Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish for warm days: French Niçoise Pasta Salad! This salad is like a burst of sunshine on your plate, combining the delightful flavors of tender pasta, fresh green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed together with luscious tuna. What makes it even more special is that it’s so versatile—you can enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a picnic star! I remember the first time I made it for a summer gathering; everyone loved how refreshing it tasted! Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients for French Niçoise Pasta Salad
To make this vibrant French Niçoise Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 200g pasta (I love using fusilli or penne for great texture)
- 1 can tuna in olive oil (drained, and don’t skimp on this—it’s a flavor powerhouse!)
- 150g green beans (trim the ends and cut them in half for easier eating)
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved (they add such a juicy pop)
- 50g black olives (I prefer Kalamata for their rich taste)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (sliced, to top the salad with a creamy touch)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for that beautiful flavor)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (for a zingy brightness)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious salad in no time!
How to Prepare French Niçoise Pasta Salad
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this beautiful salad! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar as you whip it up!
Cooking the Pasta and Green Beans
First, boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package for specifics. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, blanch the green beans. Just drop them in boiling salted water for about 3 minutes until they’re vibrant green and tender-crisp. Once done, drain the pasta and green beans and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep everything nice and fresh!
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled pasta and green beans first. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, and drained tuna. I like to gently fold everything together so you don’t break up the tuna too much—it’s all about keeping those delicious textures intact!
Preparing the Dressing
For the dressing, grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This is the magic touch that brings everything together! Once it’s well mixed, drizzle it over your salad. Toss gently once more to ensure everything is beautifully coated with that zingy goodness.
Serving Suggestions
To serve, slice those hard-boiled eggs and arrange them on top of the salad for a lovely finishing touch. You can enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature—perfect for picnics or a light lunch at home. Bon appétit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly fresh and vibrant, making it the perfect dish for warm weather.
- Preparation is a breeze, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Versatile as both a satisfying main course or a delightful side dish.
- Loaded with protein from the tuna and eggs, it keeps you feeling full and energized.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or dressings, so you can make it your own.
- Great for meal prep—enjoy it throughout the week or bring it to gatherings!
Tips for Success
To ensure your French Niçoise Pasta Salad turns out perfectly, start with high-quality ingredients—fresh veggies and good olive oil make a world of difference! When cooking the pasta, be sure to salt the water well; it should taste like the sea. This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Keep an eye on the green beans while blanching; you want them bright green and crisp, not mushy. And don’t forget to dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Presentation is key, so arrange the sliced eggs artfully on top for that extra wow factor!
Variations of French Niçoise Pasta Salad
The beauty of this French Niçoise Pasta Salad lies in its versatility! If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding some diced bell peppers or crunchy cucumbers for an extra crunch. You can also swap the tuna for grilled chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Want a different dressing? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of Dijon mustard can elevate the flavors even more. And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some capers or artichoke hearts for an exciting flavor boost. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
This French Niçoise Pasta Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Each serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat (with only 2g saturated fat), and a hearty 20g of protein. You’ll also get around 40g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber, making it a well-rounded meal option. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and actual numbers may vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your healthy and satisfying salad!
FAQ Section
Got questions about French Niçoise Pasta Salad? No problem! Here are some common ones I get:
How do I store leftovers? You can keep this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a little toss before serving again!
Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! This salad tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld together. Just wait to add the eggs until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t like tuna? No worries! You can swap it out for cooked chicken, chickpeas, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I use different vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to add in any of your favorites—bell peppers, cucumbers, or even radishes would be delightful!
Is this salad gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Mediterranean Pasta Salad.
Print
French Niçoise Pasta Salad: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Mediterranean
Description
A refreshing French Niçoise Pasta Salad with vegetables, olives, and tuna.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 1 can tuna in olive oil
- 150g green beans
- 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 50g black olives
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions.
- Blanch green beans in salted water for 3 minutes.
- Drain pasta and green beans, then rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, and tuna.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Slice hard-boiled eggs and place on top before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add bell peppers or cucumber for extra crunch.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: French Niçoise Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Salad
