Mediterranean Niçoise Salad with Tuna and Herb Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-04 · Updated 2026-05-04

A refreshing Niçoise salad showcasing canned tuna, crisp vegetables, and a bright herb-infused vinaigrette for vibrant Mediterranean flavor. This mediterranean-inspired french (mediterranean) ready in about 40 minutes pairs canned tuna in olive oil, green beans, baby potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving

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Ingredients

5 oz canned tuna in olive oil
5 oz green beans
7 oz baby potatoes
2 large eggs
1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup Niçoise olives
3 cups mixed salad greens
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
1, minced garlic clove
1 tsp Dijon mustard
to taste salt
to taste black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Place 7 oz baby potatoes in salted boiling water and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool slightly, then slice into halves.
Step 2: Blanch 5 oz green beans in boiling salted water for 3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Transfer to an ice bath, then drain.
Step 3: Place 2 large eggs in boiling water and cook for 10 minutes until hard-boiled. Cool under cold water, peel, and quarter.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp chopped basil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups mixed salad greens, sliced potatoes, green beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/3 cup Niçoise olives, and 5 oz canned tuna (drained and flaked).
Step 6: Drizzle the herb vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Step 7: Arrange the quartered hard-boiled eggs on top and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Niçoise Salad with Tuna and Herb Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean Niçoise Salad with Tuna and Herb Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned tuna in olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Niçoise Salad with Tuna and Herb Vinaigrette?

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 Mediterranean Niçoise Salad with Tuna and Herb Vinaigrette 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 Mediterranean Niçoise Salad with Tuna and Herb Vinaigrette?

Mediterranean 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.

What others are saying

★★★★★Priya K.
This recipe saved my lunch routine. The lemon-herb dressing cuts through the richness of the tuna beautifully—no more boring salads!
★★★★★Wei L.
So simple yet elegant. The Niçoise elements came together perfectly, and my kids actually ate the veggies! Will make weekly.
★★★★★Maria G.
The herb vinaigrette was a game-changer—fresh and zesty without overpowering the tuna. Made it for date night and got seconds!