Salad Nicoise, a classic French salad, is a staple of many cuisines around the world. Made with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and olives, this simple yet flavorful dish has been a favorite among foodies for generations. But why settle for just one way of making it? In this article, we’ll explore 18 different Salad Nicoise recipes that put unique twists on the classic. From adding fresh green beans and potatoes to incorporating vegan-friendly ingredients like chickpeas, there’s something for everyone in this list. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a vegetarian, these recipes will inspire you to create your own delicious Salad Nicoise.
Traditional Salad Nicoise with Tuna and Olives
This iconic French salad gets a boost from juicy tuna and savory olives, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal or snack. With its simple preparation and bold flavors, this dish is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna in water (drained), about 6 oz
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
2. Top with tuna, breaking it up into small pieces as you go.
3. Sprinkle croutons over the top.
4. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad, tossing to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Fresh Green Beans and Potatoes
Experience the flavors of France with this classic Salad Nicoise, elevated by the addition of fresh green beans and potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked French green beans
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can (6 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine green beans, tuna, red onion, and olives.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and white wine vinegar.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Easy Salad Nicoise with Hard-Boiled Eggs
This classic French salad gets a boost from the addition of hard-boiled eggs, making it a satisfying and protein-packed option for lunch or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this flavorful and visually appealing dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
– 1/2 cup canned tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the hard-boiled eggs, tuna, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and green olives.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and white wine vinegar. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Anchovies and Cherry Tomatoes
This classic Provençal salad gets a boost from salty anchovies and sweet cherry tomatoes, making it a flavorful and refreshing addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 anchovy fillets
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cooked white beans (such as cannellini or navy)
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and white beans.
2. Arrange anchovy fillets on top of the salad.
3. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Light Salad Nicoise with Lemon Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad is a twist on the classic Nicoise, featuring succulent tuna, crispy vegetables, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup of cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup of capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 tbsp. lemon juice
– 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the flaked tuna and toss gently to coat.
3. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and capers.
4. Pour the tuna mixture over the vegetables and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Seared Tuna Steak
This Mediterranean-inspired salad combines the rich flavors of seared tuna steak, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 oz sushi-grade tuna steak
– 1/2 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the tuna steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts.
3. Drizzle olive oil and white wine vinegar over the salad, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Slice the seared tuna steak into thin strips and place on top of the salad.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vegan Salad Nicoise with Chickpeas
This plant-based take on the classic French salad replaces tuna and hard-boiled eggs with chickpeas, while maintaining the same flavorful and textured profile. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup sliced Kalamata olives
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, chickpeas, red bell pepper, olives, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Roasted Red Peppers
A twist on the classic French salad, this version adds smoky sweetness from roasted red peppers to the traditional tuna, capers, and hard-boiled eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 2 large hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– 1/4 cup of capers, rinsed and drained
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2-3 roasted red peppers (see notes), sliced into strips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the red peppers for about 30-40 minutes, or until skin is blistered.
3. Let cool, then peel off skin and slice into strips.
4. In a large bowl, combine tuna, eggs, capers, parsley, and roasted red pepper strips.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (roasting the peppers)
Salad Nicoise with Grilled Asparagus
A classic French salad gets a spring twist with the addition of grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 asparagus spears
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup of cooked white beans (such as cannellini or navy beans)
– 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 2 tbsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine tuna, beans, onion, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to combine.
5. Add grilled asparagus on top of the salad and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Artichoke Hearts
This recipe puts a creative spin on the classic Salad Nicoise by adding artichoke hearts, giving it a Mediterranean flair. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup canned tuna in oil, drained and flaked
– 1/4 cup vinaigrette (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Vinaigrette:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and tuna.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Kalamata Olives and Capers
This classic Provençal salad gets a boost from the rich flavors of Kalamata olives and capers. A perfect combination of textures and tastes, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 can (6 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, tuna, cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Smoked Salmon
This recipe puts a fresh spin on the classic Salad Nicoise by adding smoked salmon, creating a flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– 2 tablespoons Kalamata olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Arrange smoked salmon slices on top of the salad.
4. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Avocado and Lime Dressing
This classic French salad gets a fresh twist with the addition of creamy avocado and a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and quartered
– 1 can of black olives, pitted
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime dressing ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
+ 1/4 cup olive oil
+ 1 minced garlic clove
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, olives, eggs, and avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime dressing ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus time for hard-boiling eggs)
Salad Nicoise with Grilled Shrimp
Salad Nicoise, originally a French dish, gets a seafood twist with the addition of grilled shrimp. This refreshing salad is perfect for warm weather and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white beans (such as cannellini or navy)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
3. In a large bowl, combine white beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Add grilled shrimp on top of the salad and drizzle with white wine vinegar.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Quinoa and Feta
This recipe combines the traditional French salad, Salad Nicoise, with the nutty flavor of quinoa and the tanginess of feta cheese. The result is a healthy and satisfying side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp. olive oil
– 1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Radishes and Cucumber
This classic French salad gets a refreshing twist with the addition of spicy radishes and crunchy cucumber. A light and flavorful meal perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cups mixed greens
– 1/2 cup cooked tuna (canned or fresh)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup sliced red onion
– 4-5 radishes, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced
– 1 hard-boiled egg, diced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil and lemon juice for dressing
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, tuna, cherry tomatoes, red onion, radishes, and cucumber.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with diced egg and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Herbed Vinaigrette
A classic French salad, Salad Nicoise is a flavorful and refreshing combination of tuna, eggs, capers, and greens. This recipe adds a herby twist to the traditional vinaigrette for an added depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Capers for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine tuna, eggs, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Garnish with capers.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Salad Nicoise with Roasted Garlic Dressing
This classic Provençal salad gets a rich and creamy twist with the addition of roasted garlic dressing, perfectly balancing the flavors of tuna, eggs, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cups mixed greens
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, canned or marinated
– Roasted Garlic Dressing (recipe below)
Roasted Garlic Dressing:
– 3-4 garlic cloves, roasted and mashed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast garlic for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, tuna, eggs, cherry tomatoes, olives, and artichoke hearts.
3. Drizzle Roasted Garlic Dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes (including roasted garlic time)
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salad game with these 18 classic Salad Nicoise recipes! This French-inspired dish typically consists of tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and olives, but we’ve taken it to the next level by adding fresh green beans, roasted red peppers, grilled asparagus, and more. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegan, there’s something for everyone in this collection. From traditional recipes to innovative twists, discover new flavors and textures to add some je ne sais quoi to your salad routine.
