The Niçoise Salad with Tuna and Green Beans is a French classic that beautifully combines fresh vegetables, hearty protein, and a zesty dressing into a perfectly balanced meal. Originating from the French Riviera city of Nice, this salad celebrates Mediterranean flavors with its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and wholesome ingredients.

Traditionally made with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and anchovies, it has evolved into a versatile dish that reflects the freshness of seasonal produce. It’s a salad that feels elegant yet approachable, making it equally suitable for a light family dinner, a healthy lunch, or a centerpiece at a summer gathering.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this Niçoise Salad because it is fresh, filling, and full of variety. Unlike many salads that may feel like a side dish, this one is a complete meal—packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Every bite offers something new: the creaminess of eggs, the crunch of green beans, the richness of tuna, and the tang of the vinaigrette. It’s not just a salad—it’s an experience.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

The Niçoise Salad is a must-try because:

1. It’s iconic – one of France’s most beloved salads, rich in culture and history.
2. It’s nutrient-packed – a powerhouse of lean protein, veggies, and healthy fats.
3. It’s versatile – easily customizable to your pantry or seasonal produce.
4. It’s a showstopper – visually stunning with its vibrant, colorful presentation.
5. It’s satisfying – filling enough for lunch or dinner without being heavy.

If you’re looking for a dish that feels special yet simple, this salad is the answer.

Time, Servings & Nutrition:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories (per serving): ~420–480 kcal (depending on dressing and tuna used)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish / Salad
• Cuisine: French (Mediterranean-inspired)

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 12 oz (340 g) small baby potatoes
• 8 oz (225 g) green beans, trimmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• 5 oz (140 g) canned tuna (in olive oil), drained (or seared fresh tuna steaks for variation)
• 2 tbsp capers (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dressing (Classic French Vinaigrette):

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Quick Directions

1. Boil potatoes, eggs, and green beans until tender.
2. Prepare vinaigrette dressing.
3. Arrange vegetables, tuna, and eggs on a platter.
4. Drizzle with vinaigrette and garnish.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Cook the Potatoes:

• Place potatoes in a pot of salted water.
• Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 10–12 minutes).
• Drain, cool slightly, and cut into halves.

2. Cook the Green Beans:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Add green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
• Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.

3. Hard-Boil the Eggs:

• Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil.
• Once boiling, cover and remove from heat. Let sit for 10–12 minutes.
• Transfer eggs to ice water, peel, and slice in halves or quarters.

4. Make the Dressing:

• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

5. Assemble the Salad:

• On a large platter, arrange lettuce (if using) as a base.
• Neatly arrange potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives, onion, and eggs in sections.
• Place tuna in the center.
• Drizzle dressing over the top and garnish with parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve on a large platter family-style for a beautiful centerpiece.
• Enjoy with crusty bread or a glass of white wine for an authentic French experience.
• Best served at room temperature to allow flavors to shine.

Tips for this Recipe:

• Use good-quality tuna in olive oil for authentic flavor.
• Blanch beans properly for that vibrant color and crisp texture.
• Don’t overdress—lightly drizzle vinaigrette so flavors remain distinct.
• Use farm-fresh eggs for rich, creamy yolks.
• For a special touch, sear tuna steaks instead of canned tuna.

Variations:

1. Fresh Tuna Version – Sear tuna steaks to medium-rare and slice thinly.
2. Anchovy Addition – Add anchovy fillets for a more traditional Niçoise touch.
3. Vegetarian Version – Omit tuna, double the eggs, and add chickpeas.
4. Modern Twist – Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts.
5. Low-Carb Version – Skip potatoes and add extra greens.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store assembled salad (without dressing) in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Add dressing before serving.
• Freezing: Not recommended (vegetables lose texture).
• Make-Ahead Tip: Boil eggs, potatoes, and beans ahead of time and store separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan (for eggs & potatoes)
• Slotted spoon (for blanching beans)
• Whisk (for dressing)
• Large serving platter

FAQ:

Q1: Can I use canned tuna in water instead of oil?
Yes, but tuna in olive oil has more flavor and richness. If using tuna in water, drizzle a little extra olive oil over it.

Q2: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely—omit tuna and add more eggs or chickpeas for protein.

Q3: What’s the difference between Niçoise olives and Kalamata?
Niçoise olives are small, briny French olives, while Kalamata are larger and slightly fruitier. Either works well.

Q4: Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, serving it warm (with freshly boiled potatoes and beans) is lovely, though it’s also delicious chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

The Niçoise Salad with Tuna and Green Beans is more than just a salad—it’s a culinary journey to the French Riviera. With its combination of protein, vegetables, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, it is elegant, nutritious, and deeply satisfying.

It’s the perfect example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create a dish that is fresh, flavorful, and timeless. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a dinner party, or simply to treat yourself, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.