Niçoise Toast

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Niçoise Toast is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors. The combination of rich tuna, briny olives, creamy hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy greens on toasted bread makes for a meal that’s both light and satisfying. It’s quick to assemble, especially with pantry staples like canned tuna, and can be easily customized to your liking. The zesty dressing ties it all together, making each bite refreshing and full of flavor. Perfect for warm weather dining or whenever you crave Mediterranean-inspired food.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of rustic or sourdough bread, toasted

• 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained

• 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)

• 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for extra briny flavor)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Toast the bread: Start by toasting your slices of rustic or sourdough bread until golden and crispy. You can toast them in a toaster, grill, or on a stovetop pan.

2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), dried oregano (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

3. Assemble the toast: Once the bread is toasted, drizzle a little of the dressing over the top of each slice. Then, layer the ingredients: start with the tuna, followed by the hard-boiled egg slices, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and capers (if using). Top with a handful of fresh greens.

4. Finish with dressing: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top of the assembled ingredients and garnish with additional herbs or a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired.

5. Serve: Serve immediately, and enjoy the bright, savory flavors of this Niçoise-inspired toast.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Omit the tuna and substitute with roasted vegetables or marinated tofu for a plant-based alternative.

• Different bread: You can use any type of bread you prefer—baguette slices, ciabatta, or whole wheat bread work well for this dish.

• Add anchovies: For a more traditional Niçoise flavor, top the toast with anchovies.

• Other veggies: Feel free to add cucumber, bell peppers, or even green beans for more variety and texture.

• Spicy kick: Add a few chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the toast an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: The toast is best served fresh, as the bread can become soggy over time. However, the salad toppings (tuna, veggies, and dressing) can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.

• Reheating: If you store the topping ingredients separately, you can toast new bread slices and assemble the toast again when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna, such as seared tuna steaks, for a more premium version of this dish. Just slice the tuna into thin pieces and top the toast.

2. Can I make this toast gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free bread for the toast to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

3. Can I add more veggies to the toast?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even avocado for added texture and flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, such as boiling the eggs and prepping the vegetables, but it’s best to assemble the toast just before serving to keep the bread crispy.

5. What else can I serve with this toast?

This toast pairs wonderfully with a light side salad, some roasted potatoes, or even a chilled glass of white wine for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

6. Can I make this vegan?

Yes, you can make this toast vegan by substituting the tuna with chickpeas, marinated tofu, or roasted vegetables. Omit the hard-boiled eggs and use a vegan dressing.

7. Can I use a different type of olive?

Yes, you can use any type of olives you prefer, such as green olives or kalamata, to change the flavor profile of the toast.

8. How do I prevent the toast from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, be sure to assemble the toast just before serving and avoid adding too much dressing directly to the bread. You can drizzle the dressing on top of the ingredients instead.

9. Can I add cheese to the toast?

Yes, you can add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra richness and creaminess.

10. How do I make the dressing creamier?

To make the dressing creamier, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, giving it a smooth and velvety texture.

Conclusion

Niçoise Toast is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings the classic French Niçoise salad into a satisfying and modern toast. The fresh vegetables, savory tuna, and creamy hard-boiled eggs are perfectly complemented by the zesty dressing, creating a balance of flavors and textures. It’s a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean, whether for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer. This toast is not only simple to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the refreshing and vibrant flavors of Niçoise on a slice of toast!