Name: Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad: Quick & Flavor-Packed Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Whole-Grain Mustard (Adds a delightful tang); 3 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (For richness and emulsification); 2 tbsp Cider Vinegar (Provides brightness and acidity); 0.5 tsp Kosher Salt (Enhances flavor; adjust to taste); 1 lbs Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes (Can substitute with red or fingerling); 8 oz Green Beans (Trimmed and blanched); 1 cup Mixed Pitted Olives (Halved for distribution); 5 cups Escarole or Little Gems (Can substitute with arugula or romaine); 4 large Hard-Boiled Eggs (Halved for garnish); 4 fillets Anchovy Fillets (optional) (Can replace with capers); to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper (For flavor enhancement); 4 oz Crumbled Goat Cheese (optional) (For creaminess and tanginess)

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the vibrant colors of fresh veggies remind me of lazy summer days. Enter my Giada Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad—a delightful twist on a classic that’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something light yet satisfying. In just 20 minutes, this salad marries crunchy green beans, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, and a zesty dressing, making it a quick and easy option for lunch or dinner. Plus, with the flexibility to include or omit anchovies, it caters to everyone at the table, whether you’re a die-hard fish fan or a devoted vegetarian. Trust me; your taste buds deserve this burst of freshness! What’s your favorite salad topping?

Why is this salad a must-try?

Quick, Simple Prep: The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—your dinner can be on the table in just 20 minutes!

Vibrant, Fresh Flavors: With a mix of escarole, green beans, and potatoes, the salad bursts with color and taste, making each bite a delight.

Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings or picnics, this salad is sure to impress guests without requiring extensive cooking. Pair it with a Crunch Cucumber Salad for a refreshing meal!

Customizable Delight: Want it vegetarian? Simply omit the anchovies and substitute with capers for that perfect zing.

Healthy Balanced Meal: Each serving is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients—a nutritious addition to any table!

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare all the components beforehand, and mix just before serving for a stress-free experience.

Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad Ingredients

For the Dressing
• Whole-Grain Mustard – Adds a delightful tang to elevate the salad’s flavor.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Richness helps emulsify the dressing for a silky texture.
• Cider Vinegar – Provides brightness and acidity to balance the flavors.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances all the ingredients; taste and adjust as needed.

For the Salad Base
• Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes – Adds heartiness; substitute with red or fingerling potatoes if desired.
• Green Beans – Brings a crunch; trim and blanch until tender for best results.
• Mixed Pitted Olives – Offers briny notes; halve for even distribution throughout the salad.
• Escarole or Little Gems – The base of the salad; substitute with arugula or romaine for a twist.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Contributes protein and creaminess; adjust quantity according to preference.
• Anchovy Fillets (optional) – Adds a savory umami depth; replace with capers for a vegetarian version.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Enhances flavor with a subtle hint of spice.
• Crumbled Goat Cheese (optional) – Introduces creaminess and tanginess, elevating the salad experience.

Get ready to whip up this fantastic Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad that’s perfect for any occasion!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad

Step 1: Cook Potatoes
Begin by placing baby Yukon Gold potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before slicing them into bite-sized pieces for your Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad.

Step 2: Blanch Green Beans
While the potatoes cool, prepare a pot of boiling water for the green beans. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process, preserving their vibrant color and crunch. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole-grain mustard, extra-virgin olive oil, cider vinegar, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, blending until combined. The goal is to create a smooth, tangy dressing that will beautifully coat the salad ingredients. Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste as you prepare your Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooled Yukon Gold potatoes, blanched green beans, halved mixed pitted olives, and chopped escarole or Little Gems to the bowl containing the dressing. Gently toss all the ingredients together until every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing, ensuring a delightful blend of tastes in your salad.

Step 5: Assemble Salad
To finish your Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad, arrange the salad mixture on a serving platter. Halve the hard-boiled eggs and place them atop the salad. If you’re using anchovy fillets, add them next, followed by a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the flavors. Serve immediately for the best taste!

Expert Tips for Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad

Prep Ahead: Prepare all your ingredients a day in advance, storing the dressed veggies and greens separately to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Cooking Timing: Avoid overcooking the potatoes. Tender is perfect, but mushy won’t work—test them with a fork for doneness!
Adapt to Taste: If anchovies aren’t your thing, easily swap them out for capers, adding a similar tang without the fishiness.
Flavor Balance: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the salt and acidity to suit your palate for the best flavor enhancement.
Chill for Greatness: For a refreshing experience, chill your salad elements before combining. This adds a delightful coolness when served, especially in warmer months.

