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You are here: Home / Recipes / Side dishes / Nicoise Pasta Salad Recipe

Nicoise Pasta Salad Recipe

September 26, 2013 By Shannah Coe 49 Comments

Turn a classic French salad into the perfect pasta salad for your light lunch or summer picnic. Niçoise pasta salad has all the classic flavors but swaps the traditional lettuce for pasta.

A traditional Niçoise salad is made up of tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, olives and anchovies. You’ll find quite a lot of variation in the ingredients and dressing though with the more modern version including potatoes and green beans such as this Niçoise pasta salad had.

Nicoise Pasta Salad

While it isn’t part of the classic recipe, I love adding a little tuna to my Niçoise pasta salad. It gives the salad a little extra protein and turns it from a side dish to the perfect light lunch. I definitely recommend choosing a tuna in olive oil for extra flavor. 

The dressing for this Niçoise pasta salad is a combination of garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, Dijon mustard and shallot. The shallot has a lighter, sweeter flavor than a standard onion making it perfect for salad dressings.

Nicoise Pasta Salad Dressing Nicoise Pasta Salad Dressing Recipe

The anchoives are definitely optional here but they add a delicious brininess to the salad. I mince mine really tiny so no one knows they are in there.

Nicoise Pasta Salad Summer Recipe Easy Nicoise Pasta Salad

I know a lot of people shy away from a salad Niçoise recipe because of the anchovies! But, once you make this Niçoise pasta salad, your entire opinion of Niçoise salad is bound to change.  This pasta side dish is so light and fresh but full of ingredients that are so good for you! It makes the absolute perfect summer salad!

Salad Nicoise Pasta Recipe

If you make this Niçoise pasta salad or any other recipe from the blog, I’d love to hear about your experience. Let me know if the comments or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram or Twitter.

If you enjoyed this Niçoise pasta salad, be sure to try these other easy pasta salad recipes:

  • Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Salad
  • Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad
  • Best Ever Macaroni Salad

Essential items for this simple salad:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
Nicoise Pasta Salad
5 from 6 votes
Print
Nicoise Pasta Salad
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
 
Cuisine: Salad
Servings: 10
Calories: 383 kcal
Ingredients
  • 16 oz bow tie pasta cooked al dente
  • 6 oz tuna packed in olive oil
  • 1 lb small red potatoes quartered and steamed
  • 1/2 lb haricot verts {or small green beans} trimmed and steamed
  • 1/2 cup minced black olives
  • 4 hard boiled eggs roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 1/4 cup basil chopped
  • 3 oil packed anchovies finely chopped {optional}
Dressing
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 shallot minced
Instructions
  1. For the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine all dressing ingredients (garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, Dijon mustard and shallot) and stir with a whisk until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the pasta through tomatoes and toss to combine. Add anchovies if using and then pour dressing over salad and toss. Top pasta salad with green onions and chopped basil. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

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Filed Under: Cooking, food, Main Dishes, Recipes, Salads, Side dishes Tagged With: 30 minute meal, Canned Tuna, easy recipes, Healthy Dinner, Healthy Lunch, Healthy Tuna Recipes, Just Us Four Recipes, Naturally Delicious, Ocean Naturals, pasta, pasta salad, picnic food, quick recipes, recipes for picnics, recipes in under 30 minutes, Skipjack, Skipjack Tuna, Tuna, Tuna Recipes, Wild Premium Tuna

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Comments

  1. Happy Valley Chow says

    September 27, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    That is definitely one beautiful pasta salad! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Happy Blogging!
    Happy Valley Chow
    Happy Valley Chow recently posted…Meatball HoagieMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says

    September 30, 2013 at 8:59 am

    Hmmm. I might be brave enough to try anchovies in a salad like this! Looks yummy.

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:37 pm

      The anchoives definitely add nice flavor dimension to the salad. If you mince them, you won’t even notice the texture either.

