Dairy-Free / Dinner / Gluten-Free / Meals for Two / Salads / Savory / Stay Healthy

A Twist on Salade Niçoise

salade nicoise 1Yep, another salad recipe.  You know I can’t get enough salads — mostly because I’m a little lazy when it comes to cooking, and I like things that assemble quickly (ideally in one bowl).

Traditional salade niçoise doesn’t involve lettuce — it’s actually quite a stunning presentation of potatoes, olives, tuna, eggs, and various other things.  However, I had a bunch of arugula that I needed to use up, so I added it in.  Why be hemmed in by the expectations of what salade niçoise is supposed to be?  Do what you want, I say!

salade nicoise 2Potatoes in salad might be one of my favorite things.  (Who’s surprised?  No one — I love all carbs.)

salade nicoise 3A Twist on Salade Niçoise

serves 2 as a meal

  • 1 russet or handful of new potatoes, cut into chunks (peel the russet, if you’d like)
  • olive oil
  • dried herbs: thyme, basil, oregano
  • 1 small bunch green beans, cut into 1 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 bunch arugula, cleaned and spun dry
  • 2 handfuls tomatoes, chopped
  • big handful of kalamata olives, cut in half
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
  • 1 can quality tuna (I used albacore in water, but packed in oil would be delicious here as well)
  • red wine vinegar
  • dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper
  • optional: roasted beets, sliced cucumber and/or radishes
  1. Preheat oven to 425°.  On a baking sheet, toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a big pinch (each) of the dried herbs.  Place in a single layer, then bake until tender and crispy (20-25 min).
  2. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil.  Add a big pinch of salt and green beans, then cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.  Drain and set aside.
  3. For the dressing, combine 1 tsp dijon mustard with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar in a small bowl.  Add a big pinch of salt and pepper and whisk to combine.
  4. Combine lettuce, tomatoes, olives, eggs, tuna, and green beans in a large salad bowl.  Add cooked potatoes, drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.

salade nicoise 4An easy meal for weeknight dining.  Oui oui!