So, I’ve got a little confession—Niçoise salad always sounded way too fancy for me. But once I tried it with a nice, juicy tuna steak, I was sold. It’s got everything: crispy potatoes, fresh green beans, briny olives, and perfectly seared tuna. It’s like a salad that had a glow-up. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make and comes together in about 35 minutes. This is the kind of meal that’ll make you feel like a top-tier chef without the stress. Let’s do this!
Try my Sesame Seared Tuna Salad recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Quick and Easy – Ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something fancy without the effort.
→ Healthy but Satisfying – High in protein, low in carbs, and full of fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s a salad that actually fills you up.
→ Big on Flavor – Crispy potatoes, tangy capers, sweet roasted garlic, and that perfectly seared tuna… every bite is a flavor bomb.
→ Impress Without Stress – Looks like something you’d order at a nice restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home.
→ Diet-Friendly – Gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re eating clean or just want a balanced meal, this checks all the boxes.
Try my Dijon and Turmeric Tuna Parcels recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
Star Ingredients in This Tuna Steak Niçoise Salad
→ Tuna Steak – Forget canned tuna, we’re going big here. Fresh tuna steak takes this salad to a whole new level. Sear it just right, and you’ve got a juicy, restaurant-quality protein that’s packed with flavor and omega-3s.
→ Baby Potatoes – Roasted to golden perfection, these little guys add a hearty touch. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—basically, potato magic.
→ Green Beans – Blanched and bright green, they bring a nice crunch and a pop of color. Plus, they make you feel super healthy.
→ Kalamata Olives – Salty, briny, and bold. These olives give the salad that classic Mediterranean vibe. Don’t skip them!
→ Capers – Tiny, tangy flavor bombs that add just the right amount of zing. Trust me, a little goes a long way.
→ Roasted Garlic Dressing – This is the secret sauce. Roasting the garlic makes it mellow and sweet, turning a simple dressing into something next-level delicious.
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 35 mins
1| Preheat and Prep: Fire up your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper because nobody likes scrubbing pans later. Toss those baby potatoes with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Throw in the unpeeled garlic cloves for good measure. Roast everything for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the garlic is soft and dreamy.
2| Blanch the Beans: While your kitchen starts smelling amazing, bring a pot of water to a boil. Toss in the green beans and let them cook for 2-3 minutes—just enough to keep them tender but still snappy. Drain them and drop them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. This keeps them bright and vibrant (and fancy-looking).
3| Sear the Tuna: Now for the star of the show—tuna steaks. Brush them with a little olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat up a skillet over high heat until it’s hot (like, really hot). Sear the tuna for about 2 minutes on each side. Want it rare? Keep it brief. More cooked? Give it a few more seconds. You’re the boss.
4| Make That Dressing: By now, your roasted garlic is ready to go. Squeeze that sweet roasted goodness out of its skin and whisk it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a splash (1 tablespoon) of white wine vinegar. Instant magic.
5| Assemble the Salad: Time to put it all together. Arrange your roasted potatoes, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives on a plate. Top it off with your beautifully seared tuna, then drizzle that garlicky dressing all over.
6| Serve and Devour: Divide the salad onto two plates and dig in immediately. Seriously, it’s too good to wait.
Glycemic Index: 70 (high) Glycemic Load: 27 (high)
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Here are some easy swaps and fun tweaks to make this Tuna Steak Niçoise Salad your own!
1| Tuna Steak Swap: No fresh tuna? No problem! Use canned tuna in olive oil for a more classic take, or try grilled salmon for something different.
2| Potato Alternatives: Swap baby potatoes with sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness, or use roasted cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
3| Green Bean Switch-Up: Don’t have green beans? Asparagus or snap peas will do the trick and still add that crunch.
4| Dressing Twist: Add a dollop of Dijon mustard to the garlic dressing for extra tang, or throw in some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
5| Olive Variations: Not a fan of Kalamata olives? Use green olives, black olives, or leave them out altogether.
6| Boost the Greens: Add a handful of arugula or baby spinach for more greens and a peppery kick.
