Fresh, vibrant, and endlessly satisfying, Salade Niçoise is a classic French dish that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate. Originating from Nice, in the south of France, this salad is a celebration of seasonal vegetables, protein-rich tuna and eggs, and bold, briny flavors—all artfully arranged for maximum beauty and taste.

Whether served as a starter, light lunch, or full meal, Salade Niçoise captures the essence of Provençal cuisine: simple, healthy, and made with love.

🇫🇷 What Is Salade Niçoise?

Salade Niçoise (pronounced "nee-SWAHZ") is a composed salad made with:

Fresh tomatoes

Green beans

Hard-boiled eggs

Tuna (usually canned in oil)

Niçoise olives

Anchovies (optional but traditional)

Red onions

Olive oil-based vinaigrette

Modern versions often add boiled potatoes and lettuce, though purists from Nice may insist on strictly raw vegetables and no potatoes!

🏝 Origins of a Riviera Classic

This salad is as much a part of Nice’s cultural identity as its beaches and sun-soaked streets. The original “salade niçoise” was a humble dish of raw vegetables, anchovies, and olives—food readily available to the working class in the region.

Over time, it evolved, and by the 20th century, ingredients like tuna, green beans, and boiled eggs became standard. Today, it’s a globally recognized salad, offered from Paris bistros to California cafés.

🍅 Traditional Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll find in a classic Salade Niçoise:

Ripe tomatoes – Sweet, juicy, and sliced or wedged

Crisp green beans – Blanched for texture

New potatoes (optional) – Boiled and sliced

Hard-boiled eggs – Firm whites, creamy yolks

Canned tuna – Preferably packed in olive oil

Niçoise or Kalamata olives – Small, dark, briny

Red onion – Thinly sliced

Anchovy fillets – For an umami punch

Fresh basil – For aroma and a Provençal touch

Extra-virgin olive oil – The star of the dressing

Salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and vinegar – For the vinaigrette

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Salade Niçoise – Step-by-Step

🛒 Ingredients (for 2-3 servings):

150g green beans, trimmed

300g small potatoes (optional), boiled

2 hard-boiled eggs, halved

1 medium tomato or a handful of cherry tomatoes

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1 can tuna in olive oil, drained

6–8 Niçoise olives

2–3 anchovy fillets (optional)

Fresh basil leaves

🥣 For the vinaigrette:

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt & pepper to taste

🔪 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water to retain crunch.

Boil potatoes (if using) until just tender, cool and slice.

Hard-boil eggs, peel, and halve.

Slice tomatoes and red onions.

2. Make the Vinaigrette

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Assemble the Salad

On a large plate or shallow bowl, arrange the vegetables, tuna, olives, eggs, and anchovies in sections, not mixed—this keeps the "composed" style.

4. Drizzle and Serve

Pour the vinaigrette over the top just before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

🥂 How to Serve Salade Niçoise

Salade Niçoise is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, often with:

A glass of rosé wine from Provence

Fresh baguette or pain de campagne

A light fruit dessert like sorbet or melon

It’s ideal for al fresco dining, picnics, or a refreshing summer meal.

📝 Tips and Variations

Tuna vs. Anchovies: Use both for bold flavor, or choose your favorite.

Grilled fresh tuna can replace canned for a fancier version.

Add lettuce (like butter or romaine) to bulk it up.

Use quail eggs for elegant individual servings.

Make it vegetarian by skipping the fish and adding white beans or feta.

❤️ Why You’ll Love Salade Niçoise

Salade Niçoise isn’t just a salad—it’s a balanced meal on a plate. It’s protein-rich, full of fiber, naturally gluten-free, and utterly satisfying. It proves that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring—it can be vibrant, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

🇫🇷 Final Thoughts

Salade Niçoise is a dish that celebrates color, freshness, and simplicity. It’s rooted in tradition yet open to modern interpretation. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your own twist, this Provençal favorite will bring a little sunshine from the French Riviera into your kitchen.

So next time you're craving something light yet nourishing, choose Salade Niçoise—a true masterpiece of Mediterranean cuisine.

Bon appétit!