Kermit the frog would be proud. Why, you ask? First, I bought a bag for the new laptop I got at work that is the same color as Kermit himself. It’s so freaking cute that I keep staring at it. I just want to carry my laptop with me everywhere I go now! The other (and more important) reason is that I’ve found the Rainbow Connection that Kermit has been singing about.
It all started when I had a major jonesing for a Nicoise Salad and BAM! This beauty was born. Look at those gorgeous colors. Like ’em? Well, they’re nothing compared to the taste. Lemmie tell you how awesome Nicoise Salad is. For the longest time, my husband hated to go to Sweet Tomatoes. Salad for dinner? Are you kidding me? Now that we’re both a little more calorie-conscious, he doesn’t mind so much. But even when he hated the idea of salad for dinner, he was always up for Nicoise Salad because it’s hearty, delicious, AND good for you. What?! A salad that guys will love? Inconceivable!
Picture this. Or just look at the picture and swoon. Hearty boiled red potatoes and eggs. Crisp, fresh haricots verts, tender chicken, savory Kalamata (or Nicoise) olives, juicy tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and sweet/spicy red onion all on a bed of romaine/spinach blend. You can drizzle any kind of vinaigrette you want over this baby and it’ll be delicious. I chose Brianna’s Lemon Tarragon dressing because tarragon is one of the best spices on the planet and you really can’t go wrong when you add lemon to something. The original Nicoise Salad is served with tuna instead of chicken and includes anchovies. I went for chicken this time and I’m just not a fan of anchovies, so I omitted them.
The best thing is you can add any veggies you want and I guarantee it’ll be knock-your-socks-off delicious and it’ll fill you up. Make sure to keep the olives, potatoes, eggs, and green beans because they’re the quintessential part of a Nicoise Salad. It’s the perfect salad for Halloween because it’s a salad in disguise. Mwaaahhhahhhahhh! Pile on all the extra yummies and the salad-phobic person in your life will have no idea. Just tell them it’s a chicken and potato casserole. With lettuce. And dressing…
- 2 lbs small red potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 5 eggs
- 1 Tbsp olive or canola oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb haricots verts (French green beans), trimmed
- 1 bell pepper (red, orange, or yellow), chopped
- ½ medium red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Kalamata or Nicoise olives, halved
- 1 head of romaine, rinsed and torn
- ½ small bag of spinach
- Vinaigrette of your choice
- Paprika, parsley, and capers (optional)
- Put potatoes and eggs in a large saucepan and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil on high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and cook potatoes and eggs in gently boiling water for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain potatoes and eggs and rinse eggs immediately in cold water to prevent additional cooking.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large fry pan over medium-high heat and add chicken. Saute chicken until browned on both sides and remove from pan.
- While chicken is cooking, put beans in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with water. Cook in microwave for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
- Peel eggs and slice in quarters.
- Divide lettuce evenly onto 4 plates. Top with remaining veggies and chicken. Drizzle with vinaigrette and top with parsley and capers, if desired. Sprinkle with paprika.
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I am in love with all of those veggies. What a great salad!
Thanks, Jen! Yep, it’s such a yummy salad and so unique. You’re gonna love it!
Looks so healthy and delicious! Not always easy to make such a winning combination. …. and did I say simple? Going to give it a try.
Thanks! You’re totally going to love it!
This is a very good article. Thank you for a great information.
I like to eat a lot of salads It is a healthy diet.