The simpler ways.

Salads were meant to be a really healthy meal. I like to make them simple. The simpler it is, the lesser the caloric value. If you're planning to go on a strict diet, do hold the dressing. I have banned mayonnaise and thousand island temporary from my salads. Who needs them anyway when I know how to make my own..

These salads make me feel even better after hard work at the gym. There are times where I just wake up in time for brunch and these would be a pretty light meal between dinner.

Nicoise Salad (Salade Niçoise) originates from a city callled Nice, in France. Their main ingredients are usually green beans, new potatoes, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tuna and olives. Needless to say, I didn't have sufficient ingredients so this was something I made of what I have left, like always. Their often dressed with Dijon Vinaigrette.

Nicoise Salad Recipe
(serves 4)

for the salad:
2 cans of tuna
4 hard-boiled eggs
two handfulls of tomatoes, green beans, new potatoes, lettuce, olives and anchovies
(I added some walnuts too)

for the Dijon Vinaigrette dressing:
1 medium shallot, finely minced
1/2 tbsp of Dijon mustard
1/2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 tbsp of white vinegar
1 tbsp of minced basil leaves and thyme (oregano would do great too)
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method: Bring potatoes to boil for approximately 5-10 minutes till their tender. Boil green beans for about 3-5 minutes. Whisk the dressing in a medium bowl. Toss in the salad.