The Notable Niçoise Salad

SOUND BITE

Let’s take our taste buds on a trip to the south of France, shall we? This stunning, elegant, Julia Child-approved salad takes some time to prepare since it contains many components, but once the beans, potatoes and eggs are cooked, assembly is a snap.

Niçoise Salad Variations

Niçoise salad is the fancy-yet-rustic French classic that instantly makes me wish I was dining al fresco on a sun-drenched terrace with a glass of chilled rosé.

It’s the ultimate “composed” salad, meaning all the ingredients are orderly, nicely arranged and not mixed together. The complete opposite of my sock drawer.

The traditional version features canned tuna, green beans, small potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes and olives, all drizzled with a tasty white wine vinaigrette.

But like a good beret, Niçoise salad can be styled in different ways.

Want to shake things up? Swap the tuna for grilled salmon—it’s just as protein-packed but gives the salad a richer, more buttery vibe. See page 268 for the perfect salmon recipe!

Green beans are classic, but grilled asparagus? Ooh-la-la! The tender spears add an elegant twist.

Feel like going totally rogue? Add sliced avocados, swap the potatoes for creamy white beans or—if you really want to break the rules—throw in some crumbled feta or blue cheese for a tangy, salty pop.

The beauty of Niçoise is that while it has its roots in tradition, it’s not a salad that takes itself too seriously.

Will Niçoise purists clutch their pearls at my suggestions? Probably. But c'est la vie!