Grilled Tuna Salade Niçoise

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb ahi tuna steak 1-inch-thick ()
• 0.5 teaspoon anchovy paste 
• 3 tablespoons basil fresh finely chopped
• 0.8 lb boston lettuce separated (2 heads)
• 1.5 oz capers drained
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard 
• 1.5 tablespoons basil fresh finely chopped
• 1.5 teaspoons thyme sprigs fresh minced
• 1 large garlic clove with 1/2 teaspoon salt minced mashed
• 1 pt grape tomatoes 
• 0.8 lb haricots verts trimmed (preferably haricots verts)
• 4 large hardboiled eggs quartered
• 1 cup olive oil extra virgin extra-virgin
• 1.5 lb yukon gold potatoes (1- to 2-inch) (preferably Yukon Gold)
• 0.3 cup red-wine vinegar 
• 2.5 tablespoons shallots minced
• 6 servings vegetable oil for brushing
• 0.7 cup olives black

Equipment

• bowl
• whisk
• pot
• grill
• slotted spoon
• colander
• grill pan

Directions

1. Whisk together vinegar, shallot, mustard, garlic paste, and anchovy paste in a small bowl until combined well, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
2. Whisk in thyme, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook beans in a 4- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then immediately transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking.
4. Add potatoes to boiling water and simmer, uncovered, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes, then drain in a colander. Halve potatoes while still warm (peel if desired) and toss with 2 tablespoons dressing in a bowl, then cool.
5. Prepare grill for cooking. If using a charcoal grill, open vents on bottom of grill, then light charcoal. Charcoal fire is medium-hot when you can hold your hand 5 inches above rack for 3 to 4 seconds. If using a gas grill, preheat burners on high, covered, 10 minutes, then reduce heat to moderately high.
6. Brush tuna with oil and season with salt and pepper, then grill on lightly oiled rack, uncovered, turning over once, until browned on outside but still pink in center, 6 to 8 minutes total.
7. Let tuna stand 3 minutes, then break into large (3-inch) pieces.
8. Transfer tuna to a large platter and drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons dressing and top with capers.
9. Transfer potatoes to platter with tuna, reserving bowl.
10. Drain beans and pat dry. Toss beans in bowl with 1 tablespoon dressing and salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to platter. Toss lettuce in bowl with 2 tablespoons dressing and salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to platter. Toss tomatoes in bowl with 1 tablespoon dressing and salt and pepper to taste, then transfer to platter.
11. Arrange olives and eggs on platter and sprinkle salad with parsley and/or basil.
12. Serve salad with remaining dressing on the side.
13. ·Tuna can be cooked in a hot lightly oiled well-seasoned ridged grill pan over moderately high heat.·Beans and potatoes can be cooked 1 hour ahead and kept at room temperature. Toss potatoes with dressing while warm and let stand. Do not dress beans until just before serving.