I am salivating a little, just thinking about the delicious and refreshing salad I am about to dive into. I seldom get overly excited about left-over salad for lunch…but this one is so much more. The ripe peaches and nectarines offer a tartness to the traditional nicoise salad, that is unexpected, yet perfect for a light and satisfying summer meal.
The salad nicoise, originates from the Mediterranean town of Nice. This salad is typically served with tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, anchovies, hard boiled eggs, and tuna. My variation was really an unplanned concoction. As I was preparing for a light dinner last night, I began chopping and dicing all the veggies available in my refrigerator. To celebrate the stone fruits of the summer, I decided to toss in a chopped peach and nectarine. I then remembered I had left over new potatoes that I had pan seared the night before….and suddenly, nicoise salad came to mind. I quickly boiled a few eggs and whipped up some tuna salad…and voila! A beautiful summer nicoise tuna salad was born.
I love this salad for its beautiful colors; the fruits combined with yellow and red cherry tomatoes really make this salad something to talk about. I served the salad with a light vinaigrette that balanced the salad perfectly. For this recipe, I used canned tuna, mixed with a small amount of mayo, Dijon mustard and grain mustard, added a dash of salt and pepper and a hint of dried dill. For a more decadent option, you could also pan sear Ahi Tuna, and you will surely impress your guests.
Summer Tuna Nicoise Salad
2013-06-05 12:51:52
Mixed greens or spring mix
Kale (chopped)
Cherry Tomatoes (red and yellow)- halved
Celery (diced)
Peach (diced)
Nectarine (diced)
Carrots (julienned/shoe string)
Cornichons (mini pickles)
Mint (chopped)
Cilantro (chopped)
Lemon juice and zest
Pan seared new potatoes
Hard boiled eggs
1. boil eggs for 7 mins, remove from heat and allow to sit in hot water while preparing the salad
2. As I mentioned, I had new potatoes left over from the night before...which I would recommend, so you aren't making potatoes just for the salad...unless you are making a large portion. To pan sear the potatoes, simply cut the potatoes in half. Pour 2 tbsp of olive oil in saute pan. Over high heat place cut side down. Allow to cook for 5-7 mins, until the cut side is turning brown and crispy. Add generous amounts of salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover and allow to cook for 30-40 mins.
3. For the salad, add the mixed green and kale as the base, then top off with all other ingredients
4. Once the eggs have cooled, peel and chopped and add to the salad
5. Toss with lemon juice and zest
Tuna: (depending on amount needed, adjusted ingredients accordingly)
Canned tuna in water/drained
mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Grain mustard
dried dill
salt/pepper
To serve: Toss salad in your favorite vinaigrette, top with a dollop of tuna
I did not make a note of quantity of each ingredient because this salad can be made for 2 or 20...just add more as needed.
By The Prepped Chef
The Prepped Chef https://www.pmaapestworld.com/
This salad is perfect for a weeknight meal when you just want something light, or can be served as a side salad at your next gathering. I will definitely be making this again, and I know you will feel the same once you try it. Ok…all this talking about my lunch is making me hungry…time to indulge in a delightful masterpiece.
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About Sheena
There are many different facets of interest in my personal and professional life. My passion for baking has developed over the past several years; I love the satisfaction of sharing my delicious treats with friends and family. My sweet tooth, and love of baking is quite contradictory of my profession. I am a dentist, and currently a post-doctoral student, studying a dental specialty. My other interest is health and fitness...again...quite controversial of my baked goods..but, I believe....all things in moderation. I enjoy running and working out, and even making healthy entrees for my husband and I. After following several other food blogs, I decided, that this would be a new hobby. I am passionate about everything I take part in, and hope that you enjoy this blog and that it inspires you to make each day delicious with homemade prepared meals....and desserts :)
