Tuna salad with vegetables and cow's cheese

Delicious salad with tuna, fresh vegetables, and cow's telemea

A simple yet flavorful dish, the salad with tuna, vegetables, and cow's telemea is the perfect choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner. This recipe is not only nutritious but also very versatile. Fermented and enriched with flavors, tuna adds a touch of freshness, while the colorful vegetables and cow's telemea provide a creamy texture and an unmistakable taste. Let's discover together how to prepare this tasty salad step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 185 g canned tuna in oil
- 150 g aged cow's telemea
- 2 red onions
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for those who love spice)
- 5 tablespoons grated raw beetroot
- 5 tablespoons grated black radish
- 1 large tomato
- 4-5 potatoes (boiled with skin)
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salad herbs (optional, consisting of parsley, chives, red onion, garlic, black pepper, paprika)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste

A brief history of tuna salad
Tuna salad is a beloved dish worldwide, often associated with quick and nutritious meals. Its origins are closely linked to Mediterranean culinary habits, where fish and fresh vegetables form the basis of the diet. This recipe has evolved over time, incorporating various ingredients such as telemea, which adds creaminess and flavor.

Step by step

1. Preparing the potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes well under cold water. Boil them in salted water for about 20 minutes or until tender but not completely soft. Once boiled, remove them from the water, let them cool slightly, then peel and slice them thinly.

2. Chopping the vegetables
While the potatoes are boiling, you can prepare the vegetables. Slice the red onion thinly, chop the yellow and red bell peppers into small cubes, and slice the hot pepper into rounds (if you opt for a spicier taste). Grate the beetroot and black radish, and chop the tomato into cubes.

3. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables: onion, bell peppers, beetroot, radish, and tomato. Add the drained tuna, sliced potatoes, and chopped parsley. If using herbs, add them now to enhance the salad's flavor.

4. Seasoning the salad
Squeeze the lemon juice over the vegetable and tuna mixture. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to mash the potatoes.

5. Serving
Finally, add the sliced cow's telemea on top of the salad. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and, if desired, give a few grinds of pepper for a spicy kick. The salad is ideally served alongside a slice of toasted bread or bruschetta.

Useful tips
- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the vegetables and fish will significantly influence the final taste of the salad. Buy seasonal vegetables and high-quality canned tuna.
- Vary the ingredients: You can add olives, cucumbers, or even corn to customize the recipe. Additionally, telemea can be replaced with feta cheese for a different taste.
- Make ahead: The salad can be prepared a few hours before serving, but it is recommended to add the telemea and dressing just before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.

Nutritional benefits
This salad is an excellent source of protein due to the tuna and contains plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Additionally, black radish and beetroot are known for their detoxifying properties and benefits for digestion. A serving of tuna salad has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and telemea used.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tuna can bring a more intense flavor, but make sure it is cooked properly.

- How can I store the salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by removing the tuna and telemea, replacing them with tofu or vegan cheese.

Pairings and inspirations
Tuna salad pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or dry white wine. It can also be served as part of a more elaborate meal, alongside a vegetable soup or a savory tart.

Enjoy preparing this delicious salad! Whether you savor it for lunch or dinner, it is a healthy and flavorful choice. I encourage you to experiment and find your perfect combination!