Imagine a vibrant, colorful dish that transports you straight to the sun-kissed shores of the French Riviera! Salad Niçoise with Smoked Mackerel is not just a meal; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and delights your senses. With its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this classic French salad is perfect for a light lunch or a stunning dinner party centerpiece. Ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to something special? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g smoked mackerel, flaked
- 200g green beans, trimmed
- 4 medium potatoes, boiled and sliced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100g black olives
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and trimming the green beans. Blanch them in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve their bright green color.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain and let cool slightly, then slice into even quarter-inch thick rounds.
- Hard-boil the eggs by placing them in cold water, bringing to a boil, then removing from heat and letting sit covered for 10 minutes. Cool in ice water, then peel and quarter.
- Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Gently flake the smoked mackerel into bite-sized pieces, ensuring no large bones remain.
- Arrange the sliced potatoes as a base on a large serving platter, creating a foundation for the salad.
- Layer the blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, and flaked mackerel over the potatoes.
- Place the quartered hard-boiled eggs strategically around the salad.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette evenly over the entire salad.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of black pepper.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the potatoes and hard-boiled eggs a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salad.
- Perfectly Blanched Beans: Ensure your green beans maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture by plunging them into an ice bath immediately after blanching. This quick cooling method locks in their freshness.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality smoked mackerel for the best flavor. If possible, look for sustainably sourced fish for a delicious and eco-friendly meal.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences! Artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or even a handful of arugula can elevate your Salad Niçoise.
- Vinaigrette Variations: Experiment with different types of vinegar or add a touch of Dijon mustard to your vinaigrette for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the salad at room temperature for optimal flavor. It pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of rosé wine, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 220mg
