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Home » Best Of » 20 salad niçoise & friends: French salads you’ll crave

20 salad niçoise & friends: French salads you’ll crave

Modified: Oct 13, 2025 by Molly Pisula · Published: Oct 15, 2025 · As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Imagine lounging in a quaint café along the Riviera, savoring every bite of a classic salad niçoise. This is just a glimpse of what our collection of 20 French salads offers. Each recipe invites you to embrace the relaxed sophistication of French cooking, promising not just meals but moments you'll crave, filled with vibrant flavors and simple, fresh ingredients.

Niçoise Salad

Easy Niçoise Salad
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

Delight in the flavors of the French Riviera with an Niçoise Salad. This dish combines crisp green beans, tender potatoes, rich hard-boiled eggs, juicy tomatoes, flaky tuna, and tangy olives, all tossed in a zesty dijon vinaigrette. Originating from Nice, this salad is a vibrant celebration of Mediterranean ingredients. For an authentic touch, use high-quality olive oil and fresh produce to let the natural flavors shine through in every bite.
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Classic Niçoise Salad Dressing

Classic Niçoise Salad Dressing
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

Classic Niçoise Salad Dressing is the heart of the traditional Niçoise salad, imbued with the vibrant spirit of the French Riviera. This versatile vinaigrette combines extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, a touch of Dijon mustard, and finely minced garlic, offering a tangy burst that complements not only Niçoise but a variety of grain and green salads. For an authentic French flair, whisk the dressing until just emulsified, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without overpowering the delicate components of your salad.
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Tuna Nicoise Salad

Tuna Nicoise Salad
Image credit: kellystilwell.co

Tuna Nicoise Salad captures the essence of a French summer on a plate. This beloved dish assembles a vibrant medley of crisp green beans, tender baby potatoes, and ripe tomatoes, each component celebrating the season's bounty. Traditionally served with a fresh baguette, the salad's simplicity is its charm, allowing each flavor to shine. For an authentic touch, dress it with a light vinaigrette and perhaps a sprinkle of herbs like tarragon or basil to enhance the fresh, natural tastes.
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Olivier Salad

Olivier Salad
Image credit: xoxobella.com

Olivier Salad, a delightful French concoction, combines crisp vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and tangy pickles, all enveloped in a creamy dressing highlighted by fresh dill. This salad is not only a feast for the senses with its rich textures and robust flavors, but it also carries a touch of elegance and tradition. For an authentic taste, use high-quality mayonnaise and consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped shallots to enhance the depth of flavor.
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Canned Tuna Nicoise Salad

Canned Tuna Nicoise Salad
Image credit: walkingonsunshinerecipes.com

Canned Tuna Nicoise Salad is your quintessential French dish downsized for convenience. Imagine tender potatoes, crisp green beans, perfectly cooked eggs, and rich, flaky tuna creating a symphony of flavors and textures. This salad not only packs well but also brings a touch of Provence to your lunchtime, with each bite offering a balance of hearty and refreshing notes. Don’t forget to dress it with a light vinaigrette to enhance its authentic French character!
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Frisée Salad with Baguette Croutons

Frisée Salad with Baguette Croutons
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

Indulge in the quintessential French bistro fare with this Frisée Salad with Baguette Croutons. The bitter frisée greens are beautifully balanced by a sharp red wine-mustard vinaigrette, while the warmth of poached eggs and the crunch of bacon add layers of texture. Don’t skip making your own croutons from a day-old baguette; they'll soak up the dressing and deliver a satisfying crunch that’s purely Parisian. This dish isn’t just a meal, it’s a delightful escape to a sidewalk café in France.
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Greek Salad

Greek Salad
Image credit: www.orwhateveryoudo.com

Despite its name, Greek Salad has found a delightful twist in French cuisine. This recipe celebrates the vibrant crunch of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, harmoniously combined with briny olives and creamy feta cheese. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs complete this light, yet satisfying dish. For an authentic French touch, use herbes de Provence in the dressing to elevate the flavors reminiscent of southern France's sunny climes.
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Chef Salad

Chef Salad
Image credit: vintage-recipes.com

Experience the quintessence of French cuisine with a traditional Chef Salad, dressed in a homemade French dressing that's both vibrant and flavorful. This dish, perfect for either lunch or dinner, combines crisp greens, succulent meats, and fresh vegetables, all enrobed in a tangy, herb-infused vinaigrette. Mastering the dressing is key—emulsify slowly to achieve the perfect texture and depth of flavor that makes this salad distinctly French. It's a simple yet sophisticated meal that brings a touch of French culinary elegance to your table.
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Tomato Salad (Salade de Tomates)

Tomato Salad (Salade de Tomates)
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

Embrace the simplicity and vibrancy of a French classic with this Tomato Salad (Salade de Tomates). A staple in France, this salad captures the essence of summer with ripe, juicy tomatoes at the forefront. Enhanced by a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, each bite bursts with colors and flavors that transport you to a sunny Provencal bistro. Remember, choosing the best quality tomatoes and letting them shine is key to this delightfully uncomplicated dish.
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Sardine Salad

Sardine Salad
Image credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

Sardine Salad is a delightful testament to the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine. This recipe brings together wild sardines, known for their rich omega-3 content, with a vibrant mix of mustard, capers, and lemon, enhancing the fish's natural flavors. The inclusion of crisp, fresh vegetables adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender sardines. For an authentic touch, try using French-grown herbs and a dash of local olive oil to dress the salad, capturing the quintessential French taste in every bite.
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Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad
Image credit: xoxobella.com

