Veggie Nicoise Salad

 

Veggie Nicoise Salad

More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish . . . and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. But feel Free to add a can of white tuna if you wish!!!!  Serve with a good loaf of artesian bread and your favorite wine!!!

 

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

          2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound small red potatoes, halved
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 1/2 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 bunches romaine, torn
• 6 hard-cooked eggs, quartered
• 1 jar (6-1/2 ounces) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
• 1/2 cup Nicoise or Kalamata olives
• Tuna (opitional)

Directions

• In a small bowl, whisk the first seven ingredients; set aside.
• Place potatoes in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a
• boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until
• tender. Drain. Drizzle warm potatoes with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette;
• toss to coat and set aside.  

       In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add asparagus;

• cook for 2-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. With tongs, remove
• asparagus and immediately place in ice water. Drain and pat dry.
• Return water to a boil. Add green beans; cook for 3-4 minutes or
• until crisp-tender. Remove beans and place in ice water. Drain and
• pat dry.
• In a small bowl, combine the kidney beans, onion and 1 tablespoon
• vinaigrette; toss to coat. Set aside.
• Just before serving, toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon vinaigrette;
• toss green beans with 2 teaspoons vinaigrette. Place romaine in a
• large bowl; drizzle with remaining vinaigrette and toss to coat.
• Transfer to a serving platter; arrange vegetables, kidney bean
• mixture, eggs, artichoke hearts and olives over lettuce.

Wine: Light-Bodied White Wine: Enjoy this recipe with a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.