The Niçoise salad is a true icon of the French Riviera — a vibrant composition of summer vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, olives and anchovies, dressed simply so that the freshness of each ingredient can shine. There are as many versions as there are cooks in Nice, but the spirit is always the same: honest, seasonal produce, arranged with care.

Ingredients

4 ripe tomatoes, quartered
4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
1 small head of lettuce, leaves separated
100 g black Niçoise olives
8 anchovy fillets
1 jar artichoke hearts, quartered
A handful of radishes, sliced
1 small green pepper, sliced
Olive oil and red wine vinegar, for dressing
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter or shallow bowl.
Scatter over the tomatoes, radishes, green pepper and artichoke hearts.
Arrange the hard-boiled egg halves and anchovy fillets on top.
Sprinkle over the olives.
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, and drizzle over the salad just before serving.

For the best results, use the ripest tomatoes you can find — this salad depends entirely on the quality of its ingredients.

About This Recipe

Niçoise Salad is one of those dishes that rewards a little care and shares beautifully at the table. Below you’ll find timings, practical tips and serving ideas so you can make it with confidence, whether it is your first attempt or a familiar favourite you want to get just right.

At a Glance

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: No cooking
Total time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Very easy

Tips for the Best Results

Dress the Niçoise Salad just before serving so the leaves and fruit stay crisp and bright.
Balance the dressing between acidity and a touch of sweetness, tasting as you go.
Chill the components separately and combine at the last moment for the freshest result.
Toast any nuts or seeds briefly to wake up their aroma before scattering them over.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Niçoise Salad as a refreshing starter, a light lunch, or a bright side to grilled meat or fish. It also travels well for picnics and packed lunches.

Storage

This is best enjoyed fresh. If you must keep it, store the undressed components in the fridge for up to a day and dress just before serving.