Nicoise Salad

Pets'R'us's Note:

For a summer lunch or dinner, one of my favorite salads. There is always a debate going on about this salad, what should be in there and what not. I don't use potatoes in mine, but if you like to add them, do so. I have added the sardines because I like them in this salad, but you can leave them out. The dressing can be drizzled over the salad instead of mixing it in, or you can use your own favorite dressing. Serve with some nice bread, and a glass of wine (of course!) Cook time of the beans is not included.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 40 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• lettuce leaf , of your own choice
• 8 ounces green beans , cooked but still crunchy
• 2 -3 hardboiled egg , quartered
• 1 small red onion , cut in rings
• 2 -3 tomatoes , skinned and in large chunks
• 8 ounces canned tuna , drained and flaked
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• 1⁄3; cup olive , halved or left whole
• salt & freshly ground black pepper

Dressing

• 2 -3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or 1 tablespoon sherry wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon very finely chopped herbs , preferably a mix of parsley, chives and tarragon, approx
• salt and pepper

Garnish

• anchovy fillet , chopped if desired
• quartered hardboiled egg
• sardines , drained from a tin (optional)
• cucumber , sliced or chunks
• 1 tablespoon chopped small caper

Directions:

1. Mix the oil and vinegar for the dressing, add salt, pepper and the herbs.
2. Toss together carefully, the dressing, beans, eggs (keep one for the garnish), onion, tomatoes, tuna, garlic and half of the olives; add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pile in the center of the serving dish on top of the lettuce leaves, make it look as attractive as possible, finish the salad with the garnish ingredients.

Reviews

[chia]

what a lovely luncheon salad. i used romaine lettuce and did add some baby new potatoes. lots of cucumbers and tomatoes, lots of anchovies, no sardines. i really enjoyed the tarragon in the dressing, which i sprinkled over all.

[Just Call Me Martha]

I have always wanted to make a Nicoise salad and I just happened to have all the ingredients on hand (except anchovies and sardines). I prepared it according to the recipe with wonderful results. Very healthy meal (especially if you include red wine as suggested!) It is very simple to make, tastes great and the presentation is lovely. I can see making this quite often, especially in the summer when the tomatoes actually taste like tomatoes! Definitely a keeper. Thanks Pets!

[msscharr]

Super salad! I have made this recipe twice, once with tuna and once with grilled chicken. Both were delicious. I love the light spring feeling with your combination of vegetables. And it's versatile. When I had grilled chicken to use up, I added new potatoes and cucumbers and skipped anchovies and sardines. It was even a hit with the kids. Next time I will add avocado and in any case, though I did like yours, everyone is allowed to choose their own dressing. Thank you for posting!