This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of StarKist Selects E.V.O.O.^® All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Niçoise Salad is a brunch-time recipe that will impress AND is a make-ahead meal that’s perfect for serving on a busy school night!

I love a Niçoise Salad. It’s one of those meals that uses the word “salad,” but it so much more. There’s no compromise in this salad. With all of the colors of the rainbow, healthy fats, protein galore, and a tangy and herbal dressing there’s everything to love. It’s fancy if you need to impress, but it’s also easy if you’re looking for a casual weeknight supper.

And if all those reasons above aren’t compelling enough, you should make this meal because this Niçoise Salad is the quintessential make-ahead meal. I generally prepare all of the ingredients a day in advance and serve them separately – which allows my family to mix and match what they want in their own Niçoise Salad.

Prepping our Niçoise Salad

Niçoise Salad is a classic French recipe and typically has tuna, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, olives, hard boiled eggs, and radishes on a bed of lettuce. Our version doesn’t stray far from this combo. It’s a classic for a reason.

Instead of doing a lot to the ingredients in this recipe, we’re letting their beauty shine. It’s time to focus on quality ingredients, like StarKist Selects E.V.O.O.^®Pouches packed in cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.

Be sure to pick perfectly ripe tomatoes – it makes a difference. When selecting a lettuce pick your favorite; I like to use tender and delicate butter lettuce in this recipe. We’re also using steamed potatoes (served at room temp), blanched green beans and briny capers instead of olives. I’m cooking, my rules. Feel free to prep the potatoes and beans up to a day in advance.

This recipe calls for fresh tarragon, but if you can’t find it, don’t fret. Substitute 1 tsp. dried tarragon for the fresh or use fresh oregano instead.

More about StarKist Selects E.V.O.O.^®

Like our salad, StarKist Selects E.V.O.O.^®Pouches have just a few simple ingredients. A natural source of Omega 3s StarKist Selects E.V.O.O.^®is Keto, Paleo and Mediterranean Diet friendly, and you can feel good knowing all Starkist^®Tuna and Salmon are Wild Caught.

Classically Elegant Niçoise Salad

Niçoise Salad is a brunch-time recipe that will impress AND is a make-ahead meal that's perfect for serving on a busy school night!

Ingredients

2 StarKist Selects E.V.O.O.® Yellowfin Tuna Pouches
1 lb. baby red potatoes, quartered
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ lb. green beans, trimmed
2 Tbsp. capers, drained
12 ounces butter lettuce or other mixed greens
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 lemon, juiced
3 tablespoons minced fresh tarragon
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan; cover with cold water and season with salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until fork-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a medium bowl.
Meanwhile, add green beans to a microwave safe bowl. Cover with water. Microwave five minutes, or until bright green and just tender. Drain and immediately plunge into the ice
water to cool; drain and pat dry.
Make the dressing: Whisk the mustard, vinegar, lemon, tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Whisk in the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until emulsified.
Add the lettuce to a large, wide bowl. Top with steamed potatoes, green beans, yellowfin tuna, tomatoes, and capers. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.