      Reply
  3. Amy Desrosiers says

    September 30, 2013 at 9:01 am

    This looks so incredibly delicious! Thanks for some dinner inspiration!
    Amy Desrosiers recently posted…EXERGEN TemporalScanner™ with Smart Glow Features Video ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:35 pm

      Thanks! This is definitely a super easy to make salad. Hope you give it a try.

      Reply
  4. Virginia @thatbaldchick says

    September 30, 2013 at 9:12 am

    That looks delish!
    Virginia @thatbaldchick recently posted…One Load at a TimeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:35 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  5. Marika says

    September 30, 2013 at 11:05 am

    I’d love love love it, except I hate tuna with a vengeance. However I can see how to add other ingredients instead of it.

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:35 pm

      Oh…hmmm…I guess you could easily do a different type of white fish or perhaps shredded chicken.

      Reply
  6. Christine Luken says

    September 30, 2013 at 11:33 am

    Delicious and healthy – my kind of recipe!
    Christine Luken recently posted…The Holidays Are Coming!My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:34 pm

      Thanks! I love working with tuna because it is so lot but packed with protein.

      Reply
  7. Giveaways 4 Mom says

    September 30, 2013 at 11:48 am

    This looks delicious. I like salad but sometimes I bore with it because I don’t have to many recipes. I will definitely add this one to my rotation.
    Giveaways 4 Mom recently posted…CasePics.com ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:33 pm

      Definitely give this one a try if you are bored with all your regular salads. It has a ton of flavor!

      Reply
  8. Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy says

    September 30, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    5 stars
    It looks delicious and your pictures are beautiful!
    Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy recently posted…The Little Mermaid Film Review #littlemermaidevent #findyourvoice #sponMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:32 pm

      Thanks! I am still working hard at the picture thing though. Cooking is easy by comparison 🙂

      Reply
  9. Jennifer B says

    September 30, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    5 stars
    This is SO beautiful and looks so good too. I’m bookmarking this to make this week! Thanks for posting this!
    Jennifer B recently posted…Review: The Farm Of Wisdom by Warren Cassell Jr.My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks! I love all the bright colors of the veggies that go with the salad.

      Reply
  10. brett says

    September 30, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    5 stars
    my husband would be all over this- he’s big into tuna, especially lately. hmmm. now that it’s cooler he can bring stuff like this for his lunches on the road!!
    brett recently posted…Share What’s Good with Welch’s and win $5000 #SharewhatsgoodMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      Great idea for making this for lunches!

      Reply
  11. Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says

    September 30, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    5 stars
    YUM.. I love pasta salad and this looks like a great meal; tuna, veggies and pasta.. what more do you wan. LOVE the colors.. thanks for sharing, sooo gonna add it to my meal plan soon.
    Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom recently posted…What’s Cooking ~Meal Plan MondayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      This is definitely one of those pasta salads that you can use as a side or a main dish. It is full of so many yummy ingredients that you may not want anything else.

      Reply
  12. Laurie - Steals and Deals for Kids says

    September 30, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    This looks like a great recipe and so easy to do!!
    Laurie – Steals and Deals for Kids recently posted…Junior Size Clothing, Shoes, Accessories, Bags and More Up To 70% Off + FREE Shipping!My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:25 pm

      Thanks! It is really simple to put together.

      Reply
  13. Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says

    September 30, 2013 at 11:01 pm

    This is an absolutely beautiful salad. Love your choice of pasta in this.

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:21 pm

      Thanks! I wanted a noodle that the tuna would sit on well.

      Reply
  14. Jordyn @ Almost Supermom says

    September 30, 2013 at 11:14 pm

    Looks delicious! My kids and hubby would love it 🙂
    Jordyn @ Almost Supermom recently posted…Check out our article in the first ever Homeschool.com magazine!My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 1, 2013 at 12:21 pm

      Thanks! It quickly became a favorite in our house too.

