Salad Nicoise with Cucumbers and Chickpeas for Two
Vegan Summer Nicoise Salad for Two
One of my favorite salads before going vegan was a salad nicoise. The funny thing was, I never ate the hard-boiled eggs—I wasn’t a fan—and the smell of the salmon made me want to plug my nose, but I ate it anyway. So. Weird.
Clearly the two main sources of protein in that dish didn’t make me happy, so what was the appeal? The potatoes and the dressing. I love potatoes and I love salad dressing made with Dijon mustard, and that’s why I created a nicoise salad without eggs and salmon, because, why not?
One of the most common statements I hear from people when they learn that I’m vegan is, “How can you live on rabbit food?” There’s a misperception that eating a plant-based diet means that you only eat lettuce, raw vegetables, and nuts. If you’ve been vegan for a while, you know that’s not true. If you’re a new vegan and you’re struggling with your food choices, I’m here to help you see just how exciting and delicious vegan food can be, because I used to be just like you.
This vegan version of salad nicoise with chickpeas and cucumbers was inspired by an ad that I saw while I was flipping through a magazine. I don’t remember the product that the advertisement was trying to sell, it could have been wine because I remember seeing a beautiful vineyard, but I’m not sure. What stood out to me was the salad, and it convinced me to make a vegan version.
Replacing the eggs and salmon with chickpeas was a no-brainer. Chickpeas are a great source of protein. Their name is reminiscent of chicks, therefore they reminded me of eggs; and, their juice (aquafaba) whips up just like egg whites. Click here to see what I’m talking about. Finally, chickpeas don’t smell like salmon. Perfect.
To make this super easy salad nicoise for two all you’ll need to do is boil some baby potatoes for about twenty minutes. While the potatoes are boiling chop the vegetables, drain and rinse the chickpeas, and make the Dijon mustard dressing. When the potatoes are done and have cooled enough to handle, slice them and arrange your salad.
This recipe makes enough for two people if you’re going to eat it as a meal, or, you can divide it into three to six servings for a side dish.
Notes on the Cucumbers: Traditional salad nicoise recipes include green beans. When I made this salad I didn’t have any so I substituted them with cucumber and they were so refreshing. For a hot summer day I’d recommend trying them in place of the green beans. Another great thing about the cucumber is that you don’t need to steam them.
Notes on the Dijon Dressing: I cut the sharpness of the mustard and vinegar with maple syrup. Their flavors complimented each other beautifully. You can use sugar or another sweetener if you like.
Notes on the Garnish: I minced some fresh basil and sprinkled it on top and added a few whole basil leaves as well. The flowers are cucumber blossoms from my garden. You could add edible pansies as well.
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Strength and Sunshine says
This is a lovely light meal! The simple dressing is perfect too, nothing overpowering the lovely tastes of the fresh veggies and chickpeas <3
Linda Meyer says
Thank you! It's light yet satisfying all at the same time.
Cadry's Kitchen says
This looks like such a refreshing summer salad! That's so interesting that you didn't like two of the main ingredients of the Nicoise, but you're order it anyway. I was just thinking the other day about how I had to "train" myself to like eggs before I went vegan. Now I wonder why I did that. There are so many other filling, plant-based foods that are packed with protein, there's just no need.
Linda Meyer says
Haha, I don't know why I'd order a salad that had a smelly fish and boiled eggs, but the potatoes and dressing won me over. This vegan version is so much better!
Jenn says
Such a beautiful salad, Linda. I make a very similar dressing, so I already know that this one is "drinkable!" Lovely recipe for summer.
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Jenn!
Becky says
This looks like such a fresh, satisfying supper!
Linda Meyer says
Thanks, Becky! It's been in the 90s and so humid in Chicago so it was the perfect dinner. 🙂
Natalie says
Another dish I've never even heard of much less had! But as soon as you mentioned potatoes on a salad you had my full attention. And dijon is one of my all time favorite dressing ingredients too, I rarely make a homemade dressing without it. Well I'm glad that I can just skip to the fish free version of Nicoise salad 🙂
Linda Meyer says
The fish free version is so much better, and yes to anything with potatoes! Thanks, Natalie. 🙂
Christine @ Run Plant Based says
Such a great dish and perfect for summer! I love adding olives and beans to salads. Thanks!
Linda Meyer says
Thanks! I love olives, they're one of my favorite snacks.
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
What a gorgeous salad and that dressing sounds delicious. I love mustard in my dressings. Your comment on chickpeas made me laugh so much "Their name is reminiscent of chicks, therefore they reminded me of eggs"!
Linda Meyer says
LOL! I was in a cheeky mood when I wrote this post. 🙂 I'm happy I brought a laugh to your day! Thanks so much, Melanie.
Aimée / Wallflower Girl says
How pretty is this? I was never a seafood fan but I think this salad would be delicious in it's own right, without me comparing it to the fishy version! Sounds lovely 🙂
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Aimee! It's much better than the fishy version. 🙂
veggiesdontbite says
I love potatoes with a mustard dressing! I mean, the greens are good too but I'll look at them as more of a way to wash down all that amazing dressing and those baby spuds. YUM!
Linda Meyer says
Yes, you could totally leave out the greens and feast on the spuds! I wouldn't blame you. 🙂
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says
im loving the addition of potatoes in here,,an ingredient i never eat with salad 🙂
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Dixya! The potatoes make this salad.
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy says
Love salads like these...simple dressings are also the best!
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Anjali!
alisamarie says
That dressing looks just like one of my favorites, but a little less sweet, which is a good thing! I just need to remember to pick up some good dijon.
Linda Meyer says
You can't go wrong with a Dijon dressing!
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
This is such a beautiful and bright summer salad, Linda! YUM!
Linda Meyer says
Thank you, Ceara!