Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe

Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe

If you want a fresh, healthy and delicious meal, try the Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe. This salad is full of flavor and color.

It has tender tuna, crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. Making it is simple, and the ingredients are easy to find.

In this post, I will show you how to make Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise step by step. You will also get a list of ingredients for Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise and helpful tips to make it perfect.

My Experience With This Recipe

I made the Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe last weekend. The salad looked so colorful and inviting.

The tuna was tender and the dressing was fresh and tangy. I loved adding green beans, eggs and olives. It made the salad taste authentic and filling.

My family enjoyed it for lunch and it felt like a restaurant dish at home. This recipe is easy, healthy and perfect for warm days.

Recipe Card info

  • Recipe Name: Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise
  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Course: Salad
  • Cuisine: French-American
  • Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe
Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe

Equipment List

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Salad serving platter

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise

  • 1/2 pound green beans, trimmed
  • 1/2 pound small potatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup Niçoise olives
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
  • 2 cans high-quality tuna in olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh herbs for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Cook the Potatoes
    Place halved potatoes in a saucepan. Cover with water and boil for 8–10 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly before adding to salad.
  2. Blanch the Green Beans
    Boil green beans in salted water for 3–4 minutes. Drain and place in ice water. This keeps them crisp and bright green.
  3. Prepare the Dressing
    In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside for later.
  4. Slice Tomatoes and Eggs
    Cut cherry tomatoes in halves and hard-boiled eggs in halves. Keep them separate for arranging on the salad platter.
  5. Drain the Tuna
    Open the tuna cans and gently drain olive oil if needed. Flake tuna with a fork into large chunks for the salad.
  6. Assemble the Salad Base
    On a large platter, place cooked potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and Niçoise olives. Arrange them in groups for a classic look.
  7. Add Tuna and Eggs
    Place flaked tuna over the vegetables. Add the halved eggs on top. Ensure even distribution for a balanced salad.
  8. Drizzle the Dressing
    Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss or leave arranged for a classic presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise

  • Use fresh vegetables for crisp texture.
  • Don’t overcook green beans; they should stay slightly firm.
  • Use high-quality tuna in olive oil for best flavor.
  • Chill salad before serving for a refreshing taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking potatoes or green beans can make salad soggy.
  • Skipping seasoning in dressing leads to bland salad.
  • Flaking tuna too small can make it mix into vegetables.
  • Adding dressing too early can make salad watery.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad with a slice of crusty bread or a light white wine. It works perfectly for lunch or a light dinner. This dish is filling, colorful and elegant for any occasion.

Variations You Can Try

  • Use roasted potatoes instead of boiled for extra flavor.
  • Add roasted red peppers for sweetness.
  • Substitute tuna with grilled salmon or seared chicken.
  • Include capers or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days.
  • Do not add dressing until ready to serve for best texture.
  • Salad is best served cold; no reheating needed.

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories350 kcal
Protein25 g
Fat20 g
Carbohydrates18 g
Fiber5 g

Health Benefits

This salad is full of protein, fiber and healthy fats. Tuna provides omega-3 fatty acids for heart health. Vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants.

Eggs give extra protein and nutrients. It is filling and low in sugar, making it a balanced meal.

Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe

Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe

Emily Grace
If you want a fresh, healthy and delicious meal, try the Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe. This salad is full of flavor and color.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Medium saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Salad serving platter

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound green beans trimmed
  • 1/2 pound small potatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup Niçoise olives
  • 4 hard-boiled eggs peeled and halved
  • 2 cans high-quality tuna in olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Potatoes

  • Place halved potatoes in a saucepan. Cover with water and boil for 8–10 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly before adding to salad.

Blanch the Green Beans

  • Boil green beans in salted water for 3–4 minutes. Drain and place in ice water. This keeps them crisp and bright green.

Prepare the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside for later.

Slice Tomatoes and Eggs

  • Cut cherry tomatoes in halves and hard-boiled eggs in halves. Keep them separate for arranging on the salad platter.

Drain the Tuna

  • Open the tuna cans and gently drain olive oil if needed. Flake tuna with a fork into large chunks for the salad.

Assemble the Salad Base

  • On a large platter, place cooked potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and Niçoise olives. Arrange them in groups for a classic look.

Add Tuna and Eggs

  • Place flaked tuna over the vegetables. Add the halved eggs on top. Ensure even distribution for a balanced salad.

Drizzle the Dressing

  • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss or leave arranged for a classic presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables for crisp texture.
  • Don’t overcook green beans; they should stay slightly firm.
  • Use high-quality tuna in olive oil for best flavor.
  • Chill salad before serving for a refreshing taste.
Keyword Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe

FAQs about Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise

Q1: Can I use canned green beans instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh green beans taste crispier and more vibrant. Blanching fresh beans keeps their color and texture intact.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare vegetables and tuna in advance. Add dressing and eggs just before serving for best freshness.

Q3: Can I use another type of tuna?
You can use light tuna or albacore, but high-quality tuna in olive oil gives the best flavor.

Q4: Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check canned tuna and olives for additives.

Final Thoughts

The Ina Garten Tuna Salad Niçoise Recipe is easy, healthy and delicious. It looks elegant and tastes fresh. Using simple ingredients, anyone can make it at home.

Follow this step-by-step guide for perfect results every time. It is ideal for lunch, dinner or entertaining guests.

Enjoy making and sharing this colorful, nutritious salad with your family and friends.

Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!