Nicoise Salad
by: Chef Matt Chatfield
Ingredients
1 large head Boston or Romaine lettuce, washed and dried
2 to 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound fresh French green beans, trimmed, cooked until tender, refreshed in cold water, and dried
4 ripe red tomatoes, cored, quartered, and seasoned just before serving
8 ounces fresh tuna, pan-seared and sliced
4 baby red potatoes, cooked, cooled, and sliced
8 hard-boiled eggs, halved lengthwise
1/2 cup Niçoise olives (Kalamata olives may be substituted)
3 to 4 Tablespoons capers
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Tuna
Season the tuna with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pan-sear to medium-rare. Set aside.
Prepare the Salad Components
Cook the green beans until tender. Refresh in cold water and pat dry. Slice the potatoes and quarter the tomatoes. Season the tomatoes just before serving.
Assemble the Salad
Arrange the lettuce in the center of a large bowl or platter. Arrange the green beans, capers, olives, tomatoes, potatoes, and eggs around the lettuce. Slice the tuna and place on top.
Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
Whisk together the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and Kosher salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Finish and Serve
Spoon the vinaigrette over the salad. Serve immediately.