Smoked Salmon Salad Niçoise
This fresh take on the classic Niçoise salad swaps traditional tuna for smoked salmon and replaces hard-boiled eggs and olives with a variety of extra vegetables, creating a lighter, vibrant, and nutrient-packed version.
Smoked Salmon Tips
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Cold-smoked salmon is cured with salt and smoked at low temperatures (around 80°F–85°F). It has a smooth, silky texture similar to raw salmon and works beautifully in salads.
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Hot-smoked salmon is brined and smoked at higher temperatures, resulting in a tender, flaky texture. Use this if you prefer a more cooked taste.
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Sustainability tip: Choose wild-caught salmon, especially from the Pacific, for a more environmentally friendly option.
Make-Ahead Tips
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You can cook the potatoes and green beans ahead of time. Follow the recipe through Step 1, then cool and drain completely.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Ingredients
Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings
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8 ounces small red potatoes, scrubbed and halved
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6 ounces green beans, preferably thin haricots verts, trimmed and halved
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2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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½ teaspoon dried dill
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¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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6 cups mixed salad greens
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½ small cucumber, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
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12 small cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
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4 ounces smoked salmon, cut into 2-inch pieces
Directions
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Fill a large bowl with ice water and set next to the stove.
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Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Place the potatoes in a steamer basket over the boiling water, cover, and steam until tender (10–15 minutes). Transfer potatoes to the ice water with a slotted spoon.
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Add green beans to the steamer, cover, and steam until tender-crisp (4–5 minutes). Transfer to ice water. Drain both vegetables on a towel-lined baking sheet.
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Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, dill, and pepper.
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Add the potatoes, green beans, salad greens, cucumber, and tomatoes to the dressing; gently toss to coat.
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Divide the salad onto 2 plates and top with smoked salmon pieces. Serve immediately.
This version of Niçoise salad is lighter, fresher, and packed with vegetables, making it perfect for a quick lunch or elegant dinner.
