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
- Râpée Morvandelle by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Croissants by Cookistry
- Cheese and Bacon Quiche by Tora’s Real Food
#CookForJulia Lunch
- Tuna Salad Nicoise by Magnolia Days
- Blood Orange, Walnut, and Rocket Salad by Granny’s Down Home Southern Cooking
- Croque Monsieur by Webicurean
- Spinach and Cream Cheese Pancakes by Happy Baking Days
- Julia’s Chicken Salad by My Trials in the Kitchen
- Pissaladière Niçoise (Onion Tart with Anchovies and Black Olives) by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Provencal Tomato Quiche by Are you hungry?
- Quiche Lorraine by Spoon and Saucer
- Potato and Onion Soup (Potage Parmentier) by Shockingly Delicious
#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
- Hollondaise over Blanched Asparagus by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
- Scalloped Potatoes with Milk, Cheese, and Garlic (Gratin Dauphinois) by Home Cooking Memories
- Ratatouille by Basic N Delicious
- French-style country pate by There and Back Again
- White Bean Dip with Homemade Tortilla Chips by Momma’s Meals
- Oeufs à la Diable by What Smells So Good?
- Soubise by The Weekend Gourmet
- Ratatouille by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
#CookForJulia Desserts
- Cream Cheese and Lemon Flan by Juanita’s Cocina
- Strawberry Sherbert in Cooky Cups by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Creme Brulee by Wine Everyday
- Mousseline Au Chocolat by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Peach Tarte Tatin by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Cinnamon Toast Flan by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Dark Chocolate Crepes by Family Spice
- Crepes Fines Sucrees by Mangoes and Chutney
- Pommes Rosemarie: Apples Rosie by The Daily Dish Recipes
- Espresso Soufflé by Chocolate Moosey
- Best Ever Brownies by In the Kitchen with Audrey
- Orange-Almond Jelly Roll Cake by Mrs. Mama Hen
- Orange Spongecake Cupcakes by Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Orange Mousse with Greek Yogurt by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Frozen Chocolate Mousse by Big Bear’s Wife
#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!

Tuna Salad Nicoise
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
-
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.
-
In a small bowl, add the tuna and stir in a little of the dressing. Set aside.
-
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.
Pam @ The Meltaways says
This salad looks great! I am really starting to feel like a lone soul here reading all of these lovely tributes – I never paid any attention to Julia up until I started looking for a recipe to do for this event!
Faye Leong says
A recipe that I’ll try soon! Renee, I love the way you decorate it and the matching napkin….Wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
Hezzi-D says
Your salad is gorgeous! I love the way you put it together.
Cindys Recipes says
So artistic, Renee! Lovely!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
Beautiful salad Renee, so fresh and colorful! Have a great sunday!
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina says
Simply gorgeous. So simple and so elegant at the same time!
Heather @girlichef says
Oh, I love Salad Nicoise – it makes a perfectly filling meal. Plus, it’s gorgeous! Lovely post.
mommasmeals says
Can never get enough salads in this home!! Way to make it look nice and fancy too!! Love it! Happy #SundaySupper!
Anne P @ Webicurean says
What a beautiful salad! The picture looks like it should be in a magazine!
Samantha @ FerraroKitchen says
I know how excited you were to make this salad! It is so beautiful and so delicious! Thank you so much for being a part of this #SS :))
Laura @ Family Spice says
Now I have to go search for some good Julia Child’s quotes! This salad is gorgeous – I love all the colors and the beautiful greens! Great job!
Family Foodie says
What a beautiful post with a gorgeous recipe and even better photography! I love that you shared this during our special #SundaySupper Renee!
Chelsea says
This salad is so beautiful! Like a work of art!
Sarah says
Every time I see Nicoise salad I think of my mom, she loves it – and Julia!
Sarah says
Looks fresh and so colorful. Love your plating as well.
Amy Kim says
Picture perfect! Salade Nicoise is one of my favorite salads.
Kathy says
Wonderful tribute and remarkable salad display Reene. Have to come back when I’m done work and check out the fabulous recipes you have prepared to honor Julia!
Liz says
This is one of my favorite salads and your presentation is just lovely! I must make this while I have summer tomatoes available! Beautifully done!
Terry says
Pretty.
Lane @ Supper for a Steal says
Beautiful presentation! It looks too good to eat.
Brandie (@ Home Cooking Memories) says
What a beautiful salad! You did such a great job on it.
Renee says
That is just about the prettiest tuna Nicoise salad I have ever seen. I had tuna salad Nicoise the first time in college and have very fond memories of the moment. This is a must make dish for me! Thanks for sharing it. 🙂
Eileen Gross | WineEveryday says
I love this salad, one of my favorite to make & yours looks scrumptious!
Cheers!
Linda-There and Back Again says
That salad looks wonderful. I like how you leave the ingredient choice to the reader but provide the wonderful dressing and potato salad recipes. Well done!
Katy says
I cannot believe how perfect that salad looks! You have such a talent! Nicoise salad always reminds me of the long, lazy lunches I had when living in France, so it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Now to make one that beautiful…
sunithi says
That looks amazing Renee ! Picture perfect. It looks like it’s just floating ! Love it !
Brandie @ Spoon & Saucer says
Not only does this sound delicious, but your presentation is gorgeous. Eye candy! Yum!
Kim Bee says
This turned out beautifully. I’ve never tried making it but I think I need to give it a whirl.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
Tuna Nicoise is one of my favorite meals, and I make it at least a couple of times a month. This is a great recipe to select, and your photo just pops off my computer screen!!
Baker Street says
What a gorgeous salad, Renee! I LOVE Tuna Nicoise and can’t wait to try out Julia’s recipe! 🙂
Angie @ Big Bear's Wife says
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!
Susan says
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.
Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom) says
That sounds (and looks) amazing!
Jamie @ http://www.mamamommymom.com
Terra says
Nicoise salad is gorgeous!!! I love love nicoise salad:-) Such a perfect treat to make to celebrate Julia Child:-) Hugs, Terra
CJ at Food Stories says
This looks so beautiful & I’ve been looking for a nicoise recipe 🙂