Best Easy Nicoise Salad Recipe

Classic Nicoise salad with seared tuna, olives, eggs, and green beans is a high protein, Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. This fresh, healthy salad supports clean eats and fits a calorie deficit lifestyle.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein #diabetic friendly #DASH
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • fresh tuna steak 12 oz
  • Yukon gold potatoes 2 cups
  • green beans 1 cup
  • cherry tomatoes 1 cup
  • mixed greens 4 cups
  • large eggs 4 pieces
  • Kalamata olives 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • Dijon mustard 1 tbsp
  • red wine vinegar 1.5 tbsp
  • lemon juice 1 tbsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • fresh parsley 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 24%
Protein 34 g 37%
Fat 15 g 36%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender, then drain and slice while still warm.

  2. 2

    In the same pot, blanch green beans for 2-3 minutes; transfer immediately to an ice bath to retain vibrant color and crispness.

  3. 3

    Hard-boil eggs by boiling for 9-10 minutes. Cool in cold water, then peel and halve.

  4. 4

    Pat the tuna steak dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 90 seconds per side. Rest briefly, then slice thinly across the grain.

  5. 5

    Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley to make the dressing.

  6. 6

    Arrange mixed greens on a large platter. Neatly layer potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, eggs, olives, and seared tuna over the greens.

  7. 7

    Drizzle dressing evenly over the salad and serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What ingredient gives Nicoise Salad its authentic Mediterranean flavor?
Kalamata olives and seared fresh tuna are key to the authentic Mediterranean flavor of Nicoise Salad. The briny olives add depth and character, while the tuna provides robust flavor and high-quality protein, defining the dish’s signature taste.
Q. How do you keep the green beans crisp and vibrant when preparing Nicoise Salad?
To keep green beans crisp and vibrant, blanch them for 2–3 minutes in boiling water, then immediately transfer to an ice water bath. This rapid cooling stops the cooking, preserving color and perfect texture.
Q. What prevents dry or rubbery tuna in this salad?
Seared tuna stays moist and tender when you pat it dry, season it lightly, and cook it quickly—about 90 seconds per side over medium-high heat. Avoid overcooking and let it rest a moment before slicing for best results.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving of Nicoise Salad?
Each serving of this Nicoise Salad contains approximately 370 kcal and 34g of protein. Protein makes up 37% of total calories, making the salad a strong option for those emphasizing lean protein.
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