Oct 17, 2011

Spicy Tuna Salad

Intrigued? I knew you would be. This is perfect for lunch, or dinner, or a snack, or anytime really. It's quite healthy and has a lot of great bright flavors. I make this very often, I don't always have all of the ingredients so I improvise. The pictures you will see are of an improvisation, I did not have parsley, scallions, or capers. I often make this with dried herbs because I always have them on hand. This recipe is from the wonderful Cat Cora, I believe it was in some sort of health magazine back in the day... I've been making this for at least four years, so I'm assuming it came out sometime around then. Be aware, it gets spicier the longer it sits, so if you're making it ahead, possibly knock down the spice a little.

First, the dressing.

Ingredients
2 tsp chopped fresh oregano (if using dried only use about 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp)
1/2 tsp finely minced garlic ( I usually use about 4 cloves cause I like garlic)
3 Tbsp olive oil - use the good stuff you can really taste it
1/2 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar.

In a small bowl combine all ingredients for dressing. Whisk well. Set aside.

Tuna Salad

Ingredients
3 (6 oz) can tuna in water, well drained
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp crushed dried chili flaked (I usually double this... I like it spicy!)
2 finely chopped scallions
1 sm red onion, finely chopped (you can also use shallots here)
2 Tbsp capers (I never use these, but they do add a nice briney tang)
2 celery ribs finely chopped
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, grapes halved cherries quartered
2 tsp finely chopped fresh italian flat leaf parsley (if using dried use about 1/2 tsp)
1 tsp fresh basil, about two leaves, finely chopped

In a large bowl toss all ingredients except parsley and basil. Right before serving pour dressing over tuna and mix gently. Sprinkle with parsley and basil.

You can enjoy this on a bed of baby greens, or in a sandwich.

Sometimes I add a whole lot more celery, tomato, and onion. I like the volume that it adds and makes me feel like I'm eating SUPER healthy!


Spicy Tuna Salad
The team.
Spicy Tuna Salad
The dressing.
Spicy Tuna Salad
Garlic and Shallots.
Spicy Tuna Salad
Added the celery
Spicy Tuna Salad
And tomatoes and basil.
Spicy Tuna Salad
Pour the dressing over, and toss! Mmmmmm...

Do you like tuna? Or do you have a hard time with fishy things?

2 comments:

Katrina said...

I love the fishy things! This looks so yummy---850

Me said...

ME TOO! lol. :D