In the realm of salads, few dishes evoke the spirit of sun-drenched shores and coastal breezes as vividly as the Salad Niçoise. Hailing from the beautiful region of Provence in France, this vibrant and hearty salad is a true homage to the Mediterranean’s bounty. With its colorful medley of ingredients and harmonious blend of flavors, Salad Niçoise has become a culinary emblem of the French Riviera. It typically includes lettuce, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, and tuna, all topped with a vinaigrette dressing. It’s a healthy and filling salad that’s perfect for a warm summer day.

For the Salad

• 6 small new potatoes
• 1 pound of green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 head of Boston lettuce, separated into leaves
• 2 large tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges each
• 5 hard-boiled eggs, halved
• 6 ounces of canned or pouch tuna, drained & flaked
• 1/2 cup of Niçoise olives
• 1/4 cup of minced parsley

Cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.  Remove them with a slotted spoon and let cool.  Meanwhile, add the green beans to the pot and boil until bright green but still crisp, about 5 minutes.  Remove and cool in an ice bath.  Drain well.  Cut the cooled potatoes into 1/2 inch slices and add to the beans.  In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt & pepper to taste.  Add the extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly.  Drizzle the one-quarter of this dressing over the potatoes & beans and gently toss to coat.

Arrange the lettuce leaves and tomato slices on a large platter, think showtime!  Drizzle another quarter of the dressing on top.  Arrange the green beans and potatoes on the platter, along with the eggs and tuna.  Drizzle the remaining dressing and add the olives & parsley.  Sprinkle with salt & pepper to taste.

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As the sun-kissed days of summer arrive, so does the vibrant burst of seasonal produce, inspiring a medley of refreshing and flavorful salads that celebrate the bounty of nature. From crisp greens to succulent fruits, summer salads are a symphony of colors, textures, and tastes that dance on the palate and invigorate the senses. After enjoying a very delicious Cobb salad, we were inspired to explore deeper into the world of composed salads…which are a complete meal in themselves.

Originating in the city of Nice, this salad is a celebration of the region’s freshest produce and maritime heritage. Every bite tells a story of briny olives, tender vegetables, and the catch of the day, all artfully combined to create a symphony of taste that transports the senses to azure waters and charming seaside cafés. Nice is part of the Côte d’Azur, often referred to as the French Riviera, a sun-drenched stretch of coastline that exudes luxury, natural beauty, and cultural allure. This iconic region of southeastern France has captured the hearts of travelers, artists, and jet-setters for generations, offering a unique blend of Mediterranean charm and cosmopolitan elegance.

It is in part thanks to the Cote d’Azur flair, that the Nicoise salad has become a staple of elegant French cuisine in the world.  Traditionally made of tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Nicoise olives, anchovies, and dressed with olive oil, it has been popular worldwide since the early 20th century, and has been prepared and discussed by many famous chefs.  It has been hailed as “one of the best combinations of salad ingredients ever invented” and “the finest summer salad of all”.  It can be served as a composed salad or as a tossed salad, and variations with tuna & salmon are more popular than the traditional anchovies.

Whether enjoyed at picnics, backyard gatherings, or leisurely lunches, summer salads capture the essence of the season’s joy and lightness. They remind us that nature’s bounty is a gift to be relished, and each bite is an opportunity to savor the beauty of the present moment. So, as you indulge in the crispness, flavors, and vibrancy of summer salads, you’re not just tasting the season – you’re experiencing its vibrant essence on your plate. From its humble beginnings in the bustling markets of Nice to its global recognition as a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine, Salad Niçoise invites you on a sensory journey that captures the heart and soul of the coastal paradise that inspired it.