      Reply
  15. Frugal Ferret says

    October 1, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    Your Nicoise Pasta Salad looks awesome and great photos to tease and make me hungry!
    Frugal Ferret recently posted…OREO Cookies and Cream CupcakesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 2, 2013 at 1:17 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  16. Shanna says

    October 1, 2013 at 8:28 pm

    mmm LOVE pasta salad! This looks awesome!
    Shanna recently posted…A Coffee Break with Matt Lauer (And My Husband)My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 2, 2013 at 1:13 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  17. Susan says

    October 1, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    Yum fresh and creamy pasta salad – I’m in the like it group, too. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday on Organized 31.
    Susan recently posted…Simple Pantry Organization – Made in the USAMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 2, 2013 at 1:11 pm

      Thanks! I love how light and fresh this tastes.

      Reply
  18. Lisa says

    October 2, 2013 at 8:47 am

    I’ m totally making this!

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 2, 2013 at 12:56 pm

      I hope you do!

      Reply
  19. Marilyn says

    October 2, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve never had this brand of tuna before…I’ll have to look for it! Thanks for the amazing recipe!
    Marilyn recently posted…Free Halloween e-BookMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 9, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      I had never tried it before either but so glad I did. It tastes so fresh and I love that I can find out about exactly where it came from by using the code on the packaging.

      Reply
  20. Sara Merritt says

    October 6, 2013 at 12:35 pm

    5 stars
    Great job! Thanks for all your hard work on this campaign! Your pasta salad looks amazing. #client
    Sara Merritt recently posted…Off the Beaten Path: Patchwork Farm AlpacasMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 9, 2013 at 12:52 pm

      Thanks Sara! This has definitely become a new favorite in our household. I love working with quality products that I can feel great about feeding my family and recommending to my readers.

      Reply
  21. Michelle @ Delicate Construction! says

    October 6, 2013 at 10:26 pm

    Love this, such a great recipe!
    Michelle @ Delicate Construction! recently posted…Ruffle Flower Hair Clip TutorialMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 9, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Thanks! It has a lot of flavor for sure. Thanks for visiting.

      Reply
  22. Stacy Risenmay says

    October 7, 2013 at 11:14 am

    I LOVE pasta salads! I will have to give this a try 🙂

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 9, 2013 at 12:47 pm

      I am a huge pasta salad fan too. They combine so many of my favorite things: pasta, vegetables and dressing! Thanks for coming by.

      Reply
  23. Jennifer says

    October 9, 2013 at 2:07 am

    This looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing it at Show & Share last week, it was the most viewed!
    Jennifer recently posted…{Freebie} Breast Cancer Awareness Lock ScreensMy Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 9, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      Thanks Gwen! Love your party each and every week.

      Reply
  24. Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) says

    October 11, 2013 at 11:22 am

    YUM!! Looks so good! Thanks for your participation in this campaign. #client
    Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) recently posted…Come Enter to WIN ~ 24-hour Contest ONLY!!!My Profile

    Reply
    • Shannah Coe says

      October 15, 2013 at 11:08 am

      Thanks! My family absolutely loved this dish and has asked for it again this week. I love working with quality products like this tuna.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 65 Fish and Seafood Recipes - Just 2 Sisters says:
    March 27, 2014 at 10:02 am

    […] Nicoise Pasta Salad Recipe […]

    Reply
  2. 9 Pasta Salad Ideas: Perfect for Quick Meals, Picnics and Get Togethers says:
    April 24, 2014 at 10:59 am

    […] Nicoise Pasta Salad Recipe @ Just Us Four Blog […]

    Reply

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About Me

Hi, I'm Shannah! Welcome to My Suburban Kitchen, where you'll find tons of recipe ideas including family friendly dinners, sinfully delicious desserts and even Paleo and Whole30 recipes. I love spending time in our kitchen and also share little glimpses of my life as a wife to one awesome Mathlete and working mom to 2 cute kids! I hope you'll grab a seat at our table and enjoy your time in the kitchen with us.

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