All content copyright Katrina Hall 2008 through 2025

Monday, April 27, 2009

salade nicoise with smoked salmon for a hot day





Suddenly, our weather has gone from the 40's to the 80's - and I couldn't be happier! After sweeping the terrace and potting up the geraniums and a few herbs, I decided to celebrate summer with a Salade Nicoise - but made with smoked salmon instead of the usual tuna.
Salade Nicoise is such fun to compose - you basically check your vegetable drawer and go from there. I like a mixture of spears ( the potatoes and sugar snaps) and rounds ( the zucchini, a few olives, grape tomatoes) and the oval of the hard boiled egg. I also charred a few scallions, which sadly went limp and not crispy, but not a huge problem. You can obviously make this in any amount - this recipe was for two.
First, I made the lemon-herb dressing:
2 T. olive oil
1 t. herb vinegar
1 t. lemon juice, fresh
pinch dill ( I only had dried)
salt and freshly cracked pepper
one basil leaf, chiffonade ( sliced thinly)
1 red skinned potato, cut in wedges and parboiled til just barely tender.
1 hard boiled egg, peeled and halved
a handful of sugar snap peas, just barely cooked and popped into cold water and drained
a few grape tomatoes
one zucchini, sliced thickly, parboiled and drained
a few pitted olives
a few trimmed scallions ( green onions)
2 wedges lemon
several pieces of smoked salmon, rolled loosely
Place the potato wedges, the scallions, and the zucchini in a heat proof pan . Brush with a little dressing and place under broiler , cooking til they are just charring or browning.
Arrange either a large platter or individual bowls or plates with your salade makings, drizzle with dressing, and serve.
Dessert was just as easy - fresh strawberries drizzled with honey and sprinkled with mint!
Ah, summer.
Enjoy your day!
Featured on Photograzing!

9 comments:

Barb said...

Oh, so pretty! (Tastespotting, anyone?? Remember it's my job to remind you?? ha!ha!) This could easily be my most favorite and perfect kind of meal.

So what happened to 60 and 70 degree weather?? We've gone from 40's and 50's right into the mid-80's. A little too hot, too fast for me - I'd like to enjoy spring for a bit.

katrina said...

What would I do without you, Barb? Thanks for reminding me to send in a photo!
I have to say I have no problem with the weather! The winter was such a hard one I am giving thanks on my knees for these beautiful days. Best of all - it's NOT humid.

Anonymous said...

A perfect light meal for a hot day! Gorgeous!

Maria said...

That is the perfect meal if you ask me!

katrina said...

Thank you, Natasha! Salade Nicoise is not only delicious, but fun to make, don't you think? Love rummaging around the olives & greens, the tomatoes and eggs: playing with food:)

By the way, this was my first meal in France - meat, pate, a little this, a little that, and I was knocked out by it.

katrina said...

Isn't it, Maria? Just love the weather & le picnique food like this - thanks!

Alta said...

This looks so tasty!

katrina said...

Thanks, Alta! Almost ( but not quite) as good as your crayfish boil! ( or is it crawfish?)

Martha said...

Please visit Linderhof, I have something for you.