Tuna salad

Tuna salad with potatoes and mayonnaise - a delicious and refreshing choice

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Who says a salad can't be a hearty and satisfying meal? This tuna salad with potatoes and mayonnaise is not only tasty but also nutritious, bringing a touch of freshness to every serving. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for summer lunches, dinners with friends, or served as an appetizer on various occasions.

A bit of history: Tuna salads have become popular due to their versatility and the fact that tuna is an excellent source of protein. This recipe, in particular, combines simple yet delicious ingredients to create a dish that reminds us of family meals filled with joy and good spirits.

Ingredients

- 5-6 leaves of green lettuce
- 2 cans of tuna (in oil or water, according to preference)
- 2-3 eggs
- 1/2 kg potatoes
- 1 medium onion (optional, to taste)
- 200 g mayonnaise (I recommend Viennese mayonnaise for a richer flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Black olives (optional, for added flavor)

Necessary utensils

- Pot for boiling potatoes and eggs
- Large mixing bowl
- Knife for cutting
- Grater (if opting for grated onion)
- Spoon for mixing

Step by step

Step 1: Preparing the potatoes and eggs

1. Start by placing the unpeeled potatoes in a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and let them cook for 20-25 minutes or until they are soft but not falling apart.
2. In another pot, boil the eggs for 10-12 minutes to achieve hard-boiled eggs. Once cooked, cool them immediately under cold running water and then peel them.

Step 2: Preparing the ingredients

3. After the potatoes are cooked, peel them and cut them into cubes. Cut the eggs into larger pieces to add texture to the salad.
4. Wash the green lettuce leaves and chop them finely. If using onion, you can slice it into rings or grate it, as I did, to avoid the strong flavor that not everyone prefers.

Step 3: Mixing the ingredients

5. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, eggs, lettuce, and onion (if using). Add the drained tuna cans to avoid diluting the salad.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the mayonnaise, the amount depending on how creamy you want the salad to be. I recommend starting with 150 g and adding gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Refrigerating and serving

7. Gently mix all the ingredients so you don’t break the potatoes or eggs. Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to blend perfectly and make the salad more refreshing.
8. Before serving, you can add black olives for an extra flavor boost if you like.

Useful tips

- Onion-free version: If you prefer a salad without onion, you can experiment with fresh dill or parsley to add a hint of freshness.
- For a healthier salad: You can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which will reduce the calorie count and provide a creamy texture.
- Variations: Add corn or diced bell peppers for an extra burst of color and flavor.
- Serving: This salad is delicious served alongside slices of toasted bread or with salty crackers.

Nutritional information (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 300 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned? Yes, if you prefer a fresher taste, fresh tuna is an excellent alternative, but it will require additional preparation (boiling or frying).

2. Can it be prepared a day in advance? Yes, the salad keeps very well in the fridge and becomes even tastier as the flavors blend.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans? You can replace the tuna with chickpeas or smoked tofu and the mayonnaise with an avocado-based dressing or plant-based yogurt.

A personal note

This tuna salad is one of those recipes that brings back memories of beautiful moments spent with family. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself on an ordinary day, I love to pair it with a glass of fresh lemonade or a light white wine. The combination of flavors and textures will make you return to this recipe every time you want to enjoy a simple yet flavorful dish.

Enjoy every bite and feel inspired to experiment with new ingredients!