Canned tuna is a fabulous pantry staple. It’s fairly economical, packed with protein, and lends itself well to a variety of flavours/add-ins.
If you’re stuck in a mayo & chopped celery tuna salad rut – I’ve got you covered with three delicious, doable tuna salad recipes.
Serve between slices of whole grain bread, in a pita, on a bed of greens, or consume like I often do: straight from the mixing bowl.
Fennel, Apple & Tuna Salad
Crunchy, fresh and absolutely delicious – this tuna salad might be your new go-to!
What to do with leftover fennel? Click here for Char’s Fennel and Citrus Salad (scroll to the middle of the linked page).
Ingredients
- 1 (170 g) can tuna, drained
- 1 small apple, diced (leave skin on) *I like Granny Smith
- ½ cup (125 mL) very finely diced fennel
- ¼ cup (60 mL) finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup (60 mL) each of chopped fresh dill and chopped fresh mint
- ¼ (60 mL) cup mayonnaise (or plain Greek Style yogurt)
- 2 tsp (10 mL) Dijon
- 1 tsp (5 mL) cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt and pepper
Directions
Stir together all ingredients until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Stir well before serving. Makes about 2 cups (500 mL).
Delicious & Doable Tips
- use ½ cup (125 mL) chopped celery instead of fennel
- for added plant protein add ¼ cup (60 mL) shelled sunflower seeds or green pumpkin seeds.
Curry & Dried Cherry Tuna Salad
Feeling a bit spicy? This tuna salad recipe will be sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients
- 1 (170 g) can tuna, drained
- 1 cup (250 mL) chopped roasted red peppers (patted dry)
- ½ cup (125 mL) dried cherries (or dried cranberries or raisins)
- ½ cup (125 mL) finely chopped celery
- ½ cup (125 mL) chopped green onion
- ¼ cup (60 mL) chopped fresh cilantro optional
- ¼ cup (60 mL) roughly chopped cashews
- ¼ cup (60 mL) mayonnaise (or plain Greek Style yogurt)
- Finely grated zest and juice of one lime
- 2 tsp (10 mL) curry powder
- 1/2 tsp ( 5 mL) turmeric
- ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt
- Pinch chili flakes optional
Directions
Stir together all ingredients until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Stir well before serving. Makes about 2 cups (500 mL).
Delicious & Doable Tips
- add ½ cup (125 mL) diced fresh mango instead of dried cherries
- use roughly chopped almonds or pecans instead of cashews
Tuscan Tuna Salad
A taste of Tuscany meets a can of tune = winning combo!
Ingredients
- 1 (170 g ) can tuna, drained
- ½ cup (125 mL) chickpeas, drained and rinsed, and roughly chopped, optional
- ½ cup (125 mL) chopped black pitted olives
- ½ cup (125 mL) chopped sundried tomatoes, patted dry
- ½ cup (125 mL) chopped celery
- ½ cup (125 mL) roughly chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup (60 mL) finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) prepared mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 mL) pesto
- ½ tsp (2 mL) finely grated lemon zest
- 2 tsp (10 mL) lemon juice
- ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt and pepper
Directions
Stir together all ingredients until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Stir well before serving. Makes about 2 cups (500 mL).
Delicious & Doable Tips
- Toss Tuscan tuna salad with 2 cups (500 mL) cooked pasta and an additional 2 tbsp (30 mL) of pesto for a simple and delicious pack-and-go lunch option
- add 2 tbsp (30 mL) roughly chopped capers for a salty kick
Charmaine Broughton is a Muskoka/Toronto-based cooking show host & guest expert and author of ‘Delicious & Doable ~ Recipes For Real and Everyday Life‘.
‘Delicious & Doable ~ Recipes For Real and Everyday Life’ is on Amazon! Get your copy today!