Nicoise Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing

What is Nicoise Salad?

Niçoise salad, also known as Salade Niçoise, is a quintessential French dish that originates from the Mediterranean city of Nice, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This salad is a vibrant representation of the flavors and fresh ingredients of the region, often served as a composed salad where each ingredient is meticulously arranged on a plate rather than being tossed together. It’s not only visually appealing but also a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that reflects the essence of Provençal cuisine.

Nicoise Salad with Lemon Garlic Dressing

Ingredients:

For the Dressing:

• 50g olive oil
• 15g fresh lemon juice
• 1 small clove garlic, crushed
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• Boiled potatoes (quantity as per preference)
• Blanched green beans
• Capers (optional, for garnish)
• Canned tuna fish (preferably packed in olive oil)
• Boiled eggs (halved or quartered)
• Tomatoes (sliced or quartered)
• Lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or mixed greens)
• Black olives (preferably Niçoise olives)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine 50g of olive oil, 15g of fresh lemon juice, and 1 small clove of crushed garlic.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Whisk the mixture together until fully emulsified. Set aside.

   Tip: The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. Boil the Potatoes: Cook the potatoes until tender but still firm, then slice or chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: Cook the beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to retain their vibrant color and crunch. Drain and set aside.
3. Boil the Eggs: Boil the eggs until hard, peel, and slice them into halves or quarters.
4. Slice the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into slices or wedges.
5. Drain the Tuna: Drain the canned tuna and break it into bite-sized chunks.

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Step 3: Toss the Vegetables

1. In a large bowl, toss the boiled potatoes and blanched green beans with the prepared lemon garlic dressing until they are well-coated.

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Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. On individual serving plates, arrange a bed of lettuce leaves.
2. Top the lettuce with the dressed potatoes and green beans.
3. Arrange the boiled eggs, tomatoes, and chunks of tuna on top.
4. Garnish with black olives and capers for added flavor and texture.

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Step 5: Add Dressing and Serve

1. Spoon any remaining lemon garlic dressing over the salad to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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This refreshing Tuna and Potato Salad is perfect for lunch or as a light dinner option. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures in every bite!