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 |
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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.
Tuna Nicoise Salad Pairing Suggestions
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Chilled White Wine: A light and crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the fresh and tangy elements of the salad. The acidity of the wine matches well with the lemon dressings and olives.
▪️
Baguette: A fresh, crusty baguette on the side can be the perfect accompaniment. It is excellent for soaking up any remaining dressing on your plate.
▪️
Lemon Herb Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, serve this salad with a refreshing lemon herb iced tea. The citrus notes complement the dressing, and the herbs resonate with the salad's fresh flavors.
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