Tuna Niçoise Salad with Green Beans and Potatoes is a timeless French classic celebrated for its elegant balance of flavors, vibrant colors, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Originating from the Mediterranean city of Nice, this salad captures the essence of fresh, wholesome, and beautifully arranged components that come together to create a satisfying and visually striking dish. With tender potatoes, crisp green beans, briny olives, juicy tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and flaky tuna, every bite offers a delightful contrast in texture and taste.

What makes this salad particularly special is its versatility. It can be served for lunch, brunch, or dinner, prepared ahead of time, and enjoyed chilled or slightly warm.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels effortlessly gourmet while still being simple to prepare. Each component stands out with its own unique texture and flavor, yet together they create a harmonious and satisfying meal. The salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, making it incredibly nourishing without sacrificing taste. I appreciate how customizable it is—you can use fresh or canned tuna, swap vegetables based on season, and adjust the vinaigrette to your preference.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re dining in a charming café along the French Riviera, even when you’re at home. The balance of freshness, richness, and tanginess makes it a dish I return to again and again.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Tuna Niçoise Salad is a must-try dish because it is elegant, nutritious, and extremely satisfying. Unlike ordinary salads, it offers layers of flavor and a variety of components that make each bite interesting. It’s perfect for meal prepping, lunch boxes, special gatherings, or a light yet filling dinner. The Mediterranean-style vinaigrette adds brightness, while the tuna provides a powerful dose of protein and omega-3s.

If you enjoy wholesome meals that don’t require complicated cooking techniques but still feel refined, this is a recipe you must experience at least once.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, Calories, Course, Cuisine

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 380 calories per serving
Course: Salad / Main Course
Cuisine: French (Mediterranean)

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
• 1 cup black or Niçoise olives
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 romaine heart or mixed greens (optional)
• 2 cans high-quality tuna packed in olive oil or water, drained

For the Dressing (Vinaigrette)

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
2. Blanch the green beans by boiling for 2 to 3 minutes, then transferring to ice water.
3. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the vegetables, eggs, and tuna on a platter or in a bowl.
5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Fill a medium pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the halved potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. In the same pot, add green beans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to keep them bright and crisp.
3. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (optional), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Slice the cherry tomatoes and hard-boiled eggs.
5. On a large platter, arrange the potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, eggs, olives, red onion, and greens.
6. Add the tuna in large flakes on top of the arranged vegetables.
7. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the entire salad just before serving.
8. Gently toss if desired, or serve arranged for a classic presentation.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve the Tuna Niçoise Salad chilled or slightly warm. It is perfect as a complete meal for lunch or dinner. You can serve it with crusty bread, a light soup, or a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. For a more elegant presentation, plate the ingredients separately in sections and drizzle the dressing right before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use good-quality canned or jarred tuna; it dramatically improves flavor.
• Don’t overcook the green beans—they should remain crisp for the best texture.
• Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but you can substitute heirloom or vine tomatoes.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for enhanced flavor.
• Prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Variations

Salmon Niçoise Salad

Replace tuna with cooked or grilled salmon for a richer flavor.

Vegetarian Niçoise Salad

Use chickpeas, white beans, or marinated tofu instead of tuna.

Mediterranean Niçoise Twist

Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or capers to deepen the Mediterranean flavors.

Warm Niçoise Salad

Serve potatoes and green beans warm, topped with warm seared tuna steak instead of canned tuna.

Low-Carb Version

Skip the potatoes and increase greens and vegetables.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigerator Storage: Store components separately for up to 3 days. Once fully assembled with dressing, it is best eaten within 24 hours.
• Freezing: Not recommended. Eggs, potatoes, and green beans lose quality, and tuna becomes mushy when thawed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium pot for boiling
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large serving platter or salad bowl
• Ice bath bowl for blanching

FAQ

1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, seared or grilled fresh tuna works beautifully.

2. Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components in advance and assemble before serving.

3. Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, but fresh green beans provide better texture and flavor.

4. How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?
Simmer for 9–10 minutes, then immediately cool in ice water.

5. Do I have to use potatoes?
They are traditional, but you can substitute sweet potatoes or omit them for a lighter salad.

Conclusion

Tuna Niçoise Salad with Green Beans and Potatoes is a refreshing, elegant, and nutritious dish that beautifully highlights Mediterranean ingredients. With its fresh vegetables, protein-rich tuna, tangy vinaigrette, and delightful textures, it makes an impressive yet simple meal suitable for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this classic salad offers a perfect blend of flavor, balance, and sophistication.