Niçoise salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of the French Riviera straight to your plate. Originating from the coastal city of Nice, this classic salad is more than just a side, it’s a complete meal that balances protein, vegetables, and briny goodness in every bite.
Traditionally made with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and olives, Niçoise salad is colorful, hearty, and full of contrasting textures. The beauty of this salad lies in its careful composition. Each ingredient is prepared separately and arranged with intention, creating a visual feast that’s as appealing as it is delicious.
The base often starts with crisp lettuce or tender greens, followed by wedges of boiled potatoes and blanched green beans that are tender yet still vibrant. Juicy tomatoes add sweetness, while black Niçoise or Kalamata olives contribute a salty, briny punch. Hard-boiled eggs offer creaminess and protein, and flaky tuna, usually packed in olive oil, gives the salad its signature savory richness. Some versions also include anchovies for an extra hit of umami.
What ties it all together is the dressing. A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and herbs like thyme or tarragon enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them. The salad is typically served chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for warm-weather dining or a stylish lunch spread.
Niçoise salad has evolved over time, and many modern versions put a personal spin on the ingredients. Some use seared fresh tuna instead of canned, or add roasted peppers and artichoke hearts for extra depth. Whether traditional or contemporary, the spirit of the dish remains the same – fresh, wholesome ingredients assembled with care.
This salad is perfect for entertaining or meal prep, as it holds up well and doesn’t require last-minute assembly. Niçoise salad is more than just a dish, it’s a celebration of Mediterranean simplicity, where each ingredient shines on its own while contributing to a beautifully balanced whole.
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna drained
- 4 eggs hard-boiled and quartered
- 1 pound green beans trimmed
- 1 pound baby potatoes halved
- 1 cup black olives
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped, fresh
- For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain again and set aside.
- In the same pot of boiling water, add the baby potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the green beans, potatoes, tuna, eggs, olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.
- Serve the salad chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition
Why do you put raw onions? They ruin the entre salad. Better without.
This salad is a game changer! Fresh and filling. My whole family loved it!
Best salad ever! I added some avocado, made it even better!
Avocado is a great addition! It adds creaminess. 👍
The dressing is what makes it! I added a bit of lemon juice and it was even better.
I don’t really like tuna, but this recipe was actually pretty good. I used chickpeas instead.
I followed the recipe but it turned out too dry. Maybe more dressing next time?
I had the same issue! I added a bit more dressing and some lemon juice, and it turned out perfect. Give that a try!
Not enough ingredients, where’s the croutons? 😤
I get that croutons are great, but this salad is full of flavor already! It’s about the fresh ingredients, not just the crunch. 😊
No croutons? How’s it a salad then? Needs more texture, man! 😒
Not my favorite, it was kinda mushy. Potatoes were overcooked.
This salad is a classic! I love the flavors, especially with the olives. My family devoured it!
This salad is so fresh and tasty! Perfect for summer. 🥗
I totally agree! This salad is super refreshing, especially on hot days! 😍
Looks good, but I wouldnt add eggs. Just tuna and veggies for me. 🤷♂️
I don’t like tuna much, but I gave it a try. The potatoes were good, but too many veggies for my taste.
Yummy! Everyone in my family loved it. I will make it again for sure!
I followed the recipe but it turned out bland. Maybe add some garlic next time?
Nicoise? More like No-cise! This was bland and didn’t live up to the hype. 😒
Super easy to make! Took me less than 30 mins. Will make again for sure!
Nice recipe! Easy to make, tastes good, but maybe needs more tuna??
Did I need to cook the green beans? They looked overcooked to me!
Yes, you should cook the green beans! Just for a short time, they were meant to be crisp-tender. Maybe you left them in the water too long?
Really simple and quick to make! Will definitely make again for potlucks.
Kinda dull. I expected more flavor. Maybe too much olive oil?
I think the olive oil adds a nice richness! Maybe try less next time or add more spices to boost the flavor?
I followed the recipe but ended up with a mushy salad. Next time I won’t overcook the potatoes.
Mushy salad? Oof, that sounds rough! Maybe next time cook the potatoes a bit less? Which step did you find tricky?
I don’t really get how you messed this up. It’s literally just putting stuff together. Did you forget to take the pot off the heat?
Yum! We had it for lunch and it was super filling. The eggs made it perfect!
Sounds delicious! I had it for dinner last week and loved it too! Those eggs are a game changer for sure.
Yum! 😂😍
Why are there eggs in this? Eggs ruin everything. Just stick to tuna and greens.
My grandma says real Nicoise salad don’t have eggs. This recipe is wrong.
I think it depends on the region! Some places do add eggs. But your grandma’s version sounds good too!
My grandma makes a similar salad, but never with eggs! Who does that?
This salad is absolutely fantastic! The combination of flavors is spot on.
I’m not a salad person but this one is good. Reminds me of summer.
I agree! It’s definitely a refreshing salad. Perfect for hot days!