Can I substitute canned tuna for the eggs to make a more traditional Nicoise?

Absolutely! Traditional Nicoise salad includes tuna. Use oil-packed tuna for the best flavor, drained and flaked over the top of your salad. You can include the eggs too for an extra-hearty version.

How do I know when my potatoes are perfectly cooked?

Test them with a fork – it should slide in easily but the potato shouldn't fall apart. Start checking at the 10-minute mark when boiling. Remember they'll continue cooking slightly even after draining.

Is there a shortcut version of this salad for busy weeknights?

Yes! Use pre-washed greens as a base, add canned artichoke hearts instead of blanching fresh vegetables, use pre-cooked potatoes or even potato chips for crunch, and top with hard-boiled eggs from the grocery store. The homemade dressing is worth making, but in a pinch, a quality store-bought vinaigrette works too.

Can I prepare this as a meal prep option for the week?

Definitely. Cook all components and store separately. For meal prep containers, layer the dressed greens on the bottom, add vegetables and potatoes in sections, and place eggs in a separate container. Assemble just before eating. The components will keep well for 3-4 days.

Spring Nicoise Salad Recipe

This Spring Nicoise Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic French dish that celebrates the best seasonal produce. Crisp green beans and asparagus, tender baby potatoes, peppery radishes, and perfectly cooked eggs come together with a zingy mustard vinaigrette that ties everything into a harmonious blend. It’s a beautiful, nutritious meal that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Seasonal: This salad showcases spring vegetables at their peak, creating a dish that’s bursting with color and flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Most components can be prepped ahead of time, making this perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Nutritionally Balanced: With vegetables, proteins from eggs, healthy fats from olives and dressing, this salad is a complete meal in itself.
Versatile: Easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
No Cooking Skills Required: Despite its elegant appearance, this salad is incredibly forgiving and simple to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: These creamy, buttery potatoes add substance and comfort to the salad. Their thin skins mean no peeling required!
Green Beans: Providing a satisfying crunch and vibrant color, they’re briefly blanched to maintain their texture and nutrients.
Asparagus: The star spring vegetable adds a sophisticated touch and distinct flavor that signals the arrival of the season.
Radishes: These add a peppery bite and beautiful color contrast. Slice them thin for the best texture in each bite.
Olives: Whether you choose traditional Nicoise, buttery Castelvetrano, or rich Kalamatas, they bring a briny, savory element that’s essential to the salad.
Capers: These little flavor bombs add brightness and a Mediterranean touch that elevates the entire dish.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and dill bring freshness and aroma that dried herbs simply can’t match. They’re worth seeking out for this recipe.
Eggs: The perfect protein component – soft-boiled for a luxurious experience or hard-boiled for convenience and meal prep.
Mustard Vinaigrette: A balanced blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that brings everything together. The Dijon adds complexity while the honey takes the edge off the vinegar.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Options

Add grilled chicken, seared tuna, or smoked salmon to make this salad even more substantial. For a vegetarian protein boost, try adding white beans or chickpeas.

Seasonal Swaps

In summer, add cherry tomatoes and cucumber. In fall, try roasted sweet potatoes instead of Yukon golds. Winter? Roasted Brussels sprouts can stand in for green beans.

Different Dressings

A lemon-herb vinaigrette works beautifully, as does a simple balsamic dressing if you’re short on ingredients.

Grain Addition

Turn this into a heartier meal by adding cooked quinoa, farro, or pearl couscous.

How to Make Spring Nicoise Salad

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes

Start with cold water for the potatoes – this ensures even cooking. Once fork-tender, dress them while still warm so they absorb all those wonderful flavors from the olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Step 2: Blanch the Vegetables

The quick blanch followed by an ice bath is crucial – it locks in the bright green color and perfect crisp-tender texture. Don’t skip the ice bath, or your vegetables will continue cooking and become mushy.

Step 3: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Whisk the wet ingredients first before slowly streaming in the olive oil. This creates an emulsion that will hold together longer. A mason jar works well too – just shake vigorously to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Layer the components thoughtfully, seasoning and dressing as you go. This ensures every element is properly flavored. The eggs should be the crowning glory – their golden yolks add visual appeal and richness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Serve this salad at room temperature rather than cold from the refrigerator – the flavors will be more pronounced.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Blanch vegetables, cook potatoes, and prepare dressing up to two days ahead. Store components separately and assemble just before serving.
Egg Perfection: For soft-boiled eggs, cook exactly 6 minutes in boiling water. For hard-boiled, aim for 9 minutes. Always plunge into ice water afterward for easy peeling.
Layering Technique: Build the salad in layers, dressing as you go, rather than tossing everything together. This preserves the integrity of each vegetable.
Salt Your Blanching Water: Make it “as salty as the sea” for properly seasoned vegetables.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This salad stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but pairs wonderfully with a crusty French baguette or a light soup like cucumber gazpacho in warmer months.

Serving Style

Present on a large platter for a dramatic family-style serving, or portion onto individual plates for an elegant lunch or dinner starter.

Drink Pairings

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Provençal rosé complements the fresh flavors perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a refreshing iced green tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Components

Store cooked potatoes, blanched vegetables, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh vegetables, which would lose their texture when thawed.

Reheating

No reheating needed! That’s the beauty of this salad. Just bring components to room temperature before assembling if they’ve been refrigerated.

Leftover Magic

Transform leftovers by chopping everything finely and using as a filling for wrap sandwiches, or toss with cooked pasta for a quick pasta salad.

FAQs

Can I substitute canned tuna for the eggs to make a more traditional Nicoise?

Absolutely! Traditional Nicoise salad includes tuna. Use oil-packed tuna for the best flavor, drained and flaked over the top of your salad. You can include the eggs too for an extra-hearty version.
How do I know when my potatoes are perfectly cooked?

Test them with a fork – it should slide in easily but the potato shouldn’t fall apart. Start checking at the 10-minute mark when boiling. Remember they’ll continue cooking slightly even after draining.
Is there a shortcut version of this salad for busy weeknights?

Yes! Use pre-washed greens as a base, add canned artichoke hearts instead of blanching fresh vegetables, use pre-cooked potatoes or even potato chips for crunch, and top with hard-boiled eggs from the grocery store. The homemade dressing is worth making, but in a pinch, a quality store-bought vinaigrette works too.
Can I prepare this as a meal prep option for the week?

Definitely. Cook all components and store separately. For meal prep containers, layer the dressed greens on the bottom, add vegetables and potatoes in sections, and place eggs in a separate container. Assemble just before eating. The components will keep well for 3-4 days.

Final Thoughts

This Spring Nicoise Salad is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. It’s one of those recipes that proves good food doesn’t have to be complicated – just thoughtfully prepared with quality ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or special dinner, this salad promises to deliver satisfaction and a taste of springtime on every fork. Give it a try this week and discover a new family favorite that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!