What to Serve with Giada Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad

Enhancing the experience of this refreshing salad can transform your meal into a vibrant feast bursting with flavors and textures.

Crusty Baguette: The perfect side for scooping up every last bit of dressing, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy and tender, this protein-rich addition brings heartiness that balances the salad’s lightness beautifully. Serve it sliced on top for an elegant presentation.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized sweetness from beets and carrots offers contrast, harmonizing well with the salad’s tangy elements.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, fluffy side rouses your tastebuds while adding fiber; it’s a delightful way to incorporate whole grains.
Seared Salmon: Rich and flaky, the savory flavor of salmon elevates the salad into a complete meal, perfect for special occasions.
Sparkling Lemonade: A bright and effervescent drink complements the salad’s zesty flavors, making the meal feel festive and refreshing.
Chocolate Mousse: As a light dessert, its creamy texture balances the salad’s crispness and adds a sweet finish to the meal.
Caprese Skewers: Colorful and bursting with flavor, these offer a delightful appetizer that echoes the freshness found in the salad.
Tzatziki Sauce with Pita Chips: This cool and tangy dip brings a Mediterranean flair while serving as a delightful starter before the main course.

How to Store and Freeze Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the salad components.
Room Temperature: Do not leave the salad at room temperature for longer than 2 hours to prevent spoilage, especially if it’s a warm day.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad, as the texture of the greens and other ingredients will suffer.
Reheating: If you’ve used cooked potatoes and want to refresh your salad, gently warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds before mixing with fresh components.

Make Ahead Options

These Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad components can be prepped in advance, making meal planning a breeze! You can cook and cool the Yukon Gold potatoes and blanch the green beans up to 24 hours ahead. Store these vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and crunch. The dressing can also be whisked together and placed in a jar for easy access. To finish, simply combine all the ingredients with the dressing just before serving for the best taste. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful, refreshing salad without the last-minute stress, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings!

Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad Variations

Feel free to experiment and let your creativity shine with this delightful salad!

Greens Swap: Substitute escarole with arugula or romaine for a lighter taste. Arugula adds a peppery zest that complements the tangy dressing perfectly.
Vegetarian Option: Replace anchovies with capers for a vegetarian-friendly twist. This swap ensures you don’t miss the umami flavor while keeping it plant-based.
Flavor Boost: Toss in cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and color. Their juicy burst will elevate each bite, making your salad even more vibrant.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fragrant twist. These herbs not only add flavor but also provide a fresh aroma that uplifts the entire dish.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture. The delightful crunch of nuts creates a contrast with the creamy eggs and tender potatoes.
Spicy Kick: Drizzle in a few drops of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy version. This adds a fiery note, tantalizing your taste buds with each mouthful.
Creamy Variation: Mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a richer dressing. This adds creaminess that beautifully balances the tang of the mustard and vinegar.
Fruit Addition: Include diced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats. This twist not only enhances the salad but also brings a satisfying richness that makes it even more enjoyable.

Exploring these variations will keep your Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad exciting every time you whip it up! If you’re craving something equally refreshing, consider trying out a lovely Cabbage Apple Salad or a Crunch Cucumber Salad to complement your meal. Enjoy!

Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe escarole?
Absolutely! Look for escarole leaves that are crisp and vibrant green. Avoid any heads with dark spots or wilting leaves, as this indicates they are past their prime. Fresh escarole should feel firm and be free from any discoloration.

What’s the best way to store leftover salad?
To keep your Tangy Escarole “NiçOise” Salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the salad’s crunchiness and vibrant flavors.

Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since the greens and other fresh ingredients will lose their texture and flavor after thawing. However, if you have leftover cooked potatoes, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are cooled and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.

What if my potatoes are overcooked?
If you accidentally overcook your potatoes and they become mushy, don’t fret! Cut the remaining pieces into smaller chunks and toss them into the salad, allowing the dressing to help bind everything together. You might even find that the creaminess complements the dish nicely!

Can my pet eat escarole?
Definitely! Escarole can be a healthy treat for pets, especially for dogs. However, it’s important to ensure it’s washed thoroughly and served in moderation. If your pet has any dietary restrictions or health issues, consult your vet before introducing new foods.

Are there possible allergy concerns with this salad?
Very much! This salad contains olives and optional ingredients like anchovies and goat cheese, which can be allergenic for some individuals. Always check for allergies before serving, especially when sharing with guests. Providing alternatives like capers for the anchovies ensures everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish!