Salad Nicoise

This is a family favorite and requested often at the dinner table. Also, I've served it at many group parties because it can be prepared in advance and served immediately upon the arrival of guests to the house. It makes a big impression and leaves a smile on every ones face - even to your mother-in-law - and that's from personal experience!

By name, this salad has many versions, but this one was created and improved many times over - especially the salad dressing. It has a touch of perfection!

Recipe courtesy Rick McConnell - Salad Specialst

Dressing
Mix:
Heaping tbl. of Dijon Mustard
½ tbl. of sugar
6-8 dashes of pepper
¼ cup vinegar
Shake in bottle to mix well

Add:
¼ cup of vegetable oil
Shake in bottle and mix well
Set aside or refrigerate

Salad
Cube and Steam Red Potatoes (approx. one per person)
Slice and Steam String Beans (appox. eight per person)
Prepare before serving and refrigerate or chill in cold water after steaming

Next:
Pour lemon juice over solid tuna and mix with mayonnaise and dill seed to taste
Slice roma tomato
5 Whole black olives
Sliver dilled beets
Set aside while preparing serving plate with lettuce

Next:
Break up romaine lettuce and place on serving plate
Place tuna mix in center of serving plate
Side dress tuna with slivered beets, cubed potatoes, cut string beans, sliced tomatoes and black olives (place in a criss-cross pattern and circular pattern)

Refrigerate salad on plate until ready to serve. Pour dressing mix over salad and serve chilled. Serve with a smile to add flavor and flare to dish!