Despite its title, the Antipasto Salad embraces a tour de force of Italian gastronomy, perfect for those who revel in the robust flavors of Italy. This vibrant salad combines the savory delights of Italian meats, the creamy indulgence of fine cheeses, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. To truly capture the essence of this dish, consider using ingredients like authentic prosciutto di Parma and fresh buffalo mozzarella, and serve this as a festive starter at your next gathering!
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Image credit: xoxobella.com

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad harnesses the vibrant flavors of Southern France with its rich blend of herbs, crisp vegetables, and hearty beans. Each forkful offers a symphony of textures and tastes, enhanced by the nutty base of quinoa. To capture authentic French flair, use fresh basil and a dash of herbes de Provence. It's not just a salad; it's a colorful, nutritious homage to Mediterranean cuisine.
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Fig Salad with Blue Cheese

Fig Salad with Blue Cheese
Image credit: www.vanillabeancuisine.com

Fig Salad with Blue Cheese encapsulates the elegance of French dining in every bite. This delightful salad layers crisp baby spinach with a rich balsamic vinaigrette, providing a lush backdrop for the stars of the dish: ripe, succulent figs and creamy blue cheese. The addition of thin slices of prosciutto introduces a savory depth, while caramelized pecans offer a sweet crunch. Perfect for a light lunch or as a sophisticated starter, this salad balances the robust flavors of France with graceful simplicity.
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Citrus Salad

Citrus Salad
Image credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

Citrus Salad is a delightful burst of French-inspired freshness that effortlessly brightens the dreariest winter days. Combining the zesty flavors of grapefruits, oranges, and mandarins with a zingy honey dijon dressing, this salad is a testament to the charm of simple, vivid ingredients. Crisp lettuce, creamy feta, and sharp onions round out the dish, offering a textural symphony. A tip to enhance its authenticity: use a quality French dijon mustard for the dressing and a sprinkle of herbes de Provence to elevate it with a Provençal touch.
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Strawberry, Gorgonzola & Walnut Salad

Strawberry, Gorgonzola & Walnut Salad
Image credit: www.thecreativebite.com

Strawberry, Gorgonzola & Walnut Salad is a delightful mélange of flavors that dance on the palate, marrying the natural sweetness of strawberries with the sharp, creamy bite of Gorgonzola and the earthy crunch of walnuts. This salad is a testament to French culinary simplicity, effortlessly blending contrasting tastes into a harmonious dish that refreshes and satisfies. For an authentic touch, drizzle with a light vinaigrette and serve as a chic starter or a light, summery lunch.
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Savoury Steak and Squash Salad

Savoury Steak and Squash Salad
Image credit: xoxobella.com

Indulge in the flavors of autumn with the Savoury Steak and Squash Salad, a quintessential French recipe perfect for the season. This delightful dish pairs succulent steak with the earthy sweetness of squash, all brought together by a unique apple maple dressing. It's not just a meal, but a celebration of fall's bounty. For an authentic touch, sear the steak à la française and roast the squash to caramelized perfection. Bon appétit!
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Chicken Salad with Grapes

Chicken Salad with Grapes
Image credit: www.stetted.com

Discover the charm of French cuisine with this delightful Chicken Salad with Grapes. A perfect blend of creamy chicken and sweet, juicy grapes, enhanced by the subtle crunch of pecans, this salad can be enjoyed on its own or tucked into a sandwich for a satisfying meal. It's not just the flavors that entice; the contrast in textures makes every bite a pleasure. For a truly authentic touch, use a good quality French mayonnaise and serve on freshly baked croissants or artisan bread.
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Quinoa Beet & Orange Salad

Quinoa Beet & Orange Salad
Image credit: www.thecreativebite.com

Quinoa Beet & Orange Salad is a delightful mélange of textures and tastes, embodying the essence of French simplicity in cooking. This salad harmoniously combines the earthy sweetness of beets with the fresh zing of orange, all balanced with the nutty backdrop of quinoa. It’s not just a feast for the palate but for the eyes too, with its bold colors and rustic presentation. For an authentic French touch, consider drizzling a bit of walnut oil over the top before serving. This dish is perfect for those seeking a fulfilling yet light meal.
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Citrus Quinoa Salad

Citrus Quinoa Salad
Image credit: www.stetted.com

Discover the vibrancy of a French-inspired Citrus Quinoa Salad, where zesty orange and grapefruit slices meld with hearty chickpeas for a protein boost. Each bite transports you to a sunny Provence terrace, with flavors as bright as the Mediterranean sun. For a truly authentic taste, dress it lightly with a vinaigrette of olive oil and fresh herbs. This salad not only delights the senses but also brings a piece of French culinary charm to your table.
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Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad

Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad
Image credit: copykat.com

Explore the delightful flavors of the French-inspired "Suddenly Salad Ranch & Bacon Salad," a perfect companion for a light meal or a sunny picnic. This recipe, crafted by a culinary enthusiast, artfully blends the creamy zest of ranch dressing with the savory crunch of bacon, offering a taste of countryside luxury. Its simplicity allows the fresh ingredients to shine, making it not only a refreshing choice but also a conversation starter at any gathering. Bon appétit!
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I'm Molly, a former personal chef trained in French pastry. Here you'll find veggie-forward, seasonal recipes with a little French kiss!

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