Vietnam
A salade Nicoise recipe is one of the most iconic dishes from the French Riviera. It’s fresh, colorful, and full of textures—from crisp vegetables to rich tuna and briny olives. Although the dish looks elegant, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can recreate a restaurant-quality salade Nicoise that feels both refreshing and satisfying. In this guide, Long Phuong will tell you what is salade Nicoise, the essential ingredients, step-by-step methods, delicious variations, serving ideas, and helpful tips to make your nicoise salade perfect every time.
1. What is special about salade Nicoise?
Salade Niçoise is a traditional French salad originating from Nice. What makes it special is the way it balances freshness, protein, and Mediterranean flavors in one bowl. Unlike many salads, it isn’t leafy by nature; instead, it highlights whole vegetables, tuna, boiled eggs, and olives arranged beautifully on a platter.
Several things set this nicoise salade apart:
- A unique combination of textures: crunchy green beans, soft potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and velvety eggs.
- Bold Mediterranean flavors: olives, anchovies, olive oil, and herbs.
- Hearty but healthy: it’s filling enough for a complete meal.
- Beautiful presentation: ingredients are often arranged neatly rather than tossed.
Because of its balance and flavor, the salade Nicoise recipe has become one of the most beloved salads in the world.
2. What are the ingredients of Niçoise salad ?
A classic salade Nicoise recipe includes simple, fresh ingredients. While variations exist, these are the most traditional components:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Protein | ||
| Canned Tuna in Olive Oil | 2 (5-oz) cans | Use high-quality, oil-packed tuna for the best flavor. |
| Large Eggs | 4 | Hard-boiled to perfection. |
| Vegetables & Greens | ||
| Small New Potatoes | 1 lb | Cooked and quartered. |
| Fresh Green Beans (Haricot Verts) | 1 cup | Trimmed and blanched until crisp-tender. |
| Cherry or Grape Tomatoes | 1 pint | Halved. |
| Persian or English Cucumber | 1 | Sliced. |
| Red Onion | 1/2 small | Thinly sliced. |
| Mixed Greens (Optional Base) | 4 cups | While traditionalists skip the base, a light bed of lettuce adds crunch. |
| Flavor & Garnish | ||
| Niçoise Olives (or Kalamata) | 1/2 cup | Pitted. |
| Capers | 2 tablespoons | Rinsed. |
| Fresh Basil or Parsley | For garnish. | Chopped. |
The ingredients are simple, but quality matters. Fresh vegetables and good olive oil make the salad shine.
3. Steps by steps how to make salade niçoise recipe
This top-rated salade Nicoise recipe is easy once your ingredients are prepped. Follow these steps to achieve the best flavor and presentation.
3.1. Prepare the vegetables
Start by washing and trimming all vegetables.
- Green beans: trim the ends and blanch in boiling water for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to keep their bright color.
- Potatoes: boil whole baby potatoes until tender, then slice in halves or quarters.
- Tomatoes: cut cherry tomatoes in half or slice Roma tomatoes into wedges.
- Onions: thinly slice red onions or shallots for a mild sweetness.
Proper preparation keeps the vegetables crisp and vibrant.
3.2. Cook the eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are an essential part of salade nicoise recipe:
- Place eggs in a pot of cold water.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and cook for 9–10 minutes.
- Transfer to cold water and peel.
- Slice the eggs into halves or quarters before plating.
The yolk should be firm but not chalky, giving the salad a creamy contrast.
3.3. Prepare the tuna
The tuna can be served two ways:
- Canned tuna in olive oil: drain and gently break into large chunks.
- Fresh tuna steak: season lightly, then sear for 1–2 minutes per side for medium-rare.
For a more traditional salade nicoise recipe, canned tuna is commonly used. It’s simple yet flavorful.
3.4. Make the dressing
A classic Niçoise dressing is bright, tangy, and infused with herbs. Whisk together:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Finely chopped basil or parsley
Some versions incorporate anchovies for a deeper umami taste. The dressing should be light enough to complement the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
3.5. Assemble the nicoise salade
Arrange the ingredients neatly on a large platter or shallow bowl:
- Place the lettuce (if using) as the base.
