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Salmon Asparagus Sweet Potato Nicoise

Salmon Asparagus Sweet Potato Nicoise

Try this healthy, modern twist on the Classic French Nicoise Salad with Broiled Salmon, Asparagus and Roasted Sweet Potatoes, all tossed with a sweet Mustard Dill Nicoise Salad Dressing! A healthy, yet satisfying salad that can be served as a main course or fancy appetizer! 

Course Appetizer, Main Course, side
Cuisine American, French, Mediterranean
Keyword healthy, nicoise salad recipe, quick, roasted, salad with broiled salmon, seafood, sweet potato salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 3
Calories 684 kcal
Author Mahy

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 3 hard boiled eggs
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup seedless grapes
  • 2 scallions sliced into 2 inch strips

For the sweet potatoes:

  • 1 purple sweet potato peeled and thinly sliced into 1/8th of an inch thick rounds
  • 1 orange sweet potato peeled and thinly sliced into 1/8th of an inch thick rounds
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the Salmon and Asparagus:

  • 2 large salmon fillets—about 6 ounce each sliced into 1 inch thick strips
  • 2 bunches asparagus ends trimmed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon herbs de Provence ( or substitute dried oregano)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the dressing:

  • Sweet Mustard Dill Sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

For the sweet potatoes:

  1. Start with the sweet potatoes; toss them with a pinch of salt and olive oil and spread them in an even layer on a baking sheet. When the oven is ready, roast the sweet potatoes until fork tender-about 15 minutes.
  2. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the remaining salad ingredients and arrange them on your serving plate.

For the salmon and asparagus:

  1. For the salmon and asparagus; layer them in a single layer on a baking sheet and sprinkle the salt, pepper and herbs de Provence or dried oregano. Then divide the olive oil and drizzle the salmon with 1/2 Tablespoon and toss the salmon pieces together and re-arrange them back in a single layer on your baking sheet.
  2. Drizzle the remaining 1/2 Tablespoon of olive oil over the seasoned asparagus and toss them well then re-arrange the asparagus back in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  3. When the sweet potatoes are done, switch the oven setting to broil and broil the salmon and asparagus for 5-7 minutes (depending on the size and thickness of the salmon) until the edges are golden and salmon is cooked through.

For assembling:

  1. Arrange the sweet potatoes, salmon and asparagus with the remaining salad ingredients and drizzle with a thin layer of sweet mustard dill sauce—about (2 tablespoons, more or less to taste).

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips For Salmon Niçoise 

  1. Nicoise Salad can be prepared 2 days in advance but keep the Nicoise Salad Dressing aside and drizzle it last minute.
  2. Feel free to use zucchini, haricots vert or any veggie you have on hand.
  3. Try an even healthier french Nicoise adding kale, olives, cucumbers, onions or anything that puts you in a happy place!
  4. I love to arrange this salad in a large bowl or plate with the salmon separate to make it easier to serve. Feel free to toss it all together or arrange the tossed salad on a large cutting board, or even individual plates.
  5. Slight undercooking keeps salmon moist
  6. Poaching gives the most delicate texture
  7. Avoid overpowering seasoning to keep it clean tasting.

Niçoise Salad Variations 

  • Classic Niçoise with Salmon: Closest to traditional structure
  • Grilled Salmon Niçoise: Adds smoky flavor
  • Low Carb Niçoise: Skip the potatoes
  • Mediterranean Niçoise: Add cucumbers and herbs
  • Best Option for lunch: Use a light portion of the salad
  • How to Serve it for entertaining: plate it in a composed style
  • Best for meal prep: store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Salmon Niçoise vs Tuna Niçoise

  • Salmon is richer and tender with a flakey melting in your mouth texture
  • Tuna is leaner, firmer with a soft chew.

Niçoise vs Cobb Salad

  • Niçoise has a vinaigrette like dressings.
  • Cobb has a creamy dressing

Why is the salmon dry

It was overcooked.

What if I have a Watery salad

The vegetables were not dried when you washed them before cooking.

Why does it Have a Bland flavor

You used a bland dressing that lacks enough salt or acid.

Storage & Reheating 

  • Store components separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
  • Reheat salmon gently if needed in the Air Fryer Salmon

What is in a salmon Niçoise salad?

Salmon, vegetables, potatoes, eggs, olives, and vinaigrette.

Is Niçoise salad supposed to be tossed?

No, it is traditionally composed.

Can I use salmon instead of tuna?

Yes, it’s a popular modern variation.

What dressing is used?

A light dijon vinaigrette, never creamy.

Nutrition Facts
Salmon Asparagus Sweet Potato Nicoise
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 684 Calories from Fat 477
% Daily Value*
Fat 53g82%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 186mg62%
Sodium 561mg24%
Potassium 1195mg34%
Carbohydrates 42g14%
Fiber 10g42%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 15g30%
Vitamin A 17290IU346%
Vitamin C 42.6mg52%
Calcium 163mg16%
Iron 8.5mg47%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.