Name: Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces baby potatoes; ½ medium red onion, sliced; 6 ounces fresh green beans; 4 ounces baby romaine lettuce; 6 ounces cherry tomatoes (about 1 cup), halved; 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 (6.5 ounce/184 gram) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained; ¼ cup pitted olives (Nicoise or Kalamata recommended); 2 tablespoons capers; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper, to taste; ⅔ cup olive oil; ¼ cup red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh shallots; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon creamy Dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you love vibrant, fresh flavors with a wholesome twist, this Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe is going to be a new favorite in your kitchen. Bursting with color and texture, it combines tender baby potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and satisfying chickpeas, all tossed together with marinated artichoke hearts, olives, and capers. The whole salad is brought to life by a zesty Dijon vinaigrette that perfectly balances tang and richness, making it an ideal light lunch or a stunning starter for a special occasion. This Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe proves you don’t need eggs or fish to enjoy the spirit of this French classic in a delicious plant-based way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a glass jar filled with a smooth, thick yellow sauce with small bubbles on the surface, viewed from above. The jar's white metal lid lies open next to it, showing a bit of the red edge inside. Both the jar and lid sit on a white marbled textured surface with faint wood grain lines. The lighting is soft, making the sauce look fresh and glossy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this salad is carefully chosen to create harmony between taste, texture, and color — simple yet essential. From creamy baby potatoes that provide comforting body to the bright snap of fresh green beans, each element plays its role beautifully.

10 ounces baby potatoes: Boiled until tender, these add a hearty and creamy base to the salad.
½ medium red onion, sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness; soaking it in cold water mellows the bite.
6 ounces fresh green beans: Steamed to maintain their crunch and vibrant color.
4 ounces baby romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, fresh bed for the salad components.
6 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness that brighten every bite.
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed: A protein-packed addition that adds firmness and earthiness.
1 (6.5 ounce/184 gram) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained: Brings a tangy, tender component that’s full of flavor.
¼ cup pitted olives: For a salty, briny punch; Nicoise or Kalamata olives work beautifully.
2 tablespoons capers: Small but mighty, capers add a delightful tang that lifts the whole salad.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal note and a splash of green color.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the vibrant flavors.

For the Dressing:

⅔ cup olive oil: The base that provides richness and smoothness to the vinaigrette.
¼ cup red wine vinegar: Adds a sharp acidity that balances the oil and brightens the salad.
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh shallots: For a mild onion flavor with slight sweetness.
1 garlic clove, minced: Packs a punch of aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon creamy Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a smooth texture and tangy depth.
¼ teaspoon salt: To elevate every ingredient in the dressing.

How to Make Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Baby Potatoes

Start by placing the baby potatoes in a saucepan and covering them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and allow them to cool slightly before cutting them in half. This step ensures the potatoes maintain their creamy texture without becoming mushy in the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the potatoes cook, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped shallots, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and salt in a jar with a secure lid. Shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing and meld the flavors. This zesty vinaigrette is what ties the Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe together with its bright and tangy notes.

Step 3: Coat the Potatoes with Dressing

Once the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, toss them gently with two tablespoons of the prepared dressing. This ensures each bite of potato is infused with flavor, enhancing the overall salad experience.

Step 4: Soften the Red Onions (Optional)

Place the sliced red onions in a small bowl with cold water, letting them soak for a few minutes. This simple trick removes some of their sharpness, resulting in a mellower onion flavor that blends well with the other salad ingredients.

Step 5: Steam the Green Beans

Add water to a pot and bring it to a boil, then place a steamer basket filled with green beans over the pot. Cover and steam for about 4 minutes until the beans are tender but still crisp and retain their bright green color. If you don’t have a steamer basket, a quick boil for the same amount of time works just as well.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

On a large platter or salad bowl, lay a bed of baby romaine lettuce. Neatly arrange the dressed potatoes, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, marinated artichoke hearts, olives, capers, drained red onions, and steamed green beans over the greens. Drizzle with your preferred amount of the remaining vinaigrette.

Step 7: Garnish and Season

Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and add salt and pepper to taste. The parsley adds freshness and vibrancy, while the seasoning brings all the elements into perfect harmony.

How to Serve Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe

The dish is served in a white oval plate filled with several colorful layers. At the bottom, there is a green leafy layer, topped with green beans that are bright and fresh. On top of the green beans, there are small, halved red potatoes with a light yellow inside and specks of green herbs. Dark purple olives fill the front corner of the plate, adding a rich color contrast. To the side, thin slices of red onion are scattered, showing their light purple and white rings. Behind the onion, there are light beige chickpeas, and cherry tomatoes add bright red round shapes near the back. A woman's hand holds a spoon above the potatoes, drizzling a golden-yellow dressing over them. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a jar of the same dressing in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scattering of freshly chopped parsley adds a refreshing herbal aroma and vibrant color, making this Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe even more inviting. For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or add thin slices of avocado for creaminess.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with a crusty baguette or artisan bread to sop up the delicious dressing. A light bowl of soup or a chilled glass of crisp white wine can round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe layered in a clear glass bowl to show off all the stunning colors, or create individual plated salads for a more elegant presentation. For picnic or potluck fun, arrange the ingredients in separate sections on a platter allowing guests to build their own perfect salads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately and add just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Since this salad features fresh vegetables and a vinaigrette, it’s not ideal for freezing. The texture of ingredients like potatoes, tomatoes, and greens can suffer. Instead, prepare the components ahead and assemble fresh when ready.

Reheating

Reheat any leftover potatoes gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before tossing into the salad, but keep all other ingredients cold. This maintains the crisp textures and fresh flavors that make the Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe so delightful.

FAQs

Can I use other beans instead of chickpeas?

Absolutely! Cannellini or kidney beans work well if you want to switch up the flavors or textures, but chickpeas provide a nice firmness and earthiness that complements the salad perfectly.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, you can prep most of the components in advance, such as cooking potatoes and green beans and making the dressing. Keep the fresh ingredients separate until you’re ready to assemble and serve.

What’s a good substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, a smooth yellow mustard or even a teaspoon of mustard powder mixed with a bit of water can work as alternatives in the vinaigrette.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Definitely. This Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for gluten-sensitive diners without any modifications.

How can I add an extra protein boost?

To give the salad an extra punch of protein, toss in some baked tofu cubes or roasted chickpeas for added texture and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Nicoise Salad Recipe is a shining example of how plant-based meals can be both satisfying and elegant. With its combination of textures, fresh flavors, and zesty dressing, it’s the kind of dish that invites you to savor every forkful. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!