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Cannellini-Bean Niçoise Salad

This vegetarian version of the classic dish omits the anchovies and replaces the tuna with cannellini beans; navy beans or chickpeas are other options.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

FOR THE DRESSING

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 large shallot, minced
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 cup torn fresh basil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

FOR THE SALAD

1 pound small red potatoes, scrubbed
1 pound haricots verts or green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
5 ounces baby spinach
1 1/2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 celery stalk, diced
3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into wedges
2 hard-cooked eggs (page 61), peeled and halved lengthwise
1/2 cup Niçoise olives

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, mustard, shallot, oil, parsley, basil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; season with pepper.

    Step 2

    Prepare the salad: Place potatoes in a medium saucepan and add enough cool water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.

    Step 3

    Bring a pot of water to a boil and prepare an ice-water bath. Blanch haricots verts until crisp-tender and color brightens, 45 to 60 seconds. With a slotted spoon, immediately transfer beans to ice-water bath to stop the cooking; once cool, drain and pat dry with paper towels.

    Step 4

    In a large bowl, toss spinach with 2 tablespoons dressing. Transfer spinach to platter. Place cannellini beans in empty bowl and mash about half of them slightly. Add celery, capers, lemon zest, 3 to 4 tablespoons dressing, and 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); season with pepper. Stir to combine; then spoon mixture onto spinach. Arrange potatoes on one side of the bean mixture and tomato wedges on the other.

    Step 5

    Arrange haricots verts, eggs, and olives on the plate. Drizzle with remaining dressing, and serve immediately.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 6

    (Per Serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 790

    Step 8

    Saturated Fat: 7.1g

    Step 9

    Unsaturated Fat: 39.8g

    Step 10

    Cholesterol: 106mg

    Step 11

    Carbohydrates: 73g

    Step 12

    Protein: 20.7g

    Step 13

    Sodium: 984mg

    Step 14

    Fiber: 23.2g

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