Salmon Salad Nicoise - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (2024)

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Salmon Salad Nicoise - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (1) by Katie Webster
May 10, 2019 (updated 10/12/23)
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Today’s recipe is for Salmon Salad Nicoise with hard-boiled eggs, green beans, olives, potatoes and radishes. The salmon is baked smothered in pesto, then placed on top of each salad.

Salmon Salad Nicoise - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (2)

I originally shared this Salmon Nicoise on March 31, 2015. I have updated the images, text and added a video to share it again with you today.

Table of contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Salmon Salad Niçoise
  • Key Ingredients For This Recipe
  • Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Salmon NicoiseSalad
  • FAQs and Expert Tips
  • More Healthy Entree Salad Recipes to Try

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe For Salmon Salad Niçoise

I love me a big salad. And Salad Niçoise has always been my favorite big salad. Nicoise salad with salmon often come with a few classic staples such as potatoes, perfect hard boiled eggs, green beans, and an assortment of veggies. However, I’ve put my own twist on it by baking the salmon with pesto.

Recipe Highlights

  • It comes together in only 30 minutes!
  • Each serving has 30 grams of protein which will help keep you full and fueled for hours.
  • It’s versatile meaning you can easily add any other fresh vegetable or topping you’d like.

Key Ingredients For This Recipe

  • Potatoes: I used small think-skinned baby potatoes.
  • Boneless Salmon Filets: Preferably sustainably sourced salmon with the skin removed.
  • Pesto: You could either make homemade pesto or get store-bought.
  • Salad greens: You could use spinach, mesclun greens or any other green leaf lettuce.
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Other Vegetables: Green beans or haricots verts and radishes
  • Olives: I like to use a mix of green and brown kalamata olives but use specific niçoise olives or any pitted olives.
  • Dressing: You’ll need one batch of this nicoise caper salad dressing.
  • Seasonings: Freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.
Salmon Salad Nicoise - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (3)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Salmon NicoiseSalad

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper and lightly coat foil with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook potatoes

Place potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover generously with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to medium heat (or to maintain a simmer) and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 13 to 15 minutes. Drain and let cool on the cutting board.

Step 3: Cook salmon

Meanwhile, sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt all over the salmon. Place the salmon, skinned side down on the foil (pat dry with paper towels if wet) and spread 2 tablespoons pesto over them, dividing evenly. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes apart when tested with a knife, 8 to 12 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon.

Step 4: Steam green beans

Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Steam green beans until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain

Step 5: Season potatoes

Cut the potatoes into quarters. Toss with the remaining ½ teaspoon of the salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons pesto in a medium bowl.

Step 6: Assemble salmon Nicoise & serve

Divide the greens among 4 large plates. Arrange eggs, radishes, briny olives, potatoes, salmon and green beans over the greens dividing them evenly. Drizzle dressing over the salmon niçoise salad and season with pepper.

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FAQs and Expert Tips

Make-ahead and storing instructions:

You can make these pesto salmon salads in advance. The only difference will be that they will be served chilled. The only thing you have to remember is to allow the hot ingredients to cool completely before assembling the salads. This way the greens will not wilt from the heat of the salmon, potatoes or green beans. You can build the salads up to 24 hours in advance. After they are assembled, cover and refrigerate them. Drizzle with the dressing right before serving.

Why you should make Nicoise dressing from scratch:

Making Nicoise dressing with capers and garlic makes a huge impact on the overall flavor of the dish. Capers are a traditional accompaniment to salad nicoise, and the flavor of the garlic really goes well with the veggies.You can also whip up a simple lemon dressing with fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil and salt and pepper instead.

How to hard boil eggs:

Here’s how I hard-boil eggs. Place the eggs in the bottom of a small saucepan and cover them with cold water by an inch or so. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil and continue cooking for 10 minutes. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and transfer eggs to an ice bath until they’re cool enough to peel.

Salmon Salad Nicoise - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (4)

Variations to Try

  • I added a pile of steamed green beans to each salad this time, but I have made this in the past with edamame. Other great springtime alternatives to the green beans would be grilled asparagus or steamed fiddlehead ferns! You could also serve it with artichoke hearts, spring greens like butter lettuce, or cherry tomatoes.
  • Also, if you avoid dairy, you can make this dairy-free Whole 30 Pesto instead.
  • This Crispy Pan Seared Salmon Recipe is an alternative if you want to make this Nicoise salad without pesto.

More Healthy Entree Salad Recipes to Try

  • Don’t miss the Healthy Taco Salad I shared last week. It’s much lower in calories than restaurant taco salads, but still has tons of crunchy tortilla strips and juicy flavorful chicken.
  • This Vegan Cauliflower and Tempeh Power Salad takes a little bit of effort to make, but is well worth the impressive and delicious results. You’ll LOVE the Vegan Shiitake Bacon!
  • This Spinach Salad with Bacon and Eggs recipe has been a reader favorite for years, and my family loves it every time I make it. We had it last week with crispy skin chicken and it was a clean plate club night!
  • While asparagus is in season, try this Roasted Asparagus and Goat Cheese Salad. It’s vegetarian!

