Bean salad with tuna and cheese

Light Salad with Beans, Tuna, and Cheese – A Quick and Healthy Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Are you looking for a simple and quick recipe that brings a splash of freshness to every meal? This salad with beans, tuna, and cheese is the perfect choice! It is an easy-to-make option, ideal for quick lunches or light dinners, full of flavors and nutrients. Over time, bean salads have been appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits, being an excellent source of protein and fiber.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 can of beans (preferably white or red beans)
- 1 can of tuna in oil (or in water, depending on preference)
- 2 green onions
- 50 g cheese (preferably semi-aged cheese)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice, for an extra touch of freshness

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by draining the canned beans. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess sodium and preservatives. Let them drain well in a colander. This step is essential for achieving a fresh and tasty salad.

2. Chopping the onions: In the meantime, wash and finely chop the green onions. The vibrant color of the onions adds not only a pleasant look but also a delicate flavor that will blend perfectly with the other ingredients.

3. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained beans and chopped onions. Remove the tuna from the can and make sure to drain the oil well (unless you are using tuna in olive oil, which will add extra flavor). Add the tuna to the bowl and gently mix to avoid breaking the fish pieces.

4. Adding the cheese: Cut the cheese into small cubes and add it to the salad. The cheese is not only a delicious ingredient but also provides a creamy texture that enhances the tasting experience.

5. The boiled eggs: Boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. Once ready, let them cool, then peel and cut them into cubes. Add half of the egg cubes to the salad and keep the other half for decoration.

6. Seasoning: Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. The lemon will add a fresh accent, balancing the salty flavors of the tuna and cheese.

7. The final mix: Carefully mix all the ingredients, being careful not to crush the tuna or egg cubes. Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings according to your preferences.

8. Serving: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and decorate with the remaining boiled egg cubes. You can add some fresh parsley leaves for a more attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions: This salad can be served as a light main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs perfectly with fresh bread or crackers for a delicious appetizer.

Tips and variations:

- You can vary the recipe by adding diced bell peppers or olives for a Mediterranean touch.
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, replace the cheese with feta cheese or smoked cheese.
- Substitute the tuna with salmon or boiled chicken for another delicious variant.

Nutritional benefits: This salad is rich in protein due to the tuna and eggs, while the beans provide a considerable amount of fiber that aids digestion. The lemon juice adds vitamin C, thus contributing to strengthening the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh beans instead of canned?
- Of course! It is recommended to use fresh or frozen beans, but you will need to cook them before adding them to the salad.

2. How can I store the salad for the next day?
- It is recommended to consume it fresh, but if you want to keep it, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume it within 24 hours to enjoy the best flavors.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
- A fresh lemonade or a light white wine would be excellent combinations to complement the salad's flavors.

The salad with beans, tuna, and cheese is not just a simple recipe, but also one that will indulge you with delicious flavors. Enjoy every bite and savor your dish!