Tuna salad

Delicious tuna salad with cheese and radishes

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a quick and nutritious salad? Tuna salad is a wonderful choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner, packed with nutrients. This simple recipe will help you prepare a fresh salad using healthy ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, I'll guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, so let's get started!

A brief history of tuna salad

Tuna salad has deep roots in kitchens around the world, being a versatile recipe that has evolved over time. Its origins can be traced back to the beginnings of fish preservation when people started using cans to store food. Today, tuna salad is a beloved dish for its pleasant taste and ease of preparation, often enjoyed during the summer or as a quick lunch at the office.

Necessary ingredients

1. 1 can of tuna in its own juice (approximately 200 g)
2. 100 g of cow's telemea cheese (preferably less salty)
3. 2 fresh radishes
4. 1 green onion
5. Salt, to taste
6. Lemon juice, to taste

Details about the ingredients

- Tuna: Choose a quality can of tuna without artificial additives. Tuna in its own juice is healthier than tuna in oil, as it has fewer calories and fats.
- Telemea cheese: Prefer a less salty telemea so it doesn't overpower the salad's flavor. If you don't have telemea, you can use feta or mozzarella for a similar texture.
- Radishes: These crunchy vegetables add a spicy and fresh taste to the salad. Choose firm radishes with smooth skin.
- Green onion: This will add extra flavor and color to the salad, but you can also opt for red onion if you prefer a stronger taste.

Preparation method

1. Drain the tuna: Start by opening the can of tuna and draining the liquid well. You can use a strainer to avoid wasting any juice.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Cut the telemea cheese into small cubes. Make sure they are uniform so they mix well with the other ingredients. Finely chop the green onion, including the green part, to add color. Slice the radishes thinly, which will make them easier to combine with the other ingredients.

3. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained tuna, cheese cubes, chopped green onion, and radish slices. Gently mix with a spatula to avoid breaking the tuna.

4. Season: Sprinkle salt to taste – be careful not to add too much, considering the telemea may already be salty. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad, which will add a fresh taste and help balance the flavors.

5. Serve: The salad is ready! You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for the flavors to meld better. It is delicious served on green salad leaves or as a filling for sandwiches.

Serving suggestions

This tuna salad pairs perfectly with a slice of whole-grain bread or salty crackers. You can also combine it with a simple green salad to add more vegetables to your diet. If you want to make it a heartier dish, you can add some avocado slices or even olives for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use tuna in oil?
Yes, but make sure to drain the oil well so it doesn't weigh down the salad.

2. How can I make the salad spicier?
Add a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of chopped chili pepper.

3. Can the salad be stored in the fridge?
Yes, tuna salad can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

4. What are the nutritional values?
This salad is rich in protein thanks to the tuna and cheese, while the radishes provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The calories are low, making it an excellent choice for a light meal.

Possible variations

- Tuna salad with vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper or grated carrot for an extra boost of vitamins.
- Tuna salad with pasta: Mix the tuna salad with cooked pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne) for a heartier dish.
- Tuna salad with mayonnaise: If you like it creamier, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

In conclusion, tuna salad is a simple and quick recipe, full of vitamins and proteins, that will help you have a healthy meal in no time. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and customize it to your taste. Enjoy your meal!