Chopped Salad Nicoise

Ingredients

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 lb. green beans, cooked and diced
• 2 cups diced, cooked potatoes, about 1 lb
• 1 hard cooked egg, diced (or more if you wish)
• 2 tbsp. black olives, pitted and halved - optional
• 2 tins white flaked tuna in water, well-drained (170 g each) or 1 1/2 cups diced smoked chicken or turkey
• 2 tbsp. capers
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon (or 1 tsp.)
• 3 tbsp. each of chopped fresh chives, basil and parsley
• DRESSING:
• 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar, sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• salt
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp. olive oil

Directions

In a large bowl, combine tomatoes with green beans, potatoes, hard cooked eggs, olives, tuna and capers. Add tarragon, chives, basil and parsley.
In another smaller bowl whisk vinegar with salt, pepper and mustard. Whisk in the oil. Pour dressing over the salad and combine gently.
OPTIONAL: This salad can be served as a "Pan Bagnat". Puree 2 to 4 tomatoes in a food processor or blender. Place about 2 tbsp./25 mL or more of the pureed tomatoes in the salad to moisten. Slice lengthwise and hollow a French Stick loaf. Place some of the Salad Nicoise mixture in middle, cover with the other half of the bread and wrap tightly. Let it rest to let the juices soak into the bread. To serve, slice the sandwich on the diagonal.

Submitted 6/13/05.
Source: www.bonniestern.com
Submitted By: Teresa Johnson
techgoddess@worldnet.att.net
Chopped Salad Nicoise