- Arrange potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and onions in sections.
- Add the eggs and tuna on top.
- Scatter olives and anchovies around the plate.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly.
- Finish with fresh herbs for color.
Serve immediately and enjoy the applause! This truly is the perfect salade nicoise recipe.
4. Video tutorial how to make the best salad nicoise
5. What are some variations of the Niçoise salad recipe?
While the traditional salade nicoise recipe is unbeatable, part of the joy of cooking is adaptation. Here are a few popular variations on the classic salade nicoise recipe:
5.1. Niçoise salad with tuna and artichoke hearts
Adding marinated artichoke hearts provides a tangy, tender twist to the salad. Their mild flavor pairs well with tuna and olives, giving the dish additional depth.
5.2. Warm Niçoise salad
This version uses warm potatoes, sautéed green beans, and lightly grilled vegetables. It’s especially comforting in cooler weather yet retains the bright Mediterranean character.
5.3. Niçoise with salmon
Replace tuna with seared or baked salmon for a richer, buttery flavor. Salmon adds softness and creates a more indulgent version of the classic nicoise salade.
6. Tips for the best salade niçoise
To elevate your salade nicoise recipe, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Quality Tuna Matters: Since tuna is the star protein, invest in high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil. It makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of your salade nicoise recipe.
- Don’t Overcook the Greens: The potatoes and green beans should be cooked but retain their structure—avoid mushiness at all costs. The green beans should be bright green and crisp-tender.
- Chill the Ingredients: The salad is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Ensure your potatoes and eggs have cooled fully before assembly.
- Arrangement is Key: Remember the classic French style: arrange the ingredients in distinct piles, not tossed together. This makes the salad visually stunning and easier for guests to serve themselves.
7. What to serve with salade niçoise?
Since the salade nicoise recipe is a complete meal, it doesn’t need much.
- Bread: A crusty French baguette or country bread is ideal for soaking up any excess dressing.
- Appetizer: A light, simple soup, like a chilled gazpacho, could precede it, but honestly, the salade nicoise recipe is usually the main event.
- Dessert: Follow up this fresh, savory meal with a simple, classic French dessert, like a lemon tart or fresh berries with crème fraîche.
8. FAQs
8.1. Is salade niçoise healthy?
Yes. It’s rich in protein, fiber, vegetables, and healthy fats. The combination of tuna, eggs, and fresh produce makes it a wholesome meal.
8.2. What was the original salad Nicoise?
The earliest versions used only raw vegetables, tomatoes, anchovies, and olive oil—no potatoes or green beans. Over time, the recipe evolved into the version known today.
8.3. What is the best dressing for Niçoise salad?
A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, mustard, garlic, and lemon juice is ideal. It brightens the vegetables without overwhelming their natural flavors.
8.4. What is special about salade Nicoise?
Its harmony of colors, textures, and flavors makes it stand out—fresh vegetables, tender eggs, olives, and tuna brought together with a tangy dressing.
8.5. Does a Nicoise salad always have tuna?
Traditionally, yes. But modern versions sometimes replace tuna with salmon or anchovies, depending on preference.
8.6. What wine pairs well with salad niçoise?
Dry rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp white wine from Provence pairs wonderfully with a salade nicoise recipe.
Related articles
Long Phuong Group Joint Stock Company
- Phone number: (+84) 989 595 866
- Email: export@longphuong.vn
- Factory: Hap Linh Industrial Cluster, Hap Linh, Bac Ninh, Vietnam
- Showroom Ha Noi: 59 Cua Bac, Ba Dinh Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Showroom Ha Noi: 37 Cua Nam, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Showroom TP. Ho Chi Minh: 127 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
CEO of Long Phuong Group Joint Stock Company, with more than 20 years of exploration and research to obtain the best formulas and professional experience, Long Phuong Porcelain has produced more than 400 designs of all kinds of household porcelain, Significant contributions to Vietnam's ceramic industry.
