I love a classic salad, and this Nicoise salad certainly qualifies. It's an easy dish that has many variations, which means you can adjust ingredients to suit individual taste buds. This version comes with a shallot vinaigrette which complements the flavors wonderfully.
The origin of Nicoise salad? Let's explore:
Salade niçoise (French pronunciation: [niˈswaz]), is a salad that originated in the French city of Nice. It is traditionally made of tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives and anchovies or tuna, dressed with olive oil. It has been popular worldwide since the early 20th century, and has been prepared and discussed by many chefs. It can be served either as a composed salad or as a tossed salad. Freshly cooked or canned tuna may be added. For decades, traditionalists and innovators have disagreed over which ingredients should be included; traditionalists exclude cooked vegetables. The salad may include raw red peppers, shallots, artichoke hearts and other seasonal raw vegetables. Raw green beans harvested in the spring, when they are still young and crisp, may be included. However, cooked green beans and potatoes are commonly served in variations of salade niçoise that are popular around the world. (Wikipedia)
Now, you may have glanced at the calendar and noted that today is April Fool's Day. And you may think there's a joke or prank behind this recipe found at Good Housekeeping. But there isn't. Instead, April 1st is notable to me because my cat, Walter, celebrates his birthday today.
Again, no joke. Walter's April 1st birthday is based on sound reasoning: He was rescued in December and his age at the time was estimated to be about 18 months. And, because most cats seem to have kittens in spring, I am one of those owners who celebrate their pet's birthday on April 1st. Ok, maybe it's a little bit of a joke…
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Here's my Walter, a very handsome and unique Ragdoll, a wonderful breed.
But what does he have to do with this recipe?
Well, because I use oil-packed tuna for this salad, it creates an irresistible aroma, which Walter simply can NOT stay away from.
As I was taking pictures . . .
. . . Suddenly, a nose appeared . . .
. . . I shooed him away . . .
. . . Then, in reached a foot . . .
Suffice to say that it took more effort than usual to get a "clean" shot of this salad!
So, I've decided that this salad should come with a label. WARNING: High risk of thievery!! LOL
If you're like Walter (and me), and you like tuna, you're gonna love this too😀.
📖 Recipe
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Nicoise Salad
Ingredients
Shallot Vinaigrette
- ⅔ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ cup mustard grainy
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 medium shallot finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 5 oz tuna oil-packed
- ¼ cup olives Kalamata
- 2 eggs hard-boiled, quartered
- ½ cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 5 cups mixed greens
Instructions
- Add all vinaigrette ingredients to a jar with a tight fitting lid. Cover and shake vigorously until fully combined.
- Arrange salad ingredients on a plate or bowl and drizzle with shallot vinaigrette.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
More salad ideas
Another main course salad to try is this Beet Salad with Goat Cheese.
For other salads using tuna, try this Tuna and Bean salad.
Or, for a shrimp - based salad, this Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad will NOT disappoint!
This red wine shallot vinaigrette is now it's own post.
And for the tuna lovers, try making a tuna stuffed tomato for a perfect light lunch!
Kay
This gave us a good giggle! We also have a tuna loving cat in our household! Not forgetting two dogs who are happy for anything!!
Sula
Oh yes dogs will eat anything! Cats are more selective. And sneaky!
Britt K
That's too funny! He was just trying to be part of it hahaha
Happy Belated Birthday Walter!
Sula
He ALWAYS wants to be part of anything tuna!
Sandee
Walter is handsome and he loves tuna. I can't say I blame him one bit.
Thank you for joining the Feline Friday Blog Hop.
Have a purrfect Easter Sunday. ♥
Sula
Enjoy your holiday!
Texasgirl
Walter approved, must put this in rotation. I love tuna!
Sula
Me Too!
Sara
What a good kitty. I hope he gets his own plate
Sula
Sharing with him only encourages the behavior, but I just can't resist that face!
Myrah
Nicoise Salad is one of my favorite salads! It is so tasteful and easy to prepare.
Sula
I agree! It's just the right combination of light and satisfying!
Debbie
Lol it must be good if Walter approves!!
Sula
Right!
Big Trouble
If Walt gives it two paws up, then it MUST be good! What a handsome man!
Sula
LOL maybe it should be the new rating system: two paws up from Walter! I'll work on that!