The Ultimate Summer Dinner Party Salad--- Salad Niçoise

Step 1

To make the vinaigrette: combine all ingredients in a mason jar. Screw the cap on the jar and shake the vinaigrette vigorously to emulsify. Set the dressing aside while preparing the salad.

Step 2

Bring a large saucepan of water to a rolling bowl. Add eggs with a slotted spoon and boil for 7 minutes. Remove eggs to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Once cooled, remove from water and peel. Place eggs in the refrigerator until you are ready for assembly. In the same saucepan, return to a boil and add asparagus. Boil 3 minutes until asparagus is bright green. Remove to ice water bath to stop cooking. Once cool, remove asparagus to a plate and dry with paper towels. Set aside until you are ready for assembly.

Step 3

Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat . Rub the tuna on all sides with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Sear the tuna for approximately 2 minutes on each side; as the tuna cooks, the red meat will become whiter. Transfer the tuna to a cutting board and slice.

Step 4

To assemble the salad: Place the tuna in the center of a large platter. Assemble the romaine, beans, asparagus, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and kalamata olives in bunches around the tuna. Slice the eggs in half and gently place on platter. Take the vinaigrette and give it another good shake to recombine. Drizzle the salad with the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper. The important thing about nicoise salad is that it is arranged nicely on a platter with all the elements keeping their individual integrity.Serve immediately.