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Any Way Niçoise

This versatile any-way niçoise salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition. Inspired by the classic French dish, this version offers a flexible template that allows you to use what you have in the larder or fridge. Whether you prefer traditional oil-packed tuna and blanched green beans or a modern twist with rotisserie chicken and crunchy radishes, the zesty Dijon and lemon dressing ties every component together beautifully.

Ideal for a light summer dinner or a sophisticated weekend lunch, this protein-rich salad is as visually striking as it is delicious. You can easily prepare the soft-boiled eggs and blanched vegetables a day in advance, making it an excellent option for stress-free entertaining or healthy meal prep. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the leftover dressing.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Any Way Niçoise

  • 180ml extra-virgin olive oil

  • 60ml fresh lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more

  • 6 large eggs

  • 450g green beans, trimmed

  • asparagus, trimmed

  • and/or new or baby potatoes, halved if larger

  • 950ml halved or sliced radishes, seedless cucumbers, fennel, and/or tomatoes

  • 725ml shredded rotisserie chicken, oil-packed tuna, cooked salmon or steak, cooked lentils, or canned white beans or chickpeas

  • Olives, capers, peperoncini, pickles, or other pickled-briny ingredients (for serving)

  • Flaky sea salt

How to make Any Way Niçoise

Whisk oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, pepper, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl; set dressing aside.

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add eggs and cook 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water (keep pot over high heat); chill until cold, about 5 minutes. Peel; set aside.

Meanwhile, add green beans, asparagus, or potatoes to the same pot of boiling water and cook until just tender (if you are using a combination, cook vegetables separately), 2–4 minutes for green beans or asparagus, 10–15 minutes for potatoes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to bowl of ice water; let sit until cold, about 3 minutes. Transfer to paper towels; pat dry.

To serve, slice eggs in half and arrange on a platter with cooked and raw vegetables and protein. Top with pickled-briny ingredient(s), sprinkle with sea salt, and drizzle some reserved dressing over. Serve with remaining dressing alongside.

Do Ahead: Dressing can be made 5 days ahead; cover and chill. Eggs can be boiled and vegetables blanched 2 days ahead; cover and chill separately.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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