Improvisational Nicoise Salad
Published July 2, 2014
Ingredients
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 shallot, peeled and minced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, or more
1 pound fresh green beans, wax beans, haricots vert, or a combination
3 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tbsp. capers, rinsed and patted dry
½ tsp. coarse kosher salt, plus more to
taste
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
4 large eggs, hard-boiled, peeled, and
quartered
1-2 cans tuna fish, drained (optional)
Tomatoes, sliced or coarsely chopped
or cherry tomatoes (optional)
Minced scallions or red onion (optional)
¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
(optional)
2 tbsp. toasted sunflower seeds
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic, shallot, and red pepper flakes; sauté for 3 minutes.
Add green beans to pan and toss to coat with oil and vegetables. Let sauté for 2 minutes, turn, and sauté an additional 2 minutes.
Remove pan from heat and stir in mustard, capers, salt, and pepper. Turn salad out onto a large platter.
Decoratively arrange egg quarters on salad, and top with any or all of the optional ingredients. Grind some fresh black pepper over everything and serve.
Makes 4 main-course servings.