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Spring Nicoise Salad

Spring Nicoise Salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors, perfect for warm afternoons and leisurely picnics. This delightful salad features crisp mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, tender green beans, protein-rich tuna, and hard-boiled eggs, all drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying an outdoor gathering, this salad is sure to impress your guests with its stunning presentation and delicious taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, quartered
  • 1 can (5 oz) high-quality tuna in olive oil
  • 1/2 cup black olives (Kalamata or Niçoise), pitted
  • 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp vinegar (balsamic or red wine)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash mixed greens thoroughly and dry using a salad spinner.
  2. Boil the eggs in cold water; once boiling, turn off heat and let sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to cool before peeling.
  3. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until bright green; plunge into ice water.
  4. Dice cucumber and halve cherry tomatoes while the eggs cool.
  5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, green beans, olives, red onions, tuna chunks, and egg quarters.
  6. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Nutrition

Keywords: Customize the salad by substituting tuna with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. For added flavor, incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley. To keep leftovers fresh longer, store dressing separately until serving.