I adore a classic Nicoise salad, which calls upon local, traditional plant-based ingredients found in the Mediterranean region of Nice, France. Although a Nicoise salad usually features eggs and tuna, this plant-based spin-off recipe for Nicoise Salad with Tofu includes other quintessential Niçoise elements, such as red potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives, red onions, capers and a French vinaigrette, along with cubes of herbal-marinated tofu. This hearty vegan, gluten-free salad is like a one-dish meal made in heaven, lightening your day with the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern France.

Nicoise Salad with Tofu

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading...

5 from 2 reviews

• Author: The Plant-Powered Dietitian
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegan

Description

This delicious Nicoise Salad with Tofu is inspired by the traditional Mediterranean region of Nice, France—with a healthy, light vegan twist, thanks to the addition of herbal cubes of tofu, along with classic Niçoise Salad ingredients, such as potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, olives, red onions, capers and a French vinaigrette.

Ingredients

Nicoise Salad:

• 3 medium red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, chopped into chunks (about 3 cups)
• 8 ounces fresh petite green beans (about 3 cups), fresh (may use frozen), trimmed
• 1 (16-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, drained, cubed
• 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup olives, drained
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

French Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons herbes de Provence* (herb blend)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Put the potatoes into a medium pot and cover with water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil.

   Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15 minutes.

2. Add the green beans and cover. Simmer until the green beans are crisp-tender and bright green, and potatoes are tender yet intact, an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool slightly.
   
3. Meanwhile, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, herbes de Provence, black pepper, salt (if using) in a small bowl.
4. Place the tofu in a rectangular container and pour half the vinaigrette over the tofu. Cover with a lid and turn over the container to distribute the dressing.

   Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the salad.

5. Arrange the romaine lettuce on a large platter.
6. Arrange the cooled potatoes and green beans, marinated tofu, tomatoes, olives and capers over the lettuce.
7. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette.
8. Serve immediately.

Notes

*Herbes de Provence is an herb blend made out of fennel, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, savory, tarragon, basil, chervil, mint, and lavender. You can buy it at well stocked markets or online.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 227 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g

Keywords: nicoise salad, nicoise salad recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @sharonpalmerrd on Instagram

For other Mediterranean-Inspired salad recipes, check out the following:

Greek Butter Bean Salad
Pantescan Potato Salad
Potato, Bean and Olive Salad
Arugula Salad with Tomatoes
Green and Gold Brown Rice Salad

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, click here.