It fits perfectly into our busy lives because you can prep a lot of the ingredients ahead of time. Hard-boil the eggs on Sunday, chop the veggies while you’re waiting for the school bus – you get the idea. Then, when lunchtime rolls around, it’s just a matter of assembling and drizzling with that amazing dressing. This healthy nicoise salad is perfect on its own, or you can add some crusty bread for a more substantial meal. This veggie nicoise salad truly is a versatile dish.

The other great thing about this veggie nicoise salad is how easy it is to adapt. I’ve made it with grilled halloumi for a heartier option, added roasted chickpeas for extra protein, and even swapped out the potatoes for sweet potatoes. It’s all about using what you have on hand and making it your own. I was trying to make a vegan nicoise salad for my sister when she came to visit last summer. Turns out, some simple substitutes can really create a delicious and fulfilling dish!

Trust me, once you try this veggie nicoise salad, you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect way to celebrate fresh vegetables and a simple dressing, and it’s a dish that will impress your friends and family without requiring hours in the kitchen. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for the Perfect Veggie Nicoise Salad

Okay, let’s talk ingredients for our veggie nicoise salad. First, the potatoes. I always use small red potatoes because they hold their shape well when boiled and have a slightly sweet flavor. If you can’t find red potatoes, Yukon Golds will work too, when making this veggie nicoise salad. When making my veggie nicoise salad, I’ve learned that fresh is best, especially when it comes to the green beans. You want them to be crisp-tender, not mushy.

Shopping tip: when making veggie nicoise salad, you can find really great olives at most grocery stores in the deli section. I avoid the canned ones because they tend to be too salty. I always use Kalamata olives in my veggie nicoise salad because I love their briny flavor, but you can use any type of olive you like.

Here’s a veggie nicoise salad trick I learned from my mom: when hard-boiling eggs, add a splash of vinegar to the water. It helps prevent the shells from cracking. And speaking of eggs, don’t overcook them! You want the yolks to be firm but still slightly creamy.

For the artichoke hearts, I usually buy the marinated ones because they’re already seasoned and ready to go. But if you prefer, you can use plain artichoke hearts and marinate them yourself. For my veggie nicoise salad, I always use red wine vinegar because I love the tang it adds to the dressing. If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice.

For busy families making veggie nicoise salad, ingredient prep is key. Chop all your veggies ahead of time and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, when you’re ready to assemble the salad, it’ll only take a few minutes.

A cost-saving tip for veggie nicoise salad ingredients: buy seasonal produce. Not only will it be cheaper, but it will also taste better. And don’t be afraid to use frozen green beans if fresh ones are out of season. For leftover veggie nicoise salad, store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Ingredients:

1 pound small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
4 large eggs
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
4 ounces marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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For the Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Veggie Nicoise Salad: Step-by-Step

Cook the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. While the potatoes are cooking, get started on the next step of the veggie nicoise salad.
Blanch the green beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside. Now you’re getting one step closer to having your own veggie nicoise salad!
Hard-boil the eggs: Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Peel the eggs and quarter them. Don’t worry if your veggie nicoise salad eggs aren’t perfectly peeled – a little imperfection adds character!
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. I learned the hard way with veggie nicoise salad that the dressing really makes or breaks the dish. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or on a platter, arrange the cooked potatoes, blanched green beans, quartered eggs, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, sliced red onion, and artichoke hearts. This is where you can get creative with your veggie nicoise salad presentation.
Drizzle with vinaigrette: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. In my kitchen, veggie nicoise salad usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, depending on how quickly I chop the vegetables.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Your veggie nicoise salad should smell like a Mediterranean garden – fresh, herbaceous, and slightly tangy.

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While the veggie nicoise salad is cooking, I usually throw in a load of laundry or catch up on a phone call. Multi-tasking is key when you’re a busy mom!

A family-tested veggie nicoise salad shortcut: use pre-cut veggies. I know, I know, it’s not as fresh, but sometimes you just need to save time. I’ve been known to buy pre-cut bell peppers and cucumbers when I’m in a rush.

And here’s a reassuring note for common veggie nicoise salad concerns: if your potatoes are a little overcooked, don’t worry! They’ll still taste delicious. Just be gentle when you’re tossing the salad so they don’t fall apart. If you’re worried about the green beans being too crunchy, blanch them for an extra minute or two.

I like to make a big batch of this veggie nicoise salad on Sunday and then eat it for lunch throughout the week. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that keeps me feeling energized all afternoon. This is also a simple way to make a nicoise salad without tuna.

Serving Suggestions

My family enjoys this veggie nicoise salad when I grill some halloumi cheese to go with it. The salty, squeaky cheese is the perfect complement to the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing. It’s always a hit!

My go-to side dishes that pair with veggie nicoise salad are crusty bread and a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up the extra dressing, and the green salad adds another layer of freshness.