Thanks so much for reading! If you are new here, you may want to sign up for my email newsletter to get a free weekly menu plan and the latest recipes right to your inbox. If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought!

Happy Cooking! ~Katie

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Salmon Salad Nicoise - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (5)

Salmon Niçoise

★★★★★4.9 from 10 reviews
  • Author: Katie Webster
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

Salmon Niçoise Salad made with salmon baked with pesto on top. Green beans, hard-boiled eggs and cooked potatoes make it a satisfying and updated twist on the classic composed salad

Ingredients

UnitsScale

  • 6 small thin-skinned potatoes, about 3/4 lb.
  • 4 3 to 4-ounce portions sustainably sourced salmon, skin removed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 4 tablespoons pesto, divided
  • 8 cups clean salad greens, such as spinach, mesclun greens or green leaf lettuce
  • 3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and cut into wedges
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup sliced radishes
  • 12 olives
  • 1/2 cup nicoise salad dressing
  • Freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Lightly coat foil with cooking spray.
  2. Cover potatoes generously with cold water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium (or to maintain a simmer) and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 13 to 15 minutes. Drain and let cool on cutting board.
  3. Meanwhile sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt all over salmon. Place the salmon, skinned side down on the foil, and spread 2 tablespoons pesto over them, dividing evenly. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes apart when tested with a knife, 8 to 12 minutes depending on thickness of the salmon.
  4. Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Steam green beans until crisp tender, about 4 minutes. Rinse under cold water and drain
  5. Cut the potatoes into quarters. Toss with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and the remaining 2 tablespoons pesto in a medium bowl.
  6. Divide the greens among 4 large plates. Arrange eggs, radishes, olives, the potatoes, the salmon and the green beans over the greens dividing evenly. Drizzle with dressing and season with pepper.

Notes

Cooking Tip:

  • You can sub 1 cup shelled edamame for the green beans if you prefer.
  • To make hard-boiled eggs, place eggs in the bottom of a small saucepan, cover with cold water by several inches. Bring to a gentle boil over high heat. Boil gently for 10 minutes. Drain, run cool water over the eggs until cool enough to peel.
  • To Make this recipe Whole30 compliant, Paleo and dairy free, use this whole30 pesto.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stove Top and Oven
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 5
  • Fat: 30
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 21
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 32

Keywords: salmon salad nicoise,salmon nicoise,salad nicoise,pesto salmon

Salmon Salad Nicoise - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (6)

About the Author

Katie Webster

Katie Webster studied art and photography at Skidmore College and is a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute. She has been a professional recipe developer since 2001 when she first started working in the test kitchen at EatingWell magazine. Her recipes have been featured in numerous magazines including Shape, Fitness, Parents and several Edible Communities publications among others. Her cookbook, Maple {Quirk Books} was published in 2015. She launched Healthy Seasonal Recipes in 2009. She lives in Vermont with her husband, two teenage daughters and two yellow labs. In her free time, you can find her at the gym, cooking, stacking firewood, making maple syrup, and tending to her overgrown perennial garden.

More About Katie »

30 Minutes or Less 45 Minutes or Less Clean Eating Cooking Videos dairy free Fall Gluten Free Grain Free High Protein Lactose Free Lunch Main Course Mother's Day No Added Sugar Paleo Primal Recipes Salad Seafood Spring summer Weeknight Whole30 Compliant

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47 comments on “Salmon Salad Niçoise”

  1. maria September 2, 2023 @ 5:10 pm Reply

    I grilled this salmon and the small potatoes , came out delicious .Easy to make .

    • Katie Webster September 5, 2023 @ 6:33 am Reply

      Fabulous idea! I love grilling as long as the weather will cooperate. Thanks for reporting back Maria.

  2. Njama Braasch January 11, 2021 @ 5:13 pm Reply

    Braasch family trying this tonight! We’ll let you know how it goes 🙂

  3. Linda August 17, 2019 @ 5:30 pm Reply

    I love everything with salmon and this salmon nicoise salad looks amazing. So fresh and flavorful in one bite.

    • Katie October 5, 2020 @ 2:49 pm Reply

      So glad you like it!

  4. paleoglutenfreeguy August 16, 2019 @ 2:27 pm Reply

    Combining pesto with nicoise salad makes so much sense! This is delicious.

    • Katie October 5, 2020 @ 2:49 pm Reply

      Thanks Donny! Have a good one!

  5. Anne Lawton August 16, 2019 @ 12:40 pm Reply

    Salad Nicoise is one of my favorites! I love the addition of pesto!

    • Katie October 5, 2020 @ 2:49 pm Reply

      Thanks so much Anne!

  6. Megan Stevens August 16, 2019 @ 9:32 am Reply

    I grew up eating Salade Nicoise and love your version. It looks like beautiful real food. 🙂

    • Katie October 5, 2020 @ 2:48 pm Reply

      Thank you Megan!

  7. Irena Macri August 14, 2019 @ 3:29 am Reply

    This was super yummy! We love the dressing on the salmon and potatoes. Used asparagus instead of green beans as didn’t have any. Recommend!

    • Katie October 5, 2020 @ 2:48 pm Reply

      Oh, love the idea of using asparagus!

