This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.
This easy Nicoise salad recipe is full of veggies, healthy, and also quick to make. In addition, it is vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, and customizable!
I love potato salad but sometimes I want to change things up and add more veggies. This French-Inspired easy Nicoise salad recipe is perfect for changing up your potato salad and also perfect for summer picnics!
I use a simple dressing for this salad but you can also use a combination of mayo and olive sauce for serving. Since this recipe is vegan, there is no seafood or eggs but it has amazing texture and flavors!
Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about how you can customize it and learn some tips.
How to make Vegan Nicoise Salad
Ingredients
Potatoes
My favorite potatoes are Yukon gold because you don't have to peel them and they are very creamy. But you can use any type of other potatoes such as red or purple.
Tomatoes
I made this easy Nicoise salad recipe with grape tomatoes but you can use roma or heirloom tomatoes if you like. You can also try sun-dried tomatoes if that's what you prefer.
Onions
Red onions are perfect for this salad but you can also use green onions (scallions) for a milder flavor. You can also use any type of onions such as white or yellow.
Green Beans
Green beans give this salad a great crunch and flavor but feel free to sub for another veggie. You can try bell peppers or any other favorite veggies as well.
Artichoke hearts and capers
I love adding artichoke hearts and capers to this salad because it gives a unique flavor. You can omit it or use more if you like it as well.
Basil
To brighten the flavors, I use fresh basil but you can experiment with other herbs such as thyme, oregano, or tarragon. I don't recommend subbing for dried herbs though since they don't have that fresh taste.
Dressing
I keep the dressing simple by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, and brown mustard. I like serving this dish with homemade vegan mayo and olive mix but you can omit it.
How to make Easy Nicoise Salad step by step
- First, you will need to boil water in a large pot and cook the potatoes. While the potatoes are cooking, we'll add the green beans to the pot to cook for a few minutes as well.
- In the meantime, you'll dice the red onion and sautee them for a few minutes.
- Now, we will make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, brown mustard, and salt in a small bowl.
- Next, you'll add the chopped tomatoes, artichoke hearts, basil, and capers into a large bowl. And then, we'll add the cooked potatoes, green beans, and onions into the bowl as well and drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently.
- Optional: In a small bowl, mix vegan mayo and very small chopped kalamata olives together to make a sauce for serving.
Tips & Variations
Since this easy salad is so versatile, here are some variations you can try:
- You can add bell peppers for some color and texture, that will change up the flavors as well.
- Try adding garbanzo beans (chickpeas) for protein and also make it more filling.
- Add some kalamata olives into the salad instead of mixing it with the mayo is another option.
- Instead of mayo, you can also add avocados for a lighter option.
How to store nicoise salad
You can store the leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours but I recommend storing the dressing separately.
It takes 30 minutes to make this quick, easy, and also versatile recipe. It is also:
- Fresh
- Variety of textures and flavors
- Simple
- Healthy
- And delicious!
More plant based potato recipes to try
- BEST VEGAN POTATO SALAD (EASY)
- BUTTERNUT SQUASH CURRY (VEGAN & HEALTHY)
- VEGAN CHILI FRIES (HEALTHY & EASY)
- ROASTED POTATOES RECIPE (AIR-FRYER OR BAKED)
- VEGAN SPLIT PEA SOUP (STOVETOP OR INSTANT POT)
- AVOCADO POTATO SALAD
So did you make this? I’d love for you to leave a comment and rate the recipe. You can also share your photo of the recipe on Pinterest and tag me on Instagram using @avocadocentric or #avocadocentric! xo, Selin
PrintEasy Nicoise Salad Recipe (Vegan)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy Nicoise salad recipe is full of veggies, healthy, and also quick to make. It is vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, and customizable!
Ingredients
- 6 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes
- 2 cups green beans (trimmed)
- 1 cups grape tomatoes (sliced into halves)
- ¼ medium-size red onion (diced)
- ¼ cup artichoke hearts (chopped)
- 1 handful fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 tsp brown or dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt or more to taste
Optional
- ¼ cup homemade vegan mayo (sub for store-bought)
- ¼ cup kalamata olives (chopped very small)
Instructions
- Add the potatoes to a medium saucepan and add water until it covers the potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium until the water is at a low boil. Cook the potatoes uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Add the green beans to the same pot with the potatoes and cook for another 4-6 minutes until potatoes are tender and green beans have a bright green color and slightly tender.
- Drain thoroughly and let them cool. Once slightly cooled, slice the potatoes into quarters. Set aside.
- In the meantime, in a small pan over medium heat, add 1 tsp oil and add the red onions and cook for 3-4 minutes. They should have a crunch to them. Set aside.
- Place the halved tomatoes, chopped basil, chopped artichokes, capers, cooked and quartered potatoes, green beans, and red onions into a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mustard, red wine vinegar, and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Toss gently to coat.
- Optional: Add the vegan mayo and very small chopped kalamata olives into a small bowl and mix it well.
- Divide the salad into plates and top it with vegan mayo and olive mixture. Enjoy!
Notes
Add bell peppers for some color and texture.
Try adding garbanzo beans (chickpeas) for protein.
Add some kalamata olives into the salad instead of mixing it with the mayo.
Instead of mayo, add avocados for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5.8g
- Sodium: 695.4mg
- Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63.1g
- Fiber: 9.3g
- Protein: 8.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: how to make vegan nicoise salad, vegan nicoise salad recipe, dairy-free nicoise salad, easy nicoise salad
Leave a Reply