Classic Niçoise Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs, Tuna, and Lemon-Dijon Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, traditional Niçoise salad featuring tender boiled potatoes, green beans, olives, and tuna, dressed with a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette. This french-inspired french ready in about 40 minutes blends small red potatoes, trimmed green beans, drained canned tuna in water into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 French cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 10 oz small red potatoes in a pot of cold salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15 minutes until tender; drain and slice into halves while warm.
  2. Step 2: In a separate pot, blanch 7 oz trimmed green beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes until bright and tender-crisp; immediately transfer to an ice bath, then drain.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
  4. Step 4: In a large serving bowl, combine the warm sliced potatoes, blanched green beans, 6 oz drained canned tuna, 1/4 cup Niçoise olives, and 1 cup halved ripe cherry tomatoes.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the lemon-Dijon dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all flavors.
  6. Step 6: Arrange 3 halved hard-boiled eggs on top of the salad and serve immediately for a classic French summer dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Niçoise Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs, Tuna, and Lemon-Dijon Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Classic Niçoise Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs, Tuna, and Lemon-Dijon Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Niçoise Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs, Tuna, and Lemon-Dijon Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Niçoise Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs, Tuna, and Lemon-Dijon Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Niçoise Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs, Tuna, and Lemon-Dijon Dressing?

French french like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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