  8. ChihYu August 14, 2019 @ 1:22 am Reply

    So good! And the pesto gives an extra layer of flavor!

    • Katie October 5, 2020 @ 2:48 pm Reply

      It makes a big difference!

  9. Raia Todd August 13, 2019 @ 11:05 am Reply

    This looks so delicious! I love salmon, but have never tried nicoise.

    • Katie October 5, 2020 @ 2:48 pm Reply

      I think you’ll love it. Let me know what you think.

Salmon Salad Nicoise - Healthy Seasonal Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are the traditional ingredients in Nicoise salad? ›

At first, Salade Niçoise was made only with tomatoes, anchovies, and olive oil." The Cercle de la Capelina d'Or's salade Niçoise includes tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, salted anchovies, tuna, spring onions, small black Nice olives, and basil.

Why is it called a Nicoise salad? ›

The name "Salade Niçoise" refers to Nice, the capital city of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera. This region is known for its mild climate and abundance of sunflowers, olive trees, herbs, and vegetables used in many traditional dishes.

What does a salmon salad contain? ›

Combine salmon, green onions, celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl until well combined; season with dill and salt to taste.

Why is salmon salad good for you? ›

A serving of salmon -- 3 to 4 ounces -- is about 200 calories. It's very low in saturated fat and a good source of protein. It's also one of the best sources of vitamin B12. It's also bursting in potassium and other nutrients like iron and vitamin D.

What are 5 types of other ingredients that can be used for salads? ›

Also, simple fruit salad can be served during a meal or as a sweet after a meal. You can use a range of fruit in season. You can use a range of other ingredients in salads, including: ▪ meat ▪ fish ▪ seafood ▪ nuts ▪ cheese ▪ olives ▪ eggs ▪ pasta ▪ rice.

What do you drink with salad niçoise? ›

Because of the richness of the salad with the potatoes and anchovies, think of wines with character and complex bouquets. Red wines should have some notes of umami, earth or spice. Skin contact wines, Pet Nats and Island wines will be great too. My wine was Les Capriades 2016 Piège à Filles Rosé Pet Nat.

What olives can I use instead of Niçoise? ›

Nicoise olives are traditionally used to make tapenade but Kalamata olives are a good substitute.

Can Kalamata olives be substituted for Niçoise olives? ›

Brine-cured and typically preserved in red wine, red wine vinegar, or olive oil, they have a rich, tangy, and somewhat fruity flavor. A key ingredient of the Greek salad, kalamata olives also work well in a niçoise salad — in fact, many recipes will explicitly list kalamata olives as a substitute for niçoise olives.

Why is it called Russian salad? ›

Russian salad was originally called Oliver salad based on the Moscow-based Belgian chef who invented it. During the 20th century, the dish spread throughout Europe and adopted the name Russian salad.

What's a good dressing for a salmon salad? ›

You could also try a Dijon vinaigrette. You'll whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, and lemon. Pour over salad. If you want to make a salmon salad with mayo dressing, you could swap mayo for the Greek yogurt in this recipe.

What pairs well with salmon? ›

17 Succulent Side Dishes to Serve with Wild Salmon
  • Grilled Vegetables. ...
  • Greek Lemon-roasted Baby Potatoes. ...
  • Harvest Salad with Quinoa and Arugula.
  • Sweet Potato Fries. ...
  • Broccoli (Bacon/Craisin) Salad. ...
  • Green Beans Almondine.
  • Lemon Butter Pasta. ...
  • Cabbage Slaw.

What happens if I eat salmon and salad everyday? ›

"While salmon is a nutritious food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein and various vitamins and minerals, consuming it excessively may lead to potential issues, including excessive calorie intake, mercury exposure and nutrient imbalances," she warns.

What is the healthiest way to eat salmon? ›

Some of the healthiest methods of preparing salmon are pan-frying (searing), roasting, grilling, poaching, and baking in parchment paper.

What is the healthiest salmon to eat? ›

There are many different types of salmon — specifically, five types of Pacific salmon and two types of Atlantic salmon. These days, Atlantic salmon is typically farmed, while Pacific salmon species are primarily wild-caught. Wild-caught Pacific salmon are typically considered to be the healthiest salmon.

What is the main ingredient of bound salad? ›

Bound salad: ingredients such as meat, poultry, fish, egg, or starch such as potato, pasta, or rice and bound with mayo. Vegetable salad: cooked and/or raw vegetables (coleslaw); can be bound with mayo or mixed with vinegar/oil dressing.

Which of the following is a common garnish in a salad niçoise? ›

Break the tuna apart into large pieces, and arrange the pieces attractively atop the potatoes. Sprinkle with the olives. Drizzle with any remaining vinaigrette, and garnish with several sprigs of parsley and chervil. Serve immediately.

What is a common ingredient in most bound salads? ›

Bound salads are probably not the healthiest option in the land of salads, but they are so delicious! The reason they are a less-healthy option is that the binding agents are typically mayonnaise-based. Some of the most popular bound salads are egg and tuna.

What does Nicoise salad mean in French? ›

French salade niçoise salad in the style of Nice (city in France)

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