Easy Tuna Niçoise Salad for Two

This easy Tuna Niçoise Salad is one of my favorite warm-weather lunches. Made with canned tuna, tender potatoes, crisp green beans, hard-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, olives, and a simple mustard vinaigrette, it’s hearty enough to be a complete meal while still feeling light and fresh.

Although the salad originated in the French city of Nice, you don’t have to be in the south of France to enjoy it. With a few pantry staples and fresh vegetables, you can recreate this classic at home in less than 30 minutes.

I especially love making it when I have leftover boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator. At that point, the only thing left to cook is the green beans.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Niçoise Salad

• A complete lunch or light dinner
• High in protein
• Great way to use pantry tuna
• Beautiful enough for entertaining
• Easy to customize
• Perfect for meal prep

What Does Niçoise Mean?

Niçoise (pronounced nee-SWAZ) means “from Nice,” the beautiful French city on the Mediterranean coast where this style of salad originated.

Traditional versions vary, but most include tuna, green beans, tomatoes, olives, potatoes, eggs, and a simple vinaigrette arranged rather than tossed together.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Green Beans – Fresh green beans provide the classic flavor and texture. Haricots verts or frozen green beans both work well.
• Leaf Lettuce – Red leaf lettuce makes a lovely base, but romaine, butter lettuce, mixed greens, or spring mix are all good choices.
• Canned Tuna – Water-packed tuna keeps the salad light. Oil-packed tuna adds richer flavor if you prefer.
• Cucumber – Adds cool crunch. English or Persian cucumbers work especially well.
• Roasted Sweet Peppers – Jarred roasted peppers save time, though fresh bell peppers can be substituted.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet, juicy tomatoes are ideal, especially during summer.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – A classic Niçoise ingredient that adds protein and richness.
• Boiled Red Potato – Small Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes also work beautifully.
• Olives – Niçoise olives are traditional if you can find them, but Kalamata or other Mediterranean olives are excellent substitutes.
• Radishes – Add a crisp, peppery bite but can be omitted if preferred.
• Mustard Vinaigrette – A simple Dijon vinaigrette ties everything together. Homemade or your favorite bottled vinaigrette both work well.
• Fresh Basil (Optional) – Adds a nice finishing touch during tomato season.

How to Make Tuna Niçoise Salad

Step 1: Cook the green beans until crisp-tender, then cool slightly.

Step 2: Arrange the lettuce on two dinner plates or one large serving platter.

Step 3: Arrange the tuna, potatoes, green beans, cucumber, roasted peppers, tomatoes, eggs, olives, and radishes over the lettuce.

Step 4: Drizzle with mustard vinaigrette or serve the dressing alongside.

Step 5: Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Leftover boiled potatoes and hard-boiled eggs make this salad come together quickly.
• Don’t overcook the green beans—they should stay bright green with a little bite.
• Add anchovies if you enjoy a more traditional French version.
• White beans make a delicious addition for extra fiber and protein.
• Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon also work well.

Make Ahead & Storage

Cook the potatoes, eggs, and green beans ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

If serving later, keep the dressing separate until just before eating. Leftovers will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Calories and WW Points

According to my calculations, each serving of this Tuna Salad Niçoise has 264 calories and 2 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
7 PointsPlus (Old plan)

The preponderance of WW Points in this recipe come from the olive oil in the simple homemade mustard vinaigrette.

To lighten the Points and lower the calories add some dijon mustard to your favorite bottled or homemade light vinaigrette salad dressing.

If you’ve made this Tuna Salad Nicoise, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

FAQs

Can I make Tuna Niçoise Salad ahead?

Yes. Prepare all of the components ahead of time and assemble shortly before serving.

Can I use canned green beans?

Fresh or frozen green beans are recommended for the best texture, but canned green beans can be used if that’s what you have.

What is the best tuna to use?

Solid white albacore or chunk light tuna packed in water both work well. Choose whichever you prefer.

Do I have to make homemade vinaigrette?

Not at all. A good-quality Dijon or light vinaigrette dressing is an excellent shortcut.

More Light Main Dish Salads You’ll Love

• The only ingredient you need to cook is the green beans in this Summer Salmon Panzanella Salad. If turning on the stove is too much work, you could always substitute chopped cucumber or zucchini instead.
• Crab and Papaya Salad is a deliciously light and filling meal for a warm summer day.
• Tossed in a light dressing using the leftover grapefruit juice, this Shrimp and Grapefruit Salad has quickly become a warm weather favorite!
• The perfect quick lunch or light dinner, Summer Tuna and White Bean Salad doesn’t require any chopping – just open a few cans and stir everything together.