Niçoise Salad with Smoked Salmon Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

A Niçoise salad with smoked salmon is a delightful twist on the classic French salad. Traditionally made with tuna, this version swaps in rich smoked salmon for an extra burst of flavor. This salad is colorful, healthy, and perfect for any meal. Let’s make it!

Niçoise Salad with Smoked Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 ounces smoked salmon (thinly sliced)
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, butter lettuce, or mesclun)
• 1/2 pound small new potatoes (red or yellow, halved or quartered)
• 2 cups green beans (trimmed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 4 hard-boiled eggs (halved or quartered)
• 1/4 cup black olives (Niçoise or Kalamata)
• 1 tablespoon capers (drained)
• 1 avocado (sliced, optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives, chopped, optional)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Green Beans

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool.
2. In the same pot, blanch the green beans for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Salad Base

Arrange the mixed salad greens on a large platter or individual plates.

3. Assemble the Salad

Arrange the potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and capers over the greens. Add the sliced avocado if using. Top with slices of smoked salmon, distributing evenly.

4. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

5. Dress the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side for guests to add as they like.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Make it Heartier: Add a handful of blanched asparagus or roasted red peppers for more flavor and texture.
• Meal Prep: This salad can be prepped ahead of time by cooking the potatoes and eggs and preparing the dressing in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.
• Add a Crunch: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top.