Salade Nicoise, a summer classic from the south of France, has a thousand permutations but after much experimentation this is our favourite. And despite its simplicity, we think it’s guaranteed to impress her.
Tuna
Two 6 oz inch-thick Tuna Steaks (only buy line-caught from a reputable fishmonger like Avenue Seafood, Pisces Gourmet or Wholefoods)
3 tbsps reduced-salt Kikkoman soy sauce
3 finely sliced cloves of garlic
Dash of sesame seed oil
1 tsp grated ginger
Salad
One bunch watercress and a large handful of arugula
8 asparagus stems
2 hard boiled eggs (6 minutes), quartered
Handful of new potatoes, boiled and halved
Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
Half a small red onion, finely sliced
10 black olives (no tinned rubbish)
4 marinated artichoke hearts, quartered
One roasted red pepper, sliced into thin strips (you can use bottled)
Dressing
5tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp finely chopped chives
1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped.
