Nicoise Vinaigrette
A vibrant and tangy vinaigrette with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic, perfect for salads with green beans, potatoes, tomatoes, and olives, ideal for light, fresh meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together Dijon mustard, minced garlic, wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne until smooth.
- Gradually add oil and safflower oil, whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is well combined and smooth.
- Toss the vinaigrette with cooked green beans, potatoes, fresh tomato slices, olives, and croutons.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a teaspoon of mayonnaise to the vinaigrette. If you don't have wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute. Be sure to mince the garlic finely for a smoother consistency. Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference; a pinch can add a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors. This vinaigrette complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Drizzle the Nicoise vinaigrette over a salad of cooked green beans, potatoes, fresh tomato slices, olives, and croutons for a refreshing meal. It also pairs well with grilled fish or chicken for a light dinner. For a complete meal, serve alongside Ratatouille or a side of Confetti Corn And Bulgar Salad to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will meld and improve over time. When ready to use, give it a good shake or whisk to recombine, as separation may occur. Avoid reheating the vinaigrette, as it is best served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nicoise Vinaigrette contains roughly 110 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1760mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vinaigrette ahead of time?
Absolutely! This vinaigrette can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen, making it even more delicious when you're ready to serve it. Just remember to shake or whisk it again before using.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or use whole grain mustard for added texture. Both options will still provide a tangy element to the vinaigrette, maintaining its overall balance.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this Nicoise vinaigrette is completely vegan! It contains no animal products, making it a great choice for vegan recipes. Use it as a dressing for salads or as a marinade for roasted vegetables to enhance your plant-based meals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).