Delicious and Nutritious Trio of T’s Salad Recipe
Picture this: it’s a beautiful summer day, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’re hosting a backyard dinner party. You want to serve something fresh and flavorful to your guests, something that will leave a lasting impression. Well, look no further than my Trio of T’s Salad – a delicious combination of chunk light tuna, fresh tomatoes, and tarragon.
This salad recipe is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or just making yourself a healthy lunch. It’s light and refreshing, yet filling enough to keep hunger at bay for hours. Plus, with its vibrant colors and bold flavors, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
But don’t take my word for it. Give it a try and taste the magic yourself! Whether you follow the recipe to the T or add your own personal twist, I guarantee that this salad will leave you and your guests wanting more. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the ingredient list and get started on creating your new go-to recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there, foodies! Are you looking for a dish that’s quick, easy, delicious, and healthy? Have you been scouring the internet for a salad recipe that will excite your taste buds and make your dinner guests ask for more? Look no further than the Trio of T’s Salad!
This salad packs a punch with its delicious combination of chunk light tuna, fresh tomatoes, and tarragon. It’s perfect for those who love seafood and want to add a fresh twist in their salad. The tarragon brings out an excellent aroma and adds bright herbal notes to keep the palate interested.
But what’s even better is that it’s not just tasty. This salad is also very nutritious as it contains celery, lettuce, red onion, and light mayonnaise – all healthy ingredients that your body craves. Plus, with only 5 steps to make this dish from start to finish, it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this before.
Impress your guests with this wonderful Trio of T’s Salad. It’s ideal for everything from a summer picnic to a family dinner or patio BBQ. So, whether you are a seasoned home cook or just starting on your culinary journey – this recipe is perfect for everybody.
Are you ready for an adventure in flavors? Try the Trio of T’s Salad tonight – your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make up the flavorful Trio of T’s Salad!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans of chunk light tuna (drained)
- 1 cup of diced fresh tomato
- ½ cup of diced red onion
- 1 celery stalk, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
- 1 tablespoon of light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
The star in this recipe is, without a doubt, the chunk light tuna. It brings the protein to the party, but doesn’t overwhelm other flavors. Choosing the right tomatoes is also paramount to this recipe’s success. Try to use ripe and sweet tomatoes for the best result. Fresh tarragon and red onion add complexity and texture to this little number, while lemon juice and light mayonnaise add just enough creaminess without weighing you down.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the required ingredients for our Trio of T’s Salad, let’s move on to the exciting part – the recipe how-to.
Step 1: Preparing the Salad Base
Prepping the Lettuce
We will begin by preparing our lettuce base, and for that, we need to give our greens a quick wash with cold water. I prefer to use an ice bath to keep my lettuce crisp and fresh. Once washed, dry the lettuce using paper towels or a salad spinner.
Slicing and Chopping
Now let’s move to the next step, which is slicing our fresh tomatoes into thin wedges. Don’t bother removing their seeds; they add a good texture to the salad. Then finely chop some celery and red onion.
Step 2: Tuna and Tarragon Mixing
Tuna Choice
I strongly advise you to choose a good-quality strong-flavored canned tuna like chunk light tuna. It gives your salad more depth of flavor than other types of canned tuna.
Making the Tarragon Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix together light mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh tarragon leaves, and a couple of teaspoons of kosher salt (depending on how salty you prefer your dressing).
Mixing With Tuna
Add in your prepared tuna to the same bowl containing this tarragon dressing mixture, and stir until well combined.
Step 3: Bringing it All Together
Mix it Up
Take your earlier prepared sliced tomatoes, chopped celery and red onion and mix them all with your desired amount of prepared tuna tarragon mixture. Use enough dressing to coat everything evenly but keep it light.
Ready to Serve!
Our Trio of T’s Salad – Tuna, Tomato, and Tarragon is now ready! Arrange your prepared salad base (lettuce) onto serving bowls/dishes then top it up beautifully with our prepared mixed salad. It can be served immediately or chilled until ready to serve as per personal preference.
Final Thoughts
This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for any occasion when you have limited time but still want tasty healthy food on the table. It makes for a great light lunch or side dish when having guests over for dinner. Don’t hesitate to play around with variations suggested in Section Five – Substitutions and Variations- for an even more flavorful taste!
Substitutions and Variations
Now that we know the ingredients for the Trio of T’s Salad, let’s talk about substitutions and variations. This salad is very versatile, and you can make several changes to suit your taste buds. Here are a few ideas to make the Trio of T’s salad your own.
Firstly, you can substitute the canned tuna with grilled chicken breast or even add some seared tuna slices on top of the salad for