This veggie nicoise salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer barbecues. It’s also a great option for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner on a hot day.

For veggie nicoise salad presentation tips, I like to arrange the ingredients in a colorful and artful way. I usually start with a bed of lettuce or spinach, then layer the vegetables on top, creating a visually appealing display. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a final touch of elegance.

If you have extra veggie nicoise salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days. Just be sure to store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

For seasonal veggie nicoise salad variations, try adding roasted butternut squash in the fall or grilled asparagus in the spring. You can also swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes or add some grilled corn for extra sweetness.

My friends always ask for this veggie nicoise salad recipe whenever I make it for a gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s always a hit. I think they appreciate that it’s both healthy and delicious.

The kids love our veggie nicoise salad when I add some croutons for extra crunch. I know, it’s not exactly traditional, but it’s a great way to get them to eat their vegetables. You could also turn this into a vegetarian nicoise salad with tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this veggie nicoise salad ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Just wait to assemble the salad and add the dressing until you’re ready to serve it. I usually make the dressing a day or two in advance so the flavors have time to meld. You know what I do when my veggie nicoise salad is prepared ahead of time? I bring it to picnics! My family loves it!

Q: Can I use different vegetables in this veggie nicoise salad?

A: Of course! Feel free to use any vegetables you like. Some other great options include roasted beets, grilled zucchini, and shaved fennel. You know, I once accidentally used radishes instead of red onion in my veggie nicoise salad – it was a surprisingly delicious mistake!

Q: How do I prevent the eggs from cracking when I hard-boil them for the veggie nicoise salad?

A: Adding a splash of vinegar to the water helps prevent the shells from cracking. You can also try poking a small hole in the large end of the egg before you boil it. You know, I’ve made my fair share of hard-boiled egg fails with veggie nicoise salad, and trust me, it’s not the end of the world!

Q: Can I make this veggie nicoise salad vegan?

A: Yes, you can! Simply omit the eggs and use a vegan alternative. You can also use a vegan feta cheese or add some toasted nuts for extra protein. I made a vegan nicoise salad once for a friend, and she loved it!

Q: How long does this veggie nicoise salad last in the refrigerator?

A: This veggie nicoise salad will last for up to three days in the refrigerator, as long as you store the dressing separately. If the dressing is already mixed in, the salad will get soggy more quickly. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way!

Q: Can I add protein to this veggie nicoise salad?

A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some white beans would be delicious additions. One of my blog readers suggested adding smoked tofu, and it was amazing! I usually like to add some grilled halloumi cheese because I think it pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing. That can easily make it a healthy nicoise salad as well!

Q: What kind of olives should I use in this veggie nicoise salad?

A: I prefer Kalamata olives because I love their briny flavor, but you can use any type of olive you like. Green olives, black olives, or even a mix of both would be delicious. My family always requests Kalamata, though!

Final Thoughts and Pro Tips

This veggie nicoise salad recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of simpler times, of summer days spent in the garden, and of sharing delicious food with loved ones. It’s a dish that’s both elegant and rustic, healthy and satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does! This is also a great recipe for nicoise salad with green beans.

Here are my veggie nicoise salad Pro Tips:

Use the freshest ingredients possible. The better the quality of your vegetables, the better your salad will taste.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Try adding different herbs, spices, or even a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Make it your own! This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to adapt it to your own tastes and preferences.

Here are a few veggie nicoise salad variations I’ve tried with my family:

Grilled Halloumi Nicoise Salad: Add grilled halloumi cheese for a heartier and more flavorful salad.
Roasted Chickpea Nicoise Salad: Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein and a satisfying crunch.
Sweet Potato Nicoise Salad: Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more nutritious salad.

Finished Veggie Nicoise Salad on a Kitchen Counter

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My husband loves the grilled halloumi version, while my kids prefer the one with roasted chickpeas. I personally love the sweet potato veggie nicoise salad because it’s a little bit different and unexpected. And, as previously mentioned, it can be a vegan nicoise salad if you remove the egg.

I encourage you to make this veggie nicoise salad your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! I hope that your veggie nicoise salad cooking experience is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious food. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! You got this! I promise, this veggie nicoise salad is worth every single second.

Veggie Nicoise Salad: A Summertime Delight

Print Recipe

A vibrant and healthy Veggie Nicoise Salad with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 40
Yield: 4
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling, Steaming
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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1 lb baby potatoes, halved
1 cup green beans, trimmed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
4 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

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Instructions

Boil potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
Steam green beans until bright green and crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
Combine potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives, and red onion in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for the vinaigrette.
Pour vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss gently.
Arrange mixed greens on a platter and top with the vegetable mixture.
Garnish with hard-boiled eggs and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, marinate the vegetables in the vinaigrette for 30 minutes before serving. Add grilled artichoke hearts for an extra layer of flavor.