Salade Nicoise

Salade Niçoise is a classic French salad originating from the city of Nice. It typically includes a variety of fresh and colorful ingredients. Here's a traditional recipe for Salade Niçoise:

Ingredients:

- 1 head of lettuce (such as Bibb or Boston lettuce), torn into bite-sized pieces

- 8 oz (225g) green beans, trimmed

- 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and sliced

- 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and quartered

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1/2 cup Niçoise olives (or Kalamata olives)

- 1 (6 oz) can of tuna, drained and flaked

- 2-3 anchovy fillets, optional

- 2 tablespoons capers

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper

- Extra virgin olive oil

- Red wine vinegar

- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain the green beans and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

2. Arrange the torn lettuce leaves on a large serving platter.

3. Arrange the boiled potato slices, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, Niçoise olives, flaked tuna, and blanched green beans on top of the lettuce, in separate sections.

4. If using, lay the anchovy fillets over the salad.

5. Sprinkle the capers over the salad.

6. Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad, to taste.

8. Garnish the salad with chopped fresh parsley.

9. Serve the Salade Niçoise immediately, and enjoy as a light and flavorful meal!

Salade Niçoise is a versatile dish, so feel free to customize it according to your preferences. You can add other ingredients such as bell peppers, red onions, or artichoke hearts, and adjust the dressing to your taste. Enjoy this classic French salad as a refreshing and satisfying meal!