If you're in search of more sardine recipes, give this Nicoise Salad Recipe with a twist a try. Featuring sweet potatoes instead of regular spuds and canned sardines in place of tuna, this French salad is packed with extra nutrients for a healthier heart and brain. The addition of a flavorful sun-dried tomato dressing adds a zesty kick, making sardines more enjoyable for those who are not fans. This recipe is gluten-free, paleo, Whole30 friendly, and incredibly nutritious.
In a recent post, I discussed the benefits of incorporating more sardines into your diet (hint: they're a superfood!). Mixing them into a crispy salad with a delicious dressing is a simple way to enjoy this nutrient-packed fish. When thinking about salads traditionally made with fish or seafood, the Nicoise salad immediately came to mind!
What Is Nicoise Salad?
Nicoise salad is a traditional French dish originating from the beautiful city of Nice in the south of France.
The classic recipe typically includes tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives (similar to Kalamata olives), and anchovies or tuna, all tossed in olive oil. These ingredients are often served on a bed of lettuce, with variations that may include cooked potatoes and green beans.
While fresh or canned tuna is commonly used, some upscale versions of Nicoise salad feature crispy skin salmon or pan-seared tuna tataki. Additional ingredients like shallots, red peppers, and asparagus are also common.
For a unique twist, try my hot smoked salmon Nicoise salad with pickled onions.
In this variation of Nicoise salad, I sautéed sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, used Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, along with sardines canned in olive oil.
Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
One of the standout elements of this salad is the sun-dried tomato dressing. When using sardines in a recipe, it's helpful to pair their robust flavor with equally bold ingredients. Acidic, sweet, and sour elements like citrus juice, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or pickled items work well.
For this dressing, I blended sun-dried tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, and a hint of chili for a flavorful kick. I recommend making a larger batch as it complements grilled or baked fish, chicken, meat, or roasted veggies perfectly.
More Sardine Recipes
Full Recipe
Discover the complete list of ingredients, instructions, and nutritional breakdown below. If you have any questions or try this recipe, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments and don't forget to rate this recipe for others to enjoy.
