Authentic Niçoise Salad Recipe – Fresh, Easy & Quick

Updated: July 29, 2025 • Twelve-minute read (cupboard, servings, nutrition, quiz, rating).

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Why Niçoise Salad is a Summer Star

When the summer season arrives, Niçoise salad makes a comeback: colorful, fresh, and full of southern flavors. This iconic dish of Mediterranean cuisine is distinguished by its simplicity and the authenticity of its ingredients. It requires no lengthy cooking time, can be prepared in less than thirty minutes, and is suitable for all appetites. Niçoise salad is the expression of sunshine on the plate, a concentrate of crunchy vegetables, olives, anchovies, and tuna, enhanced with a drizzle of fruity olive oil. It's perfect for a light lunch, a friendly dinner, or a picnic on the beach. Rich in nutrients, it balances protein, fiber, and healthy fats, while avoiding excess calories. With its bright colors, it appeals to both children and adults and brings a touch of "vacation" to your home, even during the week. 💚🥗

Key ingredients and interactive servings

Base for four people—easily adjust the quantities with the buttons below. True Niçois never add rice, potatoes, or green beans: we're staying true to tradition, but you'll find variations further down if you want to have fun! For each ingredient, click to find out where to buy it or an alternative on Neary.

Quick substitutions : tuna → grilled sardines; anchovies → capers; bell pepper → small purple artichokes; eggs → quail eggs for a chic effect.

Smart Closet Mode

Calories and nutrition

Step-by-step preparation

1. Hard-boil eggs : Place the eggs in boiling water, cook for seven to eight minutes, then refresh them under cold water.
   
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2. Prepare the vegetables : Wash and cut the tomatoes into quarters, the cucumber into half-rings, the pepper into thin strips, and the radishes into slices. Slice the onion and chop the garlic.
3. Assemble the salad : Arrange the lettuce, then all the vegetables. Add the tuna, anchovies, olives, and quartered hard-boiled eggs.
4. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Mix gently just before serving.

Nice variations and creative tips

Some purists cry sacrilege, but Niçoise salad loves to lend itself to variations! You can add some crunchy green beans for a touch of sweetness, or replace the tuna with grilled mackerel fillets.
Vegetarian : Replace the fish with chickpeas and add diced avocado for texture.
Barbecue version : Serve your Niçoise with grilled sardines or flambéed prawns, found in our barbecue selection .
Express : Use a blender to mix half of the tomatoes and make a quick sauce!
Kids friendly : Presents the salad “bento” style, each ingredient in its compartment, to tempt younger children.

Conservation and batch cooking

Niçoise salad doesn't take too long to prepare once it's dressed: assemble it at the last minute to retain all its crunch. If you want to get ahead of time, prepare each ingredient separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator (for up to two days). The hard-boiled eggs can be cooked ahead of time, the tuna drained, and the vegetables pre-washed. To take away, assemble just before eating!

Service and support ideas

• Serve your Niçoise salad with homemade focaccia or crusty country bread.
• For a summer aperitif, serve it in individual glasses or in wraps.
• Complete with gazpacho or a homemade smoothie made in a blender .
• Ideal as a main course, but also as a fresh starter before air-fryer grilled chicken or a griddle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chef's tips and secrets

• Make a quick vinaigrette with olive oil, pressed garlic, salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
• Rub the bowl with a clove of garlic for a subtle flavor.
• Choose ripe, firm tomatoes to avoid excess juice.
• Avoid mixing too much: each bite must retain its identity.
• For a wow touch, add some edible flowers (borage, nasturtium) just before serving.

Smart budget and sources

Homemade Niçoise salad costs less than four euros per serving, especially if you choose seasonal vegetables. Buy in bulk and use local produce. Find all the ingredients on Neary and explore the blender & smoothie range to complete your fresh meals. For the official history of Niçoise salad, consult Wikipedia .

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