Nice & Easy Nicoise Salad

A streamlined take on the French classic, this composed salad brings together all the Nicoise essentials: flaky tuna, tender potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onion over a bed of butter lettuce.

The trick to a Nicoise is that it’s composed, not tossed. Arrange the components in neat groups on the platter so each one keeps its color and identity, which is what makes it look as good as it tastes.

Dressing the warm potatoes and the tuna separately is a smart move, since the potatoes soak up the red wine vinaigrette best while they’re still warm.

The potatoes cook in minutes in the microwave, which keeps this firmly in easy-weeknight territory. Drizzle the whole platter with the remaining vinaigrette just before serving. It’s a light, satisfying main-dish salad that comes together in about half an hour.

Kitchen Tips

• Dress the warm potatoes and the tuna separately so each soaks up the vinaigrette.
• Cook the green beans just to crisp-tender and cool them so they stay bright green.
• Arrange the components in groups rather than tossing, for the classic composed look.
• Use good-quality canned tuna, ideally oil-packed, for the best flavor.

Variations

• Add classic Nicoise touches: hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, or capers.
• Use fresh seared tuna in place of canned for a special version.
• Swap the red wine vinaigrette for a lemon-Dijon or herb dressing.