Zesty Classic Tuna Salad Delight
Revamp your lunch experience with this Zesty Classic Tuna Salad Delight, inspired by a beloved recipe from Cook's Illustrated. This tuna salad stands out with its perfectly balanced texture, avoiding the excess moisture that often plagues traditional recipes. The vibrant lemon juice awakens the palate, while the combination of crunchy celery, zesty red onion, and sweet pickles delivers a mouthwatering burst of flavor in every bite. This tuna salad is easy to prepare and is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a delightful snack with crackers. Enjoy a classic dish transformed into a fresh and exciting option for any meal!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Solid white tuna packed in water
12 ounces (2 (6 ounce) cans, drained)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Celery
1 stalk (minced (about 1/4 cup))
Red onions
2 tablespoons (minced)
Dill pickles or sweet gherkins
2 tablespoons (minced)
Garlic
1/2 clove (minced or pressed (about 1/8 tsp.))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons (minced)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (to taste)
Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the solid white tuna thoroughly using a colander. Press gently to remove excess moisture.
2
Using your fingers, flake the tuna into fine pieces, breaking apart any large clumps to ensure an even texture.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flaked tuna with fresh lemon juice, minced celery, red onion, pickles, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly dispersed.
4
Gently fold in the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, ensuring the mixture is fully coated and moistened without becoming overly wet.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled, either on its own, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
9.5g
Fat
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Classic Tuna Salad Delight?
It is a revamped tuna salad recipe inspired by Cook's Illustrated that focuses on a balanced texture and vibrant flavors like lemon and fresh herbs.
What kind of tuna should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of solid white tuna packed in water, specifically two 6-ounce cans.
How do I prevent the tuna salad from being too watery?
Drain the tuna thoroughly using a colander and press gently to remove excess moisture before flaking it.
What gives this tuna salad its zesty flavor?
The combination of freshly squeezed lemon juice, red onions, and Dijon mustard provides the signature zest.
How should I flake the tuna?
Use your fingers to flake the tuna into fine pieces, breaking apart any large clumps to ensure a consistent texture.
Can I use sweet pickles or dill pickles?
Yes, you can use either minced dill pickles or sweet gherkins depending on your flavor preference.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, it includes 1/2 clove of minced or pressed garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
What is the calorie count for this tuna salad?
This recipe contains approximately 150 calories per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are approximately 10.5 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 9.5 grams of fat per serving.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley leaves to add freshness to the dish.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, though you can adjust it to taste.
What type of mustard is recommended?
Dijon mustard is recommended to add a subtle tang and depth.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
For best results, refrigerate the tuna salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How long can I store leftover tuna salad?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are some ways to serve this tuna salad?
You can serve it on its own, in a sandwich, on a bed of greens as a salad, or as a snack with crackers.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, high-protein option for lunch or snacks.
How much celery is needed?
The recipe requires 1 minced stalk of celery, which is roughly 1/4 cup.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy and quick meal suitable for a fast lunch or snack.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper, adjusted to your personal taste.
Why is lemon juice added?
Lemon juice awakens the palate and balances the richness of the mayonnaise and tuna.
What is the texture of this tuna salad?
It features a crunchy texture from the celery and onions while remaining moist but not overly wet.
How much onion is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced red onions.
What is the primary source of inspiration for this recipe?
It is inspired by a classic recipe from Cook's Illustrated.
Can I use tuna packed in oil?
While the recipe specifies tuna in water for a lighter version, you could use tuna in oil if you drain it very thoroughly.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in this Zesty Classic Tuna Salad.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
The nutritional data lists sugar as null, though sweet gherkins may contain trace amounts depending on the brand.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, because it lasts up to 3 days in the fridge and the flavor improves as it sits.
How should the pickles be prepared?
They should be finely minced so they distribute evenly throughout the salad.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.