SALAD NICOISE – deconstructed

SALAD NICOISE  – deconstructed

The traditional Niçoise salad is a mixed salad consisting of various vegetables  topped with tuna and anchovies. Usually the salad is plated on a flat platter with lettuce and the vegetables piled on top. ( toppings of tomato pieces, wedges of hard-boiled eggs, canned tuna, olives and topped with anchovies. The salad is served with vinaigrette.

Variations abound from town to town in France and among all cooks of the world.  Some saying no “cooked” vegetables or define different types of lettuce to be used.  Julia Child is noted to have brought it to the attention of the American public.

TUNA SALAD

1 tablespoons dill and tarragon

2 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup Hellman’s Mayonnaise

½ cup pickle relish

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

3 tablespoon minced red onion

Nicoise Salad platter

3 Hard Boiled eggs sliced in quarters dusted with a little salt and pepper

10 Olives of your choice

2 Tablespoons capers (I replaced the standard anchovies)

1 head romaine lettuce chopped

1 cup marinated artichoke hearts (store bought)

½ cup marinated baby peppers (store bought)
Hand full of cherry tomatoes

2 Red peppers (cut in half, cleaned and a thin edge at the bottom of each cut so they will stand )

Green beans blanched and marinated in your dressing for at least an hour

3 white potatoes peeled and cut in half dollar size bites - boiled, cooled and tossed in:

·        ½ cup dressing ·        1 teaspoon dill   
 ·        ¼ teaspoon salt    ·        pepper

Dressing:

4 Season pack of dressing made with Olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar to the directions on the package.

Mix dressing and keep on the side for individuals to dress their own plates

Place the Tuna Salad  filled red peppers  in the middle of a large platter,  Place the  vegetables in sections of the platter mounded so the vegetable's colors alternate in a pin wheel pattern.  Serve with salad tongs and dressing on the side and a piece of crusty bread.

As always be your own Creative Dump Cook and change this recipe to what YOU have on hand!