Missouri Tea Room Gourmet Tuna Salad
Elevate your lunch experience with this delightful Tuna Salad inspired by a charming tea room in Missouri. This unique blend of flavors combines tender tuna with a creamy mayonnaise and zesty French dressing, punctuated by the crunch of fresh celery and pecans. Perfectly seasoned and chilled, this tuna salad isn't just great on its own—it's also a fantastic filling for a grilled tuna melt, lending a gourmet touch to a classic dish. Whether served in a sandwich, on crackers, or alongside fresh greens, this recipe promises to impress your palate at any lunch or snack occasion.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
tuna in water
1 (6 ounce can, drained)
mayonnaise
1 (tablespoon)
French dressing
3 (tablespoons (preferably Ott's))
green onion
1 (stalk, chopped)
chopped pecans
1/2 (cup)
celery
1 (stalk, finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, French dressing, chopped green onion, chopped pecans, and finely chopped celery. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3
For serving as a Tuna Melt, preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread the tuna salad generously between slices of rye bread, adding a slice of Swiss cheese on top. Grill on both sides until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted to perfection.
4
Serve the tuna salad on its own, as a sandwich, or with crackers and a side of fresh greens.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Missouri Tea Room Gourmet Tuna Salad?
This is a unique tuna salad recipe inspired by Missouri tea rooms that features a blend of tuna, zesty French dressing, and crunchy pecans.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include canned tuna in water, mayonnaise, French dressing (preferably Ott's), green onion, chopped pecans, and celery.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What kind of tuna should I use?
The recipe calls for one 6-ounce can of tuna in water, which should be thoroughly drained.
How much mayonnaise is used in this gourmet version?
This recipe uses only 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, as the French dressing provides additional creaminess.
Which brand of French dressing is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Ott's brand French dressing for the most authentic flavor.
Why are pecans included in the salad?
Chopped pecans are added to provide a gourmet crunch and a unique flavor profile typical of tea room salads.
How should the celery be prepared?
One stalk of celery should be finely chopped before being added to the mixture.
Is there onion in this tuna salad?
Yes, the recipe includes one stalk of chopped green onion for added zest.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I make a tuna melt with this recipe?
Yes, this salad is specifically noted as a fantastic filling for a gourmet grilled tuna melt.
What type of bread is best for the tuna melt version?
The instructions recommend using slices of rye bread for the grilled tuna melt.
What cheese pairs best with this tuna salad in a sandwich?
A slice of Swiss cheese is recommended to be melted on top of the tuna salad in the sandwich.
How do I cook the tuna melt?
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich on both sides until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Can I serve this tuna salad with crackers?
Yes, it is highly versatile and can be served on its own, with crackers, or as a sandwich.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a simple recipe with only 6 main ingredients and straightforward instructions.
What type of bowl is needed for preparation?
A medium-sized mixing bowl is sufficient for combining all the ingredients.
Should the tuna be drained before mixing?
Yes, ensure the 6-ounce can of tuna is fully drained of water before adding it to the bowl.
Can I serve this with fresh greens?
Yes, serving the tuna salad alongside fresh greens is a recommended serving suggestion.
What gives this tuna salad a zesty flavor?
The combination of 3 tablespoons of French dressing and chopped green onions provides its characteristic zest.
How much French dressing is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for exactly 3 tablespoons of French dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for a tea party?
Given its inspiration from Missouri tea rooms and its gourmet ingredients, it is perfect for tea room style lunches.
Can I use this for a quick snack?
Yes, it is tagged for both lunch and snacks, making it a very versatile dish.
What is the texture of this salad?
The texture is creamy from the dressings but punctuated by the crunch of fresh celery and chopped pecans.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or a lid inside the refrigerator.
Can I double the recipe for a group?
Yes, the ingredient quantities can be easily doubled to serve four people instead of two.
Is this recipe specific to a certain region?
The recipe is inspired by Missouri cuisine, specifically the tea room traditions of that state.
What should I cover the bowl with during refrigeration?
You can use either plastic wrap or a fitted lid to cover the bowl while it chills.
Can I prepare this tuna salad in advance?
Yes, because it requires at least 30 minutes of chilling, it is a great make-ahead option for lunch.
What makes this recipe 'gourmet'?
The inclusion of pecans, specialty French dressing, and the recommendation for a rye and Swiss melt elevate it above standard tuna salad.