Nicoise Salad with Tuna, Potato and Egg (France)

This recipe for Nicoise salad is from our frequent collaborator and food photographer Mary Devinat. Read more about Mary’s Nicoise salad and all the other varieties of this traditional French salad in her write-up below.

There must be as many Niçoise salads as there are Niçois! You can find a lot of variations. Some have anchovies, others don’t, sometimes, in restaurants, you can have rice or not. The original recipe is therefore difficult to find! However, this version is my favorite, it’s simple but tasty. The sauce brings a real plus with the shallots (I don’t know why but shallots are very French for me). I also prefer not to add rice, I think it’s lighter without it and you already have lots of flavors.

I especially have memories of terraces near the beach with this recipe. It reminds me of the Côte D’azur and the warm blue sea. While some restaurants don’t make it from fresh ingredients, others do. In this case you will know it right away! All the ingredients should be fresh, not frozen.

The best choice is to make it by yourself! For the ingredients, choose solid tuna, the pieces will be more pleasant than completely decomposed in your salad when you mix it. From my experience, in French kitchens, we really like working with simple ingredients. However, we like good quality for vegetables. In the south, they are spoiled for choice! The outdoor French markets are abundant with beautiful local products, inexpensive and with perfect taste. Try to take the time to choose fresh ingredients, it will only be better!

Tuna Nicoise salad is more than just a delicious meal, it’s a vibrant symbol of the Mediterranean lifestyle and French culinary tradition. Originating from the sun-drenched city of Nice, this iconic dish has long been a staple on tables along the French Riviera. The classic niçoise salad was traditionally made with a few ingredients: canned tuna, hard boiled eggs, nicoise olives, anchovies, and a generous drizzle of olive oil, all served atop crisp butter lettuce. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with fresh green beans, baby potatoes, and even fresh tuna making their way into modern versions, adding new layers of flavor and texture.

What truly sets tuna nicoise salad apart is the emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients. The use of extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper elevates the simple components, allowing each flavor to shine. Whether you prefer the briny bite of nicoise olives or the creamy richness of hard boiled eggs, every element is carefully chosen to reflect the bounty of the Mediterranean. This salad is not only a celebration of local produce and seafood, but also a reflection of the relaxed, convivial spirit of French dining, perfect for both special occasions and everyday meals. With its roots firmly planted in the culinary heritage of Nice, tuna nicoise salad continues to delight food lovers around the world, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.

If you’re looking for more authentic French recipes check out Mary’s quiche recipes.

Quiche Lorraine

Recipe Here!

Spinach and Goat Cheese Quiche

Recipe Here!

Here is a link to Mary’s Instagram page if you are interested in checking out more of her recipes!

Nicoise Salad with Tuna, Potato and Egg (France)

This recipe for Salad Nicoise is from our frequent collaborator and food photographer Mary Devinat. Read more about Mary’s Salad Nicoise and all the other varieties of this traditional French salad in her write-up below. There must be as many Niçoise salads as there are Niçois! You can find a lot of variations. Some have anchovies, others don’t, sometimes, in restaurants, you can have rice or not. The original recipe is therefore difficult to find! However, this version is my favorite, it’s simple but tasty. The sauce brings a real plus with the shallots (I don’t know why but shallots are very French for me). I also prefer not to add rice, I think it’s lighter without it and you already have lots of flavors.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course Lunch, Salad

Cuisine French

Servings 4

Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 handful lettuce
• 4 medium potatoes
• 7 oz green beans
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 10 black olives
• 2 eggs
• 1 - 5 oz can solid tuna
• 1 shallot
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

 

• Cook the potatoes with the skin on in boiling water until cooked but still firm. Cook the beans in boiling water for 10 minutes. Finally, cook the eggs to make them hard, 11 minutes in boiling water.
• Once the ingredients are cooked, run them under cold water. Peel the potatoes and cut them into bite sized pieces. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Place the potatoes, green beans, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black olives and parsley in a large bowl.
• Chop the shallot. Place in a small bowl, add mustard, wine vinegar and olive oil. Whisk with a fork. Salt and pepper, to taste. Serve next to the salad or pour into the large bowl with the ingredients and mix.

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 18gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 327mgPotassium: 1418mgFiber: 8gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1814IUVitamin C: 79mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Nicoise Salad

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