Nicoise Potato Salad

The Nicoise Potato Salad has a special place in my heart. It reminds me of sunny picnics in the park, where everyone gathers to enjoy good food and great company. Each bite is a burst of flavor, combining tender potatoes, fresh green beans, and the briny tang of olives. I fondly recall making this dish with my family, carefully layering each ingredient to create a vibrant and colorful salad. It’s more than just food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and the joy of sharing delicious meals. The Nicoise Potato Salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive gathering. With its blend of textures and flavors, this salad is bound to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

What You Need for Nicoise Potato Salad

When it comes to the Nicoise Potato Salad, using the right ingredients is key. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The main players include potatoes, green beans, and olives, which create a delicious foundation. The fresh herbs add brightness, while the dressing ties everything together. Let’s explore what you’ll need to make this classic dish.

• 2 pounds petite red or white potatoes – These small potatoes are tender and creamy, making them the perfect base for the salad.
• 5 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces – Their crisp texture adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives – These briny olives give the salad a distinct Mediterranean flavor.
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced – The onion adds a nice sharpness that complements the other ingredients.
• ½ cup capers, drained – These little bursts of flavor elevate the salad with their tangy goodness.
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered – Adding protein, they make the salad more filling and nutritious.
• ½ cup Italian flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped – Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and enhance the overall flavor.
• ½ cup fresh tarragon, roughly chopped – This herb adds a unique flavor profile that is essential to the traditional recipe.
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil – A high-quality oil is crucial for the vinaigrette, adding richness and flavor.
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice – Adds acidity and brightness to the dressing, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons shallot, minced – This subtle onion flavor enhances the dressing without overpowering it.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a nice tang and depth to the vinaigrette.
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard – Gives the dressing a bit of texture and a complex flavor.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds warmth and a bit of spice.

The Process for Making Nicoise Potato Salad

Making the Nicoise Potato Salad is a delightful experience. The process is simple and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful ingredients without too much fuss. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to this delicious dish.

1. First, make the vinaigrette. Add olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, both Dijon and whole grain mustard, salt, and pepper to a jar. Close tightly and shake well. Set aside. This dressing will bring all the flavors together and is crucial for a delicious salad.

2. Next, prepare the potatoes. Place them in a medium pot, covering them with enough water to rise by one inch. Bring to a boil, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender—this should take about 15 minutes. You’re looking for a texture that allows a fork to easily pierce through.

3. While the potatoes are boiling, bring another large pot of water to a boil. Season it with kosher salt and add the trimmed green beans. Cook for just 1 minute until they turn bright green. Drain them immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will ensure they stay crisp and colorful.

4. Once the potatoes are done, use a spider or a strainer to transfer them from the pot to a large bowl. Let them cool for a bit. When they’re cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized chunks—either halving or quartering them based on their size. While they’re still warm, drizzle with about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the vinaigrette you made earlier, allowing them to absorb that delicious flavor.

5. Now, it’s time to combine. Add the green beans to the bowl, followed by the kalamata olives, red onion, and capers. Toss everything together with the vinaigrette dressing, tarragon, and parsley. Taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

6. Next, stir in the quartered or diced hard-boiled eggs. You can mix them in or place them on top for a beautiful presentation. If desired, sprinkle some extra parsley to finish the dish. This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it versatile for any occasion!

7. Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Nicoise Potato Salad keeps well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week. Just remember to give it a little toss before serving again!

Helpful Notes about Nicoise Potato Salad

When making the Nicoise Potato Salad, keeping some tips in mind can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some helpful notes to ensure your salad turns out delicious every time.

• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Freezing: It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the texture of the potatoes and green beans will suffer once thawed.
• Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it a fantastic side dish for any meal.
• Garnishing: Top with additional parsley or even some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color.
• Customize it: Feel free to add other ingredients like artichoke hearts or avocados for a personal touch.

What Complements This Nicoise Potato Salad

• Grilled Chicken: The lightness of the salad pairs well with the smoky flavors of grilled chicken breast or thighs.
• Fish Dishes: Serve alongside baked or grilled fish for a refreshing and balanced meal.
• Picnic Essentials: The Nicoise Potato Salad is great for picnics, offering a satisfying option that can be enjoyed outdoors.
• Seasonal Variations: In spring, add fresh radishes for a bit of crunch; in summer, consider incorporating ripe tomatoes.
• Lunch or Dinner: It’s suitable for lunch as a light meal or as a side at dinner gatherings.
• Storage: Leftovers can be kept for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Nicoise Potato Salad is a true masterpiece that combines fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and beautiful presentation. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a picnic in the park. I encourage you to try making this delightful salad yourself; it’s a fantastic way to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. With its easy preparation and delicious results, you won’t be disappointed!

Nicoise Potato Salad

The ultimate comfort food, the Nicoise Potato Salad combines creamy potatoes, crisp green beans, and zesty olives. This easy weeknight dinner is a colorful and nutritious option, perfect for gatherings or a casual meal. Try it tonight for a refreshing twist!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 8 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds petite red or white potatoes
• 5 ounces green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
• 1 cup red onion thinly sliced
• ½ cup capers (about 4 ounces), drained
• 4 hard-boiled eggs quartered
• ½ cup Italian flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped
• ½ cup fresh tarragon roughly chopped
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons shallots minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• First, make the vinaigrette by adding all of the ingredients to a jar fitted with a lid, close tightly, shake well, and set aside.
• Add the potatoes to a medium pot and fill with enough water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch, then bring to a boil. Add 1-2 teaspoons of kosher salt, reduce to a rolling simmer, and cook until tender or when the potatoes can be pierced with a fork or skewer, about 15 minutes.
• While the potatoes are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with kosher salt, and add the green beans. Simmer for 1 minute or until the green beans turn bright green. Drain the water, rinse the green beans, and add to a large mixing bowl to cool.
• When potatoes are finished cooking, use a spider or strainer to transfer them from the pot to a large bowl. As soon as the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them into bite-sized chunks (in half or quartered, depending on how big they are). Place the potatoes back in the bowl and while still warm, drizzle with 3-4 tablespoons of the vinaigrette dressing, then set aside to cool.
• Add the green beans, then add the kalamata olives, red onion, and capers. Toss with the vinaigrette dressing, tarragon, and parsley. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir in the diced hard-boiled egg or cut into quarters and nestle in the salad. To serve, top with more parsley if desired. This can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Notes

When making the Nicoise Potato Salad, keeping some tips in mind can enhance your cooking experience.

Keyword Easy Salad Recipe, Mediterranean Salad, Nicoise Salad, Potato Salad Recipe

Previous PostEaster Bunny Pancakes

Next Post Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!