Fresh Tomato Tuna Salad with Nuts

This recipe replaces the traditional mayonnaise with a lighter, zesty vinaigrette, letting the flavors of the fresh tomatoes and crunchy nuts shine.

Yields: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 (5-ounce) cans solid white tuna in water or olive oil, drained well

• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered

• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil

• 1/3 cup nuts of your choice (toasted walnuts, slivered almonds, or pine nuts are excellent)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated

• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the Nuts (if needed): If your nuts are raw, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan often, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Flake the Tuna: Add the well-drained tuna to a medium bowl. Use a fork to flake it into small, even pieces.

4. Combine Salad Ingredients: To the bowl with the tuna, add the quartered tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley, and the toasted nuts.

5. Dress and Toss: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the tuna mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For the best flavor, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

🌟 Serving Suggestions & Variations 🌟

• How to Serve:

  • Lettuce Cups: Spoon into large butter lettuce or romaine leaves.

  • Avocado Boats: Halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill the cavity with the tuna salad.

  • Classic Sandwich: Serve on toasted whole-grain bread with lettuce.

  • With Crackers: Use as a dip for crackers or cucumber slices.

• Add Creaminess: For a creamier version, add 2 tablespoons of mashed avocado or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt.

• Add a Crunchy Veggie: Add some finely chopped celery or cucumber for extra freshness and crunch.

• Different Herbs: Dill or chives would be a lovely substitute for the parsley.

• Cheesy Twist: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese would pair wonderfully with the tomatoes and nuts.

Enjoy your fresh, healthy, and delicious tuna salad! It’s a world away from the mayo-heavy version and perfect for a warm day.