Nicoise Salad with Caper Vinaigrette

Name: Nicoise Salad with Caper Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 pound baby potatoes; 4 large eggs (hard-boiled); 10 ounces tuna in olive oil (drained, 2 (5oz) cans); 6 ounces green beans (trimmed); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup olives of choice (pitted); 2 cups baby spinach (roughly chopped); 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 3 tablespoons vinegar; 3 tablespoons warm filtered water; 1 teaspoon honey; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoons capers (finely chopped or crushed); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons honey; salt and pepper (to taste)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Nicoise salad is fresh, hearty, and full of simple ingredients that work so well together. With tender potatoes, crisp vegetables, tuna, eggs, and a light dressing, it’s the kind of salad that actually feels satisfying enough for a full meal.

Nicoise salad with eggs, potatoes, olives, green beans and tuna in a white serving dish.

This Nicoise salad is one of my favorite meals to make when I want something that is fresh, filling, and genuinely good for you. As a certified nutrition coach, I love this salad because it is a perfectly balanced plate all in one bowl.

You get lean protein from the tuna and eggs, healthy fats from the olives and olive oil, complex carbs from the potatoes, and plenty of fiber from the greens. It is hearty enough to be a full meal and on the table in under 45 minutes.

For more warm weather dinners, try my Chicken Pasta Salad or Chik Fil A Cobb Salad.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Key Ingredients

Below are the ingredients you’ll need to make Nicoise Salad. The full quantities can be found in the recipe card further down the post.

Tuna in olive oil: Your main protein source. Packed in olive oil for better flavor and texture than water packed tuna. Keep it in large flakes when you add it to the salad.
Hard boiled eggs: A second source of complete protein and healthy fats that keep you full and satisfied longer.
Baby potatoes:Your complex carb that adds substance without weighing the salad down.
Green beans: Blanched just until bright green so they stay crisp and hold their nutrients.
Baby spinach: One of the most nutrient dense greens you can eat.
Capers: The secret weapon in the vinaigrette. Blended smooth they add a briny depth that makes this dressing so unique.
Pickled red onion: Bright, tangy, and cuts right through the richness of the tuna and eggs beautifully.

How to Make Nicoise Salad

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix vinegar, water, honey, and salt. Add onions and let it sit for 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, around 12–15 minutes. Drain and halve the potatoes.

process shot to boil potatoes and eggs and prep it.

Step 3: Add the eggs to a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 7–8 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, peel, and halve.

Step 4: Boil the green beans for 2–3 minutes until bright green. Transfer to a bowl of ice water, then drain.

Step 5: To make the vinaigrette, add all the ingredients to a small blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

process shot to make the vinaigrette and adding over the beans potatoes and eggs in a dish.

Step 6: On a deep platter add the cooked beans, potatoes and spinach. Toss with half of the dressing. Top with the remaining ingredients: tomatoes, tuna (in large flakes, not broken up too much), boiled eggs, olives and pickled onions.

Step 7: Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and enjoy!

Variations & Tips

If you’re not a fan of hard-boiled eggs, you can use jammy eggs instead. Lower the eggs into boiling water and cook for 7 minutes 30 seconds then drain, transfer to an ice bath, peel, and halve.
Look for canned tuna steaks, not chunks, which have larger flakes and a firmer texture.
If you have fresh tuna steaks you can use them, lightly seared on both sides then thinly sliced, instead of canned.
Swap the spinach for arugula to add a peppery note.
For a vegetarian option, swap the tuna for a can of drained chickpeas.
Drizzling the vinaigrette over the potatoes while they’re still warm will allow them to absorb the delicious flavors of the dressing.
Don’t overcook the potatoes. It’s best when they’re fork-tender and not too soft.

A close up image of Nicoise salad with olives, tuna, potatoes, eggs, green beans and tomatoes.

Common Questions

How do I store it?

It’s best to store the salad without any dressing on it (as this will make the spinach wilt). Assemble all the salad ingredients in an airtight container, storing the dressing separately, and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What does ‘nicoise’ mean?

Nicoise refers to ‘in the style of Nice’. Nice is a city in the south of France where the salad originates from.

Does Nicoise salad have egg?

Yes, it usually contains hard boiled eggs. You can leave them out if you’re not a fan!

How long to cook eggs for salad nicoise?

Hard boiled eggs are usually found in Nicoise salad. For this, the eggs need to be boiled in simmering water for 7-8 minutes.

Can you make it in advance?

You can prep the components for a Nicoise salad in advance: hard boil the eggs, cook the green beans, make the dressing, and pickle the onions. When ready to eat, all you have to do is assemble!

What can i use instead of tuna?

Grilled salmon or grilled chicken breast both work great and keep the protein content high.

can I use a different dressing?

The caper vinaigrette is what makes this salad special so I highly recommend trying it. If you want something simpler a classic lemon Dijon vinaigrette works well too.

More Fresh & Filling Salads

Thanks for stopping by and trying one of my recipes. If you enjoyed it, please leave a rating and share your thoughts in the comments. It really helps, and I love hearing from you