7| Egg It Up: Want to go full Niçoise? Add a soft-boiled egg on top—creamy yolk goodness makes everything better!
Try my White Bean Tuna Salad recipe.
Helpful Tips for Success
Useful Tips for the Perfect Tuna Steak Niçoise Salad
1| Sear Like a Pro: Make sure your pan is hot—like really hot—before searing the tuna. This gives you that perfect golden crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
2| Don’t Overcook the Tuna: Tuna steaks are best served rare to medium-rare. A quick 2-minute sear on each side usually does the trick. If you prefer it more done, give it an extra 30 seconds per side.
3| Roast Garlic to Perfection: Keep an eye on the garlic while roasting. You want it soft and golden, not burnt. Squeeze it gently after roasting—it should pop right out of the skin.
4| Shock the Green Beans: After blanching the beans, toss them in ice water to stop the cooking. This keeps them bright green and crunchy. No one likes sad, soggy beans!
5| Prepping Ahead: Roast the potatoes and blanch the green beans in advance. When it’s time to eat, just sear the tuna and toss everything together for a quick meal.
6| Customize Your Salad: Play around with toppings—avocado, soft-boiled eggs, or even some roasted red peppers can take it to another level.
Try my Tuna Avocado Rice Bowl recipe.
Serving Ideas
1| Light Lunch: Serve it as a standalone meal for a light yet filling lunch. Pair with a sparkling water or a chilled glass of white wine for a little midday treat. 🍷
2| Dinner Upgrade: Turn this into a hearty dinner by adding a side of crusty bread or a bowl of your favorite soup. Perfect for a cozy night in. 🥖🍲
3| Meal Prep Hero: Make all the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving. It’s a great meal prep option for busy weekdays. Just sear the tuna fresh when you’re ready to eat.
4| Party-Ready: Serve it deconstructed on a large platter. Let your guests build their own salads—perfect for brunches or summer gatherings. Bonus points if you add a few more dressing options on the side! 🎉
5| Picnic Perfect: Pack it up for a picnic or outdoor lunch. Keep the dressing in a separate container and drizzle it on when you’re ready to eat.
Try my White Bean and Tuna Salad recipe.
Storage Options
1| Potatoes and Green Beans: Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the potatoes in a skillet or oven to bring back their crispiness, or enjoy them cold!
2| Tuna Steak: Seared tuna is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Eat it cold or gently reheat it—just don’t overdo it, or it’ll dry out.
3| Garlic Dressing: Keep the dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good shake before using it again.
4| Assemble Fresh: If you’re meal prepping, store all components separately and combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
5| Freezing? Not Recommended: Freezing this salad isn’t ideal, especially for the tuna and potatoes, as the texture can get funky after thawing.
Try my Air Fryer Pesto Tuna Melt recipe.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—Tuna Steak Niçoise Salad, done and dusted! It’s fresh, filling, and full of flavor. Whether you’re treating yourself or trying to impress someone special (trust me, it works), this salad hits the spot every time. Plus, it’s healthy without tasting like “health food,” which is always a win in my book. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked! Now, go grab a fork and dig in. You earned it!
Recipe Card
Tuna Steak Niçoise Salad
Tuna Steak Niçoise Salad sounds fancy, but trust me—it’s super easy! Juicy tuna, crispy potatoes, green beans, olives, and a dreamy roasted garlic dressing. Big flavor, little effort. 🍽️👌
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Potatoes:
Toss the halved baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet alongside the unpeeled garlic cloves. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and tender, and the garlic is soft.
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Blanch the Green Beans:
While the potatoes are roasting, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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Cook the Tuna Steaks:
Brush the tuna steaks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season them with salt and black pepper. Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the tuna for approximately 2 minutes per side or until cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
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Prepare the Dressing:
Remove the roasted garlic from its skin by squeezing it gently. Whisk the garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar to create a simple dressing.
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Assemble the Salad:
On a serving plate, arrange the roasted potatoes, blanched green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Place the seared tuna on top, then drizzle with the prepared garlic dressing.
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Serve:
Divide the salad evenly between two plates and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 419kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11g17%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
