15-Minute Dish: Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, a salad topping, or even on its own. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a basic tuna salad:

Ingredients

For the salad

1. 2 cans (5-6 ounces each) of tuna, drained

2. 1/2 cup of mayonnaise (adjust to taste)

3. 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped celery

4. 2-3 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion

5. 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley (optional)

6. Salt and pepper to taste

7. Optional add-ins: chopped pickles, capers, olives, or hard-boiled eggs for added flavor

For serving options

1. Bread or rolls for sandwiches

2. Lettuce leaves for salad

3. Tomato slices

4. Avocado slices

5. Crackers for a snack

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tuna

  - Open and drain the canned tuna. You can use tuna packed in water or oil, depending on your preference. Using a fork, flake the tuna into small pieces in a mixing bowl.

2. Add the Mayonnaise

  - Start with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and mix it into the tuna. Add more mayonnaise as needed to achieve your desired creaminess. Some people prefer a creamy tuna salad, while others like it with less mayo.

3. Chop Vegetables

  - Finely chop the celery and red onion. If you like a milder onion flavor, you can soak the chopped red onions in cold water for a few minutes, then drain them before adding to the salad.

4. Add Vegetables and Seasonings

  - Add the chopped celery and red onion to the tuna.

  - If desired, add chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

  - Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.

5. Mix Well

  - Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the tuna salad from becoming too mushy.

6. Taste and Adjust

  - Taste the tuna salad and adjust the seasoning, mayonnaise, or other ingredients to your liking. You can add more mayo, salt, or pepper as needed.

7. Serve

  - You can enjoy tuna salad in various ways:

   - As a sandwich filling: Spread it on bread or rolls, and add lettuce, tomato, or other desired toppings.

   - As a salad: Place a scoop of tuna salad over a bed of lettuce leaves and garnish with additional vegetables or toppings.

   - On crackers: Spoon some tuna salad onto your favorite crackers for a quick snack.

   - With avocado: Serve tuna salad inside halved avocados for a healthy twist.

8. Store

  - Leftover tuna salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Feel free to customize your tuna salad with additional ingredients like chopped pickles, capers, olives, or hard-boiled eggs to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade tuna salad!

Side dish options that pair well with tuna salad

1. Chips or Crisps

Classic potato chips or a variety of flavored chips make for a crunchy and satisfying side dish. You can also opt for baked or vegetable chips for a healthier option.

2. Fruit Salad

A refreshing fruit salad complements the richness of tuna salad. Combine a mix of seasonal fruits like watermelon, pineapple, berries, and citrus segments. You can also drizzle some honey or a light citrus vinaigrette for extra flavor.

3. Coleslaw

Coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the creamy tuna salad. You can make traditional coleslaw with cabbage and carrots in a mayonnaise-based dressing or opt for a vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangy side.

4. Pasta Salad

A cold pasta salad with veggies and a flavorful dressing is a great choice. Try a classic macaroni salad or a Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad with olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.

5. Mixed Greens Salad

A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing can be a light and healthy side dish. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

6. Soup

A bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or gazpacho (a cold tomato-based soup), can complement tuna salad nicely, especially on a cooler day.

7. Quinoa or Couscous

Prepare a side of quinoa or couscous salad with chopped vegetables and herbs. You can dress it with a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh taste.

8. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots make for a savory side dish. Season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs before roasting.

9. Garlic Bread

If you're serving tuna salad as a sandwich, a side of garlic bread or garlic toast can be a delicious and comforting choice.

10. Hummus and Pita

Serve tuna salad with a side of hummus and warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Remember to choose a side dish that complements your personal taste and dietary preferences. These options offer a variety of flavors and textures to enhance your tuna salad meal.