Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise – Elegant, Fresh, and Perfectly Balanced

Ina Garten’s Salmon Salad Niçoise is a sophisticated twist on the classic French Niçoise salad, replacing traditional tuna with flaky roasted salmon. It features tender potatoes, crisp green beans, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a bright vinaigrette—all beautifully arranged for a fresh, filling, and impressive meal.

This salad is perfect for entertaining, weekend brunches, or light dinners where you want to keep things classy and nourishing.

What Is Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise?

This vibrant, composed salad replaces tuna with roasted salmon and includes traditional Niçoise components like green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggs, all dressed in a flavorful vinaigrette. It’s served arranged on a large platter, making it ideal for gatherings and buffets.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Lobster Cobb Salad
• Ina Garten Kale Salad
• Ina Garten’s Artichoke and Leek Bread Pudding

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise

• Fresh and nutritious – Packed with lean protein and vegetables
• Beautiful presentation – Eye-catching on any table
• Perfect for make-ahead entertaining – Assemble and chill
• Flavorful lemon vinaigrette – Ties the salad together
• High in protein and fiber – A satisfying, healthy meal
• Ideal for warm weather – Light but filling
• Customizable – Add or swap components with ease

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Salmon Salad Niçoise

For the salad:

• 1½ pounds fresh salmon fillet, skin removed
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• ¾ pound small red potatoes, halved
• ½ pound haricots verts or thin green beans, trimmed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Niçoise or Kalamata olives
• Mixed salad greens or butter lettuce

For the vinaigrette:

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise

Step 1: Roast the salmon

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 12–15 minutes, until just cooked through. Let cool slightly, then flake into large pieces.

Step 2: Boil the potatoes

Place potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Blanch the green beans

In another pot, boil water and blanch green beans for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to an ice water bath to preserve color, then drain and pat dry.

Step 4: Hard-boil the eggs

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 10–12 minutes. Cool, peel, and slice into halves or quarters.

Step 5: Make the vinaigrette

In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until well blended.

Step 6: Assemble the salad

On a large platter or shallow bowl, arrange the greens as the base. Top with potatoes, green beans, eggs, tomatoes, olives, and flaked salmon. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise

• Crusty French bread or baguette slices – Classic pairing
• Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc – Refreshing complement
• Herbed couscous or quinoa – For a heartier option
• Gazpacho or chilled soup – Elegant first course
• Lemon sorbet or berry tart – Light dessert follow-up
• Sparkling water with lemon or herbs – Non-alcoholic pairing
• Roasted asparagus or zucchini – Additional veggie side

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise

• Don’t overcook the salmon – Moist, flaky texture is key
• Use baby potatoes for quicker prep – No peeling needed
• Shock green beans in ice water – Keeps them crisp and green
• Hard-boil eggs just until set – Avoid chalky yolks
• Use high-quality olives – Brings out true Niçoise flavor
• Drizzle dressing just before serving – Prevents soggy greens
• Add herbs like dill or tarragon – Enhances freshness

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise

• Use grilled salmon instead of roasted – Smoky flavor twist
• Add sliced radishes or cucumber – Extra crunch
• Use arugula or baby spinach for greens – Adds peppery bite
• Top with capers – Extra briny contrast
• Substitute lemon-dill yogurt dressing – Creamier option
• Swap salmon for smoked trout or grilled shrimp – Different proteins
• Include roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts – Mediterranean twist

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise

• Store components separately – Keeps ingredients fresh
• Refrigerate salmon, eggs, and vegetables in airtight containers – Best within 2 days
• Keep dressing in a sealed jar – Refrigerate up to 1 week
• Avoid freezing – Salad texture will suffer

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Salmon Salad Niçoise

• Do not reheat entire salad – Meant to be served chilled or at room temperature
• Warm salmon slightly if desired – Gently reheat in a pan or microwave
• Bring salad components to room temperature before serving – Best flavor and texture

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg

A well-balanced, flavorful salad full of nutrients and satisfying textures.

FAQs

Can I make Ina Garten’s Salmon Salad Niçoise ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook and prep all the components ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, high-quality canned salmon can be used as a time-saving alternative, though fresh roasted salmon offers a better flavor and texture.

What type of potatoes are best for Niçoise salad?

Small red potatoes or fingerling potatoes work best. They hold their shape after boiling and pair well with the vinaigrette.

Is Salmon Niçoise Salad served warm or cold?

It’s typically served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for make-ahead meals or warm-weather dining.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Salmon Salad Niçoise is a beautifully balanced and visually stunning dish that makes eating healthy feel indulgent. With its medley of fresh vegetables, rich salmon, and zesty dressing, it’s perfect for casual lunches, brunches, or elegant dinner parties. Serve it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your seasonal menu.

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