Garden Fresh Tuna Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Meet your new go-to dish: the Garden Fresh Tuna Salad. It's a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing meal that brings the essence of a blooming garden to your plate year-round. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients for Garden Fresh Tuna Salad

Tuna: The star of this salad, tuna provides a lean, protein-rich base. Make sure to drain it well to avoid a watery salad.

Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness add color and a juicy texture. Halve them for the perfect bite-sized pieces.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch. Dice it small to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.

Red Onion: For a bit of sharpness and color. Finely chop to distribute the flavor without overpowering the dish.

Fresh Parsley and Dill: Herbs bring freshness and fragrance. Chop them finely to release their full aroma.

Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard: Combine to create a creamy, tangy dressing that ties the salad together. Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.

Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts all the other ingredients. Fresh is best here.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the tuna.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, toss in some chopped celery or bell peppers.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
  • If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix right before serving to keep veggies crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad on a bed of fresh greens or stuff it into a whole-grain pita for a satisfying sandwich. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa salad. For a heartier meal, add a boiled egg or some avocado on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just cook and flake it before using.
How long will this salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch. Just use about a third of the amount.

Garden Fresh Tuna Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl. This is where all the magic happens. Add your drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and those lovely herbs — parsley and dill. Give it all a gentle toss to start blending the flavors.

Next up, it's time to whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Aim for a smooth, creamy consistency.

Now, pour that delicious dressing over your tuna mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss everything until all the ingredients are well coated. You want an even distribution of dressing throughout the salad.

At this point, you can either serve your salad right away or pop it in the fridge for an hour. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in just 15 minutes.
  • Loaded with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
  • Packed with protein and healthy fats.
  • Perfect for meal prep — stays fresh and flavorful in the fridge.

Ingredients

2 (5 oz) cans of tuna in water, drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to enhance the flavors.

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