Tuna Cheese Salad

Tuna Cheese Salad Recipe from the USA with American Cheese and Gherkins

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tuna Cheese Salad is a classic and delicious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This recipe combines the flavors of tuna, cheese, sweet gherkins, celery, and mayonnaise for a tasty and satisfying meal.

History

Tuna Cheese Salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in cookbooks and kitchens around the world. The combination of tuna and cheese creates a creamy and flavorful salad that is both easy to make and enjoyable to eat.

Ingredients

7 oz (198 g) can of tuna, packed in water
0.25 cup American, cheddar, or colby cheese
1.5 tbsp finely chopped sweet gherkins
0.5 cup finely chopped celery
0.5 cup skim milk mayonnaise or light mayonnaise
a few strips of green pepper

How to prepare

Drain the tuna and flake it into small pieces using a fork.
Cut the cheese into cubes measuring 0.25".
Combine the tuna, cheese, gherkins, celery, and skim milk mayonnaise in a bowl; mix well.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour or longer.
Serve the mixture on crisp lettuce, garnished with thin strips of green pepper.

Variations

Add diced red onion or bell peppers for extra flavor and crunch.
Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version of the salad.
Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tuna well before flaking it into small pieces to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

- Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture in the salad.

- Refrigerating the salad for at least 1 hour allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Tuna Cheese Salad can be served on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a light and satisfying meal. It pairs well with fresh fruit or a side of soup.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to flake the tuna into small pieces for a uniform texture in the salad.

- Mix the ingredients gently to avoid mashing the cheese cubes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned salmon or chicken as a substitute for tuna.

- Swap out the American cheese for cheddar or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Tuna Cheese Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix the ingredients well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tuna Cheese Salad on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve it in individual lettuce cups for a fun and elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Tuna Cheese Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tuna Cheese Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 3g

- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 18g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin D: 0.5mcg

- Calcium: 150mg

- Iron: 1.5mg

- Potassium: 200mg

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese)

- Contains eggs (mayonnaise)

Summary

Tuna Cheese Salad is a good source of protein and calcium, but it is also high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Tuna Cheese Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Tuna Cheese Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a hand-written note fell out, with the words "Tuna Cheese Salad" scrawled across the top. Intrigued, I read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement at the thought of trying something new in my kitchen.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a young girl watching my own mother and grandmother prepare delicious meals for our family. They had taught me everything I knew about cooking, from the basics of chopping vegetables to the more complex techniques of creating intricate dishes. But this recipe for Tuna Cheese Salad was unlike anything I had ever seen before.

I remembered asking my grandmother about the recipe, hoping she would be able to shed some light on its origins. She chuckled and told me that she had learned it from a dear friend many years ago, during a summer picnic by the lake. The friend had brought a batch of this delicious salad to share, and my grandmother had been so impressed with the flavors that she had begged for the recipe.

As she recounted the story, I could see the twinkle in her eye as she remembered the warm sun on her face and the laughter of friends echoing around her. It was clear that this recipe held a special place in her heart, and I knew that I had to try my hand at making it myself.

I gathered the ingredients from my pantry and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. The recipe called for canned tuna, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy celery, and tangy pickles, all tossed together in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and mustard. It was a simple yet satisfying combination of flavors, perfect for a light summer meal.

As I mixed the ingredients together in a large bowl, the aromas of the salad filled the air, reminding me of picnics past and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. I could almost hear the sounds of laughter and the gentle lapping of water against the shore, transporting me back to that sunny day by the lake.

When the salad was finally ready, I took a taste and was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss. The creamy dressing coated the tuna and cheese, while the crunch of the celery and pickles added a refreshing contrast. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy.

I served the Tuna Cheese Salad to my family that evening, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first bite. They all remarked on how delicious it was, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at having successfully recreated a recipe that held such special memories for my grandmother.

From that day on, Tuna Cheese Salad became a staple in our family's recipe collection, a dish that we would enjoy on hot summer days and lazy picnics in the park. It was a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I found the recipe for Tuna Cheese Salad, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that has brought me here. From my grandmother's kitchen to my own, the love of cooking and sharing good food has been passed down through generations, creating a bond that transcends time and space.

I know that one day, I will pass down the recipe for Tuna Cheese Salad to my own grandchildren, along with the stories and memories that make it so special. And I hope that they, too, will feel the same sense of curiosity and excitement at the prospect of trying something new and delicious in their own kitchen.

But for now, I will savor each bite of this delicious salad, knowing that it is not just a meal, but a connection to the past and a promise for the future. And with each forkful, I am reminded of the power of good food to nourish both body and soul, bringing joy and comfort to all who gather around the table.