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Nicoise Pasta Salad

Nicoise Pasta Salad: A Fresh Take for Bright Summer Days

This Nicoise Pasta Salad reimagines classic flavors with chicken for a colorful, healthy dish perfect for summer.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces egg noodles substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed
  • 1 pound petite potatoes use red or yellow potatoes for variations
  • 8 ounces green beans frozen green beans can be used as a quick substitute
  • 2 cups shredded chicken breast swap with canned chicken or shredded turkey for convenience
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes can substitute with regular diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives use green olives for a milder taste
  • 1 large English cucumber substitute with any cucumber variety available
  • 1 medium red bell pepper yellow or orange bell peppers can be good substitutes
  • 1/4 medium red onion use green onions to reduce intensity
  • 2 tablespoons capers can be omitted if necessary
  • 4 large hard-boiled eggs omit for a lower-calorie option
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil use avocado oil for a different flavor profile
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice substitute with vinegar if needed
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallot shallots or onions in combination can also be used
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard whole grain mustard can be a substitute
  • to taste kosher salt & black pepper adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • small jar
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Nicoise Pasta Salad
  1. In a small jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, shallots, Dijon, and whole grain mustard. Seal and shake for 30 seconds until mixed. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes, until tender. Drain and toss with half the vinaigrette while warm.
  3. In the same pot, add egg noodles and cook per package instructions for 7-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  4. Blanch green beans in reserved hot pasta water for about 1 minute, until bright green. Plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain.
  5. In a large bowl, combine dressed potatoes, cooked egg noodles, blanched green beans, chicken, tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and bell pepper. Add remaining vinaigrette and toss gently.
  6. Quarter hard-boiled eggs and nestle them on top. Let the salad rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keeping the dressing separate until serving helps prevent sogginess. Allowing the salad to sit after dressing enhances the flavor blending.

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