Not Your Everyday Tuna Salad
I am NOT a fan of fake Mayo. I do not really even believe in it, so I never use it. I figure if I am going to eat something that requires mayo — like tuna salad or a sandwich — I will endure the calories (and fat) for the taste. The other day, however, I was watching the Food Network, and I saw this recipe and thought I might try it. The original recipe called for using a high grade tuna steak. I do not have a network budget (nor is there any need to use a high grade tuna steak if you are going to cover it up with other ingredients — especially Mayo — you won’t taste the beauty of the fish.) So I refined my version down to a recipe that anybody could make once a week and really get the most out of lunch. It’s healthier, offers more variety in preparation, and is less expensive than the networks — or going out to eat.
It worked so well I will never use Mayo in my tuna salad again. And there is no need to! You can make tuna salad into a bigger power house of protein and nutrition, while not sacrificing taste. (Nothing against mayonnaise but it is nutritionally barren and has 90 calories per tablespoon.)
(FYI: A 5 oz. can of tuna fish has about 13 gms. protein. 5 oz. Greek yogurt also has the same amount.)
Here is how to make it:
Get a dozen or so grapes, or chop an apple into bit size chunks, or any fruit of your choice.
1 Can, or packet, of Tuna in water (5-6 oz.)
1/2 Lemon, juiced
Nuts, any variety you like. I used walnuts that I quickly toasted in a small fry pan until fragrant, then rough chopped them.
2-3 Tbsp Plain Greek Yogurt, (which is about 3-4 oz.) Add more or less to your taste.
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Combine everything in a bowl, and chill for 20-30 minutes. DONE.
I am telling you this was SOOO Good. You can change it up a million ways so lunch won’t get boring. You could use Granny Smith apples, oranges, left-over grilled salmon or halibut. Add some chopped mint leaves or sprinkle in fresh Tarragon to top off the Tuna. The list goes on and on. You are getting all the omega 3 benefits of the Tuna, the added Protein from the Greek Yogurt, the health benefits from the nuts and fruit. You can’t go wrong and I am telling you, you and your kids will not miss the Mayo!
