Roast Beef Nicoise Salad
Try our easy, mouthwatering roast beef Nicoise salad for a unique twist on a classic dish featuring a bright, zesty Dijon dressing.
Our roast beef Niçoise salad is our twist on the classic version. With simple ingredients and minimal cooking, our roast beef version is easy, accessible, versatile, and mouthwatering.
A Niçoise salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that showcases fresh, wholesome ingredients arranged beautifully on a platter. Traditionally made with tuna, this version incorporates deli-sliced roast beef, adding a robust flavor that complements the vegetables and tangy dressing. The combination of tender roast beef, creamy baby potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and hard-boiled eggs creates a satisfying and colorful meal that’s perfect for a luncheon or a light dinner. The red wine vinaigrette with Dijon mustard and minced shallots ties everything together with a bright, zesty finish, enhancing the salad’s fresh ingredients.
Why You’ll Love It
Fresh, balanced, and satisfying. Packed with protein, veggies, and healthy fats for a complete meal.
Minimal cooking. Just boil the potatoes and eggs — everything else is chilled and ready to assemble.
Perfect make-ahead option. Prep the dressing and ingredients in advance, then assemble right before serving.
Ingredient Notes
- Roast beef: Use thinly sliced deli roast beef or leftover roast for convenience.
- Potatoes: Baby gold or red potatoes hold their shape well; cook until tender and chill before assembling.
- Green beans: Haricots verts (thin French beans) give the salad a crisp bite.
- Dressing: The red wine–Dijon vinaigrette adds bright, tangy flavor that ties all the elements together.
Steps to Make Roast Beef Niçoise Salad
- Cook the baby potatoes until tender, then chill. Steam the green beans briefly until crisp-tender and cool them in ice water to preserve color. Arrange salad greens on a large platter or individual plates.
- Top with roast beef, potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, eggs, and red onion. Shake or whisk together the dressing ingredients — shallots, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, and a touch of sugar or honey — until well blended. Drizzle over the salad or serve on the side.
Recipe Variations
- Protein swap. Try grilled chicken, seared tuna, or ham instead of roast beef.
- More vegetables. Add bell pepper, cucumber, radishes, or artichoke hearts.
- Potato alternative. Substitute cubed sweet potatoes or roasted butternut squash.
- Different dressing. Use a balsamic vinaigrette or Italian dressing for a softer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled on a large platter for an elegant presentation.
- Add crusty French bread or a baguette for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of rosé, light red wine, or sparkling water with lemon.
How to Store
Store. Keep the salad covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Prep ahead. Store the ingredients separately in containers for 3 to 4 days and assemble when ready to serve.
Roast Beef Nicoise Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens, or butter lettuce
- 8 ounces roast beef, thinly sliced deli
- 1 pound baby potatoes, boiled, chilled
- 1 cup haricot verts, frozen, steamed just until crisp-tender
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved or quartered
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons shallots, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, grated
- Dash sugar to balance flavors, or honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Arrange the salad ingredients. Arrange the salad greens on a large platter or individual plates. Top with the roast beef, potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and sliced red onions. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Dress the salad. Combine minced shallots, olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic, and sugar in a mason jar; shake or whisk until the ingredients are well blended. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the roast beef Nicoise salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
