"This salad screams long, lazy lunches in the sunny south of France. Don’t forget a good baguette and a chilled bottle of rosé." – Lucy Nunes

What you need to know before you start

Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick, fresh salad is perfect for busy work days when you’re short on time. There’s minimal cooking required; you simply need everyday kitchen utensils and pantry staples such as tinned tuna, eggs, vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.

For taking to a party, assemble the salad on a serving plate and store the dressing in a closed jar. Before serving, shake the jar and drizzle dressing over the salad.

Why is this the best niçoise salad recipe?

Hailing from the French city of Nice, this salad with tuna is simple to prepare but still hearty and packed with flavour. Even better, it uses ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. Choose the best quality canned tuna in oil that you have, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can purchase fresh tuna from your local seafood market and sear it at home. This is combined with ripe juicy tomatoes, tender baby potatoes, fresh lettuce and hard-boiled eggs, and all of this is then covered in a luscious mustard, vinegar and olive oil dressing that ties the whole dish together. 

Why is it called niçoise salad?

The term ‘niçoise’ in cooking translates to ‘in the style of Nice’, the city in France. The salad got its name as it’s believed it was created by a chef in the region who was inspired by the ingredients found in Nice. 

What are the ingredients of a niçoise salad?

The beauty of a niçoise salad is that it only requires convenient, affordable and easily accessible ingredients, some or all of which you may already have in your kitchen at home. We use pantry staples like tinned tuna, potatoes, eggs and olives for the salad, with simple olive oil vinaigrette for the dressing. You’ll need to pick up fresh produce like tomatoes, green beans and lettuce to complete the dish. 

What ingredients you’ll need

Baby red potatoes: Red potatoes add a hearty, creamy texture and mild flavour, acting as a base for the salad. 

White wine vinegar: Vinegar adds a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the tuna and olive oil, brightening the salad’s overall flavour profile.

Green beans: Beans contribute a crisp, fresh texture and a slightly grassy flavour.

Roma tomatoes: Roma tomatoes add sweetness and freshness to the salad. 

Dijon mustard: Mustard adds a zesty, slightly spicy kick to the salad dressing. 

Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil contributes a rich, fruity and slightly peppery flavour, forming the base of the dressing.

Baby gem lettuce: The lettuce adds a crisp, refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness.

Tuna in olive oil: Tuna in olive oil offers a rich, savoury flavor and flaky texture, serving as the salad’s primary protein source while infusing the dish with the depth of olive oil.

Olives: Olives add a briny, tangy punch and a chewy texture.

Hard-boiled eggs: Eggs provide a creamy, protein-rich element that helps to balance the sharpness of the dressing. 

Baguette: Serve your niçoise salad with a crusty baguette on the side to soak up any of that extra dressing. 

How to assemble a niçoise salad 

Niçoise salad is easy to prepare. Begin by boiling the potatoes, as this will take the longest amount of time. As they cook, whisk the dressing and prepare the remaining ingredients. When it’s time to assemble, arrange the gem lettuce on a serving platter, followed by the green beans, tomatoes, tuna, olives and eggs. As you’re ready to serve, drizzle the dressing. 

Feel free to add some of your favourite ingredients like avocado slices, a handful of capers or baby cucumbers for a pop of colour, flavour and freshness. If you’re really looking to impress, add some fire-roasted red peppers or cooked peeled prawns. 

How to store leftover niçoise salad

A dressed niçoise salad is best enjoyed on the day, so you should only prepare the amount you and your family or guests are able to eat. If you do have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Better yet, separate the ingredients from the dressing and keep them apart until you’re ready to serve. 

How to serve niçoise Salad

A French-style niçoise tuna salad can be served as is for a quick lunch or dinner. If you’re preparing it as part of a feast, serve it with a side of roast asparagus, barbecued meats or grilled seafood for a fresh summer menu. 

If you’re taking this salad to a party or picnic, assemble on a serving plate covered with plastic wrap and store the dressing in a closed jar. When you arrive, shake the jar and drizzle dressing over the salad.

If you love our easiest niçoise salad recipe, try this 

Hero the humble can of tuna with these tinned fish recipes that are sure to impress: 

• Tuna empanadas
• Tuna mornay
• Tuna sushi rolls