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Tuna Salad Nicoise #CookForJulia #SundaySupper

Tuna Salad Nicoise

The official celebration for Julia Child’s 100th birthday begins today, Sunday, August 5th, 2012. The celebration runs through to her birthday on August 15th. I am so excited about it and even started the celebration early. Do you know who else is excited about it? I do! It is the wonderful team of Sunday Supper bloggers. Today’s #CookForJulia event features recipes and inspiration from Julia.

Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal. – Julia Child

What a quote! It shows that Julia knew the value of gathering around the family table for a good meal. I can only imagine what her Sunday Suppers were like. Just think of her table filled with all the incredible food and surrounded by her loved ones. It had to be a delightful experience. It is also something each of us can do with our own family and friends. That is what Sunday Supper is all about.

I am sharing a recipe for tuna salad nicoise. It is one of my favorite salads. It is also one I discovered only a few years ago thanks to my friend Terry who took me to a French restaurant for my birthday. I immediately fell in love with it as soon as I took my first bite. It is a beautiful salad loaded with so many of the foods I enjoy – tuna, olives, potatoes, eggs, and green beans. The lemon dressing ties everything together in such a nice way.

My recipe is general in nature. I have provided a list of ingredients without quantities. You can use your best judgement based on the amount of salad you want to make. It can be for one person or many. The recipe includes using French Potato Salad and Oil and Lemon Dressing. The original recipe serves six and you can find it in Julia Child’s “The Way to Cook” cookbook:

The list of recipes for this event is a big one. Please visit each one because it will be more than just a recipe. The stories behind each, Julia’s inspiration, and much more can be found on these blogs. I cannot wait to read them all:

#CookForJulia Breakfast

#CookForJulia Lunch

#CookForJulia Dinner

  • Bouillabaisse by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
  • Boeuf Bourguignon by Chelsea’s Culinary Indulgence
  • Orecchiette Con Broccoli Di Rape and Sausages by Doggie at the Dinner Table 
  • Boeuf Bourguignon by Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks
  • Veal Stew with Onions and Mushrooms with Baked Cucumbers and Boiled Potatoes (Blanquette de veau a l’ancienne with concombres au buerre) by Kimchi Mom
  • Salmon en Papillote by Girlichef
  • Poached salmon with cucumber sauce by Katherine Martinelli
  • Lobster Souffle and Deviled Chicken by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
  • Roasted Chicken with Julia’s Mustard Marinade by The Meltaways
  • Wild Mushroom and Herb Stuffed Chicken by Mama Mommy Mom
  • Puree of White Beans with Garlic and Herbs (Brandade á la Soissonaise) by Avocado Pesto
  • Julia’s Kunming Connection: Chinese Steampot Chicken by My Kitchen and I
  • Poulet au Porto by Family Foodie

#CookForJulia Sides

#CookForJulia Desserts

#CookForJulia Wine Pairings:

  • Relishing Food and Wine; Thanks to Julia Child! by ENOFYLZ

Join in the celebration each Sunday. We start at 3pm ET by tweeting, pinning, and showcasing recipes and food photos. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and share yours too. The live twitter chat starts at 7pm ET. Take a look at and follow our Pinterest board.

What is your favorite Julia Child quote? She had a lot of good ones. Share yours and why you like it. I have my favorite one to share in an upcoming post next week. Stay tuned!

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Tuna Salad Nicoise
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Tuna Salad Nicoise

A recipe for tuna salad nicoise; a French salad Adapted from a recipe by Julia Child.
Course Salad
Cuisine French
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Renee

Ingredients

  • Haricot Verts
  • Boston or butter lettuce
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper
  • French Potato Salad
  • Canned tuna drained and flaked
  • Tomato wedges
  • Hard-boiled egg s, halved lengthwise
  • Anchovy fillets packed in oil drained
  • Oil and Lemon Dressing
  • Black Nicoise-type or Kalamata olives pitted
  • Capers
  • Fresh parsley minced

Instructions

  1. Blanch the haricot verts in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes and transfer to an ice water bath. Once cooled, drain, dry, and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, add the tuna and stir in a little of the dressing. Set aside.
  3. Line a plate or platter with the lettuce. Drizzle the lettuce with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the potato salad in the center. Arrange the tuna, haricot verts, tomato wedges, and eggs around the potatoes. Roll up the anchovy fillets and place one on top of each egg half. Drizzle or spoon the dressing over the salad. Scatter the olives, capers, and parsley on top. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

A recipe for tuna salad nicoise; a French salad Adapted from a recipe by Julia Child.

Recipe Rating




CJ at Food Stories

Sunday 12th of August 2012

This looks so beautiful & I've been looking for a nicoise recipe :-)

Terra

Monday 6th of August 2012

Nicoise salad is gorgeous!!! I love love nicoise salad:-) Such a perfect treat to make to celebrate Julia Child:-) Hugs, Terra

Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom)

Monday 6th of August 2012

That sounds (and looks) amazing!

Jamie @ www.mamamommymom.com

Susan

Monday 6th of August 2012

Renee - this is so beautifully prepared! I love everything about it, and it really is a piece of art. I'm sure it tasted just as delicious too.

Angie @ Big Bear's Wife

Monday 6th of August 2012

I'm not a big tuna eater but hubby could probably eat it every day! I'll have to make this for him! Love the photos!