Nordic Nicoise Salad Recipe

Picture this: a crisp, refreshing Nordic escape on a plate that’s about to make your taste buds do a happy dance! This vibrant salad combines the briny goodness of smoked salmon with charming baby potatoes and all the fresh veggies you could dream of. Ready to build your perfect forkful? Let’s dive in!

Discover a fresh take on a classic with my Nordic Nicoise Salad, a vibrant medley that combines the earthiness of baby new potatoes, the richness of smoked salmon, and the crispness of sugar snap peas. I love how the protein-packed eggs tickle my taste buds when I eat them with the mixed salad greens that are bursting with the flavors of the fresh, crunchy vegetables that they house, creating a dish that is as nutrient-dense as it is stunningly beautiful; this is really lunchtime food, but my husband and I have been known to eat it for a light dinner.

Ingredients

• Baby New Potatoes: Rich in carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion.
• Eggs: Excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
• Mixed Salad Greens: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K; low-calorie.
• Smoked Salmon: High in omega-3 fatty acids, supports heart health.
• Sugar Snap Peas: Crisp, sweet, provide vitamin C and fiber.
• Radishes: Peppery flavor, low in calories, high in antioxidants.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, rich in lycopene and vitamin C.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g baby new potatoes
• 4 large eggs
• 200g mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, frisée, spinach)
• 150g smoked salmon, cut into strips
• 100g sugar snap peas, blanched
• 100g radishes, thinly sliced
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish

How to Make this

1. In salted water, boil the tender new baby potatoes. They should be tiny little gems of flavor that require very little cooking. Fifteen to twenty minutes should be more than enough, but make sure to check for doneness and drain them. Let the cut potatoes cool before slicing.

2. In another pot, heat water to a rolling boil, then slowly submerge the eggs. Let them do their thing for 8-10 minutes if you want hard-boiled eggs. Have the cold water ready for the next step. After the hot time is up, put the eggs in a cold water bath. Let them chill out for a bit, then shell and slice. I slice the eggs into quarters.

3. Clean and ready the assorted salad greens. Layer them on a wide serving platter or separate salad plates for each diner.

4. Blanch the sugar snap peas in a 2-minute bath in boiling salted water. Drain and immediately cool the peas in cold water.

5. Set the bed of greens with the cooled halved potatoes, strips of smoked salmon, blanched and sugar snap peas sliced, radishes, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, and red onion half rings.

6. Set the egg quarters on top of the salad and scatter the drained capers evenly throughout.

7. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, and whisk thoroughly to create the dressing.

8. Lightly coat the salad with the dressing, applying an even amount over the salad’s surface.

9. Add visual appeal and flavor by garnishing with sprigs of fresh dill.

10. Serve right away and take pleasure in your crisp Nordic Nicoise Salad.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot for boiling potatoes.
2. Medium pot for boiling eggs.
3. Bowl for ice water to cool eggs and sugar snap peas.
4. Colander for draining boiled potatoes and peas.
5. Sharp knife for slicing potatoes, eggs, radishes, and onions.
6. Cutting board.
7. Serving platter or individual salad plates.
8. Small mixing bowl for dressing.
9. Whisk or fork for mixing the dressing.
10. Tongs for assembling the salad.

FAQ

• Can I substitute the smoked salmon with another protein?Indeed, you can replace the smoked salmon with any of the following: grilled chicken, canned tuna, or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
• What can I use instead of capers?In the absence of capers, finely chopped green olives can be used to provide a similar flavor profile and retain the salinity that this dish demands.
• How do I make the perfect hard-boiled eggs for the salad?Fill a pot with eggs and cover them with water. Place the pot on a burner and turn the heat to high. When the water comes to a vigorous boil, cover the pot with a lid and turn down the heat so that the water simmers gently. Set a timer for 9-12 minutes. When the time is up, transfer the eggs to a bowl filled with ice water.
• Can I prepare parts of this salad in advance?Indeed, you may prepare the potatoes and eggs, along with slicing the vegetables, the day prior to putting the salad together.
• What is the best way to blanch sugar snap peas?Briefly boil them in salted water for about 2 minutes. Then, to stop the cooking process, transfer them immediately to ice water.
• How long will this salad keep in the fridge?The salad you have combined is most tasty when it is fresh. However, if you have any leftover salad, you can store it in a container that seals tightly for up to 1 day, and it should still be okay to eat.
• Can I use a different dressing?A light vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing, of course, would also complement the flavors well.

Nordic Nicoise Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use fingerling potatoes or waxy potatoes instead of baby new potatoes.
If you want to switch things up, use hard-boiled or poached quail eggs instead of regular eggs for this recipe.
If you prefer, you can use smoked trout or canned tuna in place of the smoked salmon.
Substitute sugar snap peas for snap peas or snow peas.
If you can’t find radishes, you can substitute them with thinly sliced cucumber.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor of the baby new potatoes, consider tossing them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper after boiling and cooling, then lightly roasting them in the oven for a crispy finish.

2. For perfectly hard-boiled eggs with easily peelable shells, add a bit of vinegar to the boiling water. It helps to solidify any eggs that crack during the boiling process.

3. To save time, prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more robust taste when you dress the salad.

4. When selecting smoked salmon, opt for a high-quality brand or freshly sourced option to ensure the best flavor and texture, as it’s a key component of the salad.

5. For a burst of extra flavor, consider lightly toasting the capers in a dry pan before adding them to the salad. This can add a subtle crunch and a deeper flavor profile.