Curried Tuna Salad

Curried Tuna Salad Recipe - A Flavorful Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Curried Tuna Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender tuna, crunchy celery, and zesty curry dressing creates a delicious and unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

Curried Tuna Salad is a modern twist on the classic tuna salad recipe. The addition of curry powder and hot pepper sauce gives this dish a spicy kick that sets it apart from traditional tuna salads. This recipe is a great way to add some excitement to your mealtime routine and is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ingredients

3 cups of hot cooked rice
0.5 cup of frozen peas
1 to 2 cans (6.75 oz or 191 g each) of tuna, packed in water, drained and flaked
0.75 cup of chopped celery
0.25 cup of sliced green onions
1 tbsp of drained capers (optional)
0.25 cup of lemon juice
2 tbsp of olive oil
0.25 tsp of curry powder
0.25 tsp of hot pepper sauce
shredded romaine lettuce

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine hot rice and peas; toss lightly.
Add tuna, celery, onions, and capers.
In a small jar with a lid, combine lemon juice, oil, curry powder, and pepper sauce.
Pour the mixture over the rice; toss lightly.
Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
Serve on a bed of shredded lettuce and garnish with tomato wedges.

Variations

You can customize Curried Tuna Salad to suit your taste preferences by adding additional ingredients like diced bell peppers, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. You can also experiment with different types of curry powder or hot pepper sauce to create a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Curried Tuna Salad, be sure to use high-quality canned tuna for the best flavor. Drain the tuna well before adding it to the salad to prevent it from becoming too watery. For a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of curry powder and hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Curried Tuna Salad can be served on its own as a light meal or paired with a side of crusty bread or crackers for added crunch. This dish also pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Curried Tuna Salad is to cook the rice and peas until they are tender but still slightly firm. Be sure to drain the tuna well before adding it to the salad to prevent it from becoming too watery. Mixing the dressing separately and then tossing it with the salad ingredients ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have curry powder on hand, you can substitute it with a combination of ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric. You can also use canned chickpeas or cooked quinoa in place of the rice for a different twist on this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Curried Tuna Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and chill until ready to serve. This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed as a quick and easy lunch option throughout the week.

Presentation Ideas

To make Curried Tuna Salad look more visually appealing, consider serving it in a hollowed-out pineapple or avocado half. Garnish the salad with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Curried Tuna Salad pairs well with a variety of beverages, including iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine. For a complete meal, serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Curried Tuna Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Be sure to stir the salad well before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Curried Tuna Salad contains approximately 300 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal option that won't weigh you down with excessive calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Curried Tuna Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. The rice and peas in this dish provide a good source of complex carbohydrates, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

Curried Tuna Salad is a relatively low-fat dish, with each serving containing approximately 8 grams of fat. The olive oil in the dressing provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the tuna adds a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Proteins

Each serving of Curried Tuna Salad contains approximately 20 grams of protein. Tuna is a lean source of protein that can help support muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Curried Tuna Salad is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. The celery and onions in this recipe are good sources of vitamin C, while the tuna provides important minerals like iron and potassium.

Alergens

Curried Tuna Salad contains fish and may not be suitable for individuals with seafood allergies. Be sure to check the ingredient labels on all canned tuna products to ensure they do not contain any allergens.

Summary

Curried Tuna Salad is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This recipe is a healthy and delicious option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Curried Tuna Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. With its flavorful combination of tuna, rice, and curry dressing, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah for lunch. As we chatted in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a can of tuna, a jar of mayonnaise, and a few spices. In no time at all, she had whipped up a delicious curried tuna salad that was bursting with flavor.

I couldn't believe how easy it was to make such a tasty dish. Sarah explained that she had learned the recipe from her mother, who had learned it from a friend many years ago. She passed it on to me that day, and I have been making it ever since.

The key to the recipe, Sarah told me, was the perfect balance of flavors. The curry powder added a warm, spicy kick, while the mayonnaise provided a creamy texture. The addition of celery and onions gave the salad a satisfying crunch, and the raisins added a touch of sweetness.

I was eager to try making the recipe for myself, so I asked Sarah for a copy of the instructions. She wrote them out for me on a piece of paper, and I tucked it away in my recipe box for safekeeping.

The next weekend, I decided to give the curried tuna salad a try. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. As I mixed the curry powder into the mayonnaise, I was filled with a sense of nostalgia. I felt connected to Sarah, to her mother, and to all the women who had passed this recipe down through the generations.

When the salad was finished, I took a bite and was instantly transported back to that sunny afternoon in Sarah's kitchen. The flavors were just as I remembered – bold, savory, and utterly delicious.

I served the curried tuna salad to my family that evening, and they all raved about it. My husband even asked for seconds, which was high praise indeed. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made the curried tuna salad for countless gatherings and potlucks. It never fails to impress, and I love sharing the recipe with friends and family who always ask for it.

As I look back on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude. It is a simple dish, yes, but it holds a special place in my heart. It represents the bonds of friendship, the power of tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.

So here's to the curried tuna salad – a humble recipe that has brought me so much happiness and connection over the years. May it continue to nourish both body and soul for generations to come.