Ina Garten Salmon Salad Nicoise Recipe

This Ina Garten Salmon Salad Nicoise Recipe is a fresh and elegant dish, which includes tender salmon and crisp green beans. It’s a restaurant-quality meal, ready in about 1 hour.

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Ina Garten Salmon Salad Nicoise Recipe Ingredients

For the salad:

• 1½ pounds fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• ¾ pound small red potatoes, halved
• ½ pound haricots verts or thin green beans, trimmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• Mixed salad greens or butter lettuce

For the vinaigrette:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Ina Garten Salmon Salad Nicoise Recipe

1. Roast the salmon: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the salmon on a parchment-lined sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12–15 minutes until just cooked. Let it cool slightly, then flake into large chunks.
2. Boil the potatoes: Put the halved potatoes in salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.
3. Blanch the green beans: In a separate pot, boil water and blanch green beans for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to cool, then drain and pat dry.
4. Hard-boil the eggs: Cover eggs with cold water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes. Cool, peel, and slice in halves or quarters.
5. Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together Dijon mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
6. Assemble the salad: On a platter, arrange the greens, then top with salmon, potatoes, green beans, eggs, tomatoes, and olives. Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?
  Yes, canned salmon can work in a pinch, but fresh roasted salmon gives the best texture and flavor.
• How to keep green beans bright and crisp:
  Blanching followed by an ice bath is key to maintaining their color and crunch.
• What kind of potatoes work best?
  Small red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well after boiling.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, all components can be prepped ahead. Assemble just before serving for best texture.
• How to make the vinaigrette creamier:
  Add a teaspoon of mayo or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a smoother finish.

What To Serve With Salmon Salad Nicoise

This light and flavorful salad pairs well with:

• Crusty French bread or a baguette
• Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• Lemon-herb couscous
• A light fruit sorbet for dessert

How To Store Salmon Salad Nicoise

Refrigerate: Store the salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Assemble when ready to eat.
Freeze: Not recommended. The texture of eggs, potatoes, and greens can suffer after freezing.

Salmon Salad Nicoise Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use tuna instead of salmon in this Nicoise salad?
Yes, traditional Nicoise salads often use tuna. Grilled or canned tuna works well.

Why is my salmon dry after roasting?
It was likely overcooked. Aim for an internal temp of 125°F for moist, tender salmon.

Can I skip the eggs?
Yes, the eggs can be omitted or replaced with another protein or veggie.

What’s the best lettuce to use?
Butter lettuce or a mix of spring greens works best for a delicate, balanced base.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Lentil Salad Recipe
• Ina Garten Snap Pea Salad Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Orzo Salad With Cucumber Recipe