Mediterranean Niçoise Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Tuna

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining tender potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and tuna, dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette inspired by Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired french (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs baby red potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 10 oz baby red potatoes in a pot of salted water and boil for 15 minutes until fork-tender; drain and slice into halves.
  2. Step 2: Trim 5 oz green beans and blanch in boiling salted water for 3 minutes, then transfer to ice water to cool; drain thoroughly.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Peel and quarter 2 hard-boiled eggs and drain 6 oz canned tuna.
  5. Step 5: On a large serving plate, arrange potatoes, green beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 3 tbsp Niçoise olives, 1 tbsp capers, eggs, and tuna in groups without mixing.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette evenly over the composed salad just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Lemon Vinaigrette and Tuna?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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 Lemon Vinaigrette and Tuna 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 Lemon Vinaigrette and Tuna?

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.

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