g
Energy	880 kJ (210 cal) per serving
Main Ingredients	Tuna, Eggs, Cherry Tomatoes, Radishes, Cucumbers, Olives, Anchovy Fillets
Sauce Ingredients	Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Basil, Parsley, Dijon Mustard, Garlic
Cooking Method	Boiling (for eggs), Assembling
Meal Categories	Lunch, Light Dinner, Family Meals
Key Flavors	Savory, Tangy, Fresh
Texture	Crunchy, Chunky
Dietary Information	Gluten-free
Allergen Information	Contains fish (tuna, anchovies), eggs
Storage Tips	Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.
Serving Suggestions	Serve with crusty bread or steamed potatoes

Fun Facts about Tuna Nicoise Salad

▪️ The name 'Nicoise' means 'in the style of Nice', referring to the French city where this salad originated.
▪️ Traditional Nicoise salads are known for their vibrant, colorful presentations that are almost too beautiful to eat.
▪️ This salad was initially a popular dish among pilgrims and travelers for its hearty ingredients that could be easily carried and consumed.
▪️ There is some debate among purists about whether or not cooked vegetables should be included in the salad.
▪️ Nicoise olives, from the French Riviera, add a distinctive flavor to the dish that is hard to replace with other types of olives.