Salmon Nicoise Salad

Salmon Niçoise Salad is a colorful, refreshing, and nutrient-rich dish that brings together the elegance of French cuisine with everyday simplicity. Originally inspired by the traditional Niçoise salad from Nice, France, this version adds a twist by incorporating salmon—either grilled, baked, or leftover—making it heartier and perfect as a main course. The combination of tender potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy eggs, all laid over a bed of fresh greens, creates a beautifully balanced meal. The tangy lemon-Dijon dressing pulls all the elements together, adding brightness and a zingy finish.

This salad is more than just a meal—it's a statement of freshness and health, ideal for warm-weather dining, entertaining guests, or elevating a simple lunch into something extraordinary. Its visual appeal and customizable nature make it a go-to recipe for foodies and health-conscious eaters alike.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Fresh leafy greens (such as butter lettuce or spring mix)

• Cooked salmon fillet (grilled, baked, or pan-seared)

• Boiled baby potatoes, halved

• Green beans, trimmed and blanched

• Hard-boiled eggs (slightly jammy yolks preferred)

• Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• Sliced cucumber

• Pickled shallots or red onions

• Pitted olives (Kalamata or Niçoise-style)

• Capers

• Fresh herbs such as parsley or dill
  
  

For the Dressing:

• Garlic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

• Dijon mustard

• Fresh lemon juice
  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Eggs
   Place baby potatoes in a pot of cold salted water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, gently add the eggs and boil for about 7 minutes for a jammy center. Remove eggs and place them in an ice bath to cool. Continue boiling the potatoes until fork-tender, then drain and set aside.

2. Blanch the Green Beans
   In the same pot, add green beans to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain well.

3. Make the Dressing
   In a bowl, combine garlic vinaigrette with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a squeeze of lemon juice. Whisk thoroughly until emulsified and smooth.

4. Assemble the Salad
   Start by layering the salad greens on a large serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the potatoes, green beans, sliced eggs, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, pickled shallots, olives, and capers on top. Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces and scatter across the salad. Drizzle generously with the lemon Dijon dressing and garnish with fresh herbs.
   
   

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served slightly warm or chilled, depending on your preference. It makes a complete meal on its own but also pairs beautifully with a rustic baguette or a glass of chilled white wine. For a more elegant presentation, consider serving it on a large platter for guests to assemble their own plates.

It’s ideal for picnics, brunches, outdoor dinners, or meal prepping for the week. The flavors also deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutrition will vary based on portion size and exact ingredients used, a single serving of Salmon Niçoise Salad offers:

• High-quality protein from the salmon and eggs

• Healthy fats from salmon, olives, and dressing

• Complex carbohydrates from potatoes

• Dietary fiber from vegetables

• A wide range of vitamins (A, C, B12) and minerals (iron, potassium, selenium)

• Omega-3 fatty acids which support heart and brain health
  
  

This makes it an excellent choice for a well-rounded, satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition. It fits well into Mediterranean, low-carb, and balanced diet plans.