Origin is Nice

Salade Niçoise originates from Nice in southeastern France and is a culinary tribute to the fresh ingredients available in the region. It represents the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its mix of fresh vegetables, tuna, eggs, and olives.

Traditional Ingredients

Salade Nicoise with vegetables, egg, canned fish and olives

A classic Salade Niçoise typically includes:

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes.
• Hard-boiled eggs: Cut in halves or quarters.
• Black olives: Preferably Niçoise olives.
• Anchovies: Small fillets that add a strong flavor.
• Tuna: Either canned in oil or fresh grilled tuna.
• Red onions: Thinly sliced for a sharp taste.
• Green beans: Blanched until crisp.
• Artichoke hearts: Canned or fresh.
• Capers: Add a tangy and salty dimension.
• Lettuce: Romaine or another crisp lettuce.

Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez

Recipe for Classic Salade Niçoise

Ingredients

• 200 g fresh tuna (or 1 can of tuna)
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 200 g green beans, blanched
• 4 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 100 g black olives
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp capers
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, torn into smaller pieces
• 4 anchovy fillets (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Vinaigrette

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper

Instructions to make Salade Nicoise

1. Preparing the Tuna: If using fresh tuna, brush it with olive oil and quickly grill or sear it so it remains pink in the middle. Slice into pieces.
2. Cooking the Beans: Boil the green beans in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Rinse them in cold water.
3. Eggs: Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half.
4. Salad Arrangement: Arrange the romaine lettuce on a large platter. Add the cooked beans, tomatoes, onions, olives, capers, and eggs.
5. Topping: Place the tuna (or drained canned tuna) and anchovy fillets on top.
6. Vinaigrette: Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients and drizzle over the salad just before serving.

French food and so many delicious dishes.

French food and so many delicious dishes.

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Variations of Salade Niçoise

With Fresh Tuna

A popular variation uses fresh tuna instead of canned tuna. The tuna is lightly seared or grilled, leaving it slightly raw inside, which gives a more refined taste and texture.

With Chicken

A less traditional version of Salade Niçoise includes grilled or sautéed chicken instead of tuna. This variation is especially popular among those who prefer meat over fish.

With Potatoes and Capers

Some versions add potatoes, which are boiled and sliced, and capers for extra flavor. The potatoes provide a more substantial salad, while the capers add a tangy taste.

Wine Suggestions for Salade Niçoise

Finding the right wine for Salade Niçoise can be challenging due to the many flavor components in the salad. Here are some recommendations:

Rosé Wine

A dry rosé from Provence is a classic choice. Its fresh and fruity flavor complements the salad’s ingredients perfectly.

White Wine

A fresh and fruity white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a white from Côtes de Provence, also works well. These wines have a good balance of acidity and fruit that pairs nicely with both tuna and vegetables.

Red Wine

A light and fruity red wine like Beaujolais can also be a good choice. Avoid heavy, tannic red wines, as they can overpower the delicate flavors of the salad.

Recommended Places for Salade Niçoise

In France

• L’Escalinada in Nice: Known for their authentic Salade Niçoise. The restaurant is located in the heart of Nice and serves traditional dishes from the region.

In Denmark

• Restaurant Melee in Copenhagen: Serves an excellent Salade Niçoise that stays true to the classic ingredients and techniques.

Special Recipes

Salade Niçoise Meyer

Meyers Mad has a recipe on its website that includes local ingredients and a Scandinavian twist. This recipe is known for its use of seasonal best produce and a careful balance of flavors.

Salade Niçoise on Gastromand

Gastromand has a recipe for Salade Niçoise that is more rustic and “masculine” in its presentation. The recipe includes details on how to achieve the perfect balance between the salad’s many components.

Special Ingredients

Anchovies

Use high-quality anchovies for the best flavor. They can either be used whole or finely chopped and mixed into the vinaigrette to add a salty and umami taste.

Capers

Capers add a delightful salty and tangy flavor to the salad. They can be sprinkled over the salad as a garnish or mixed into the vinaigrette.

Dressing for Salade Niçoise

A classic vinaigrette for Salade Niçoise consists of:

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper

Mix all the ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper.

This time with Chicken

For a variation with chicken, replace the tuna with grilled or sautéed chicken. Slice the chicken into strips and add it to the salad as described in the classic recipe. This provides a different but equally delicious version of the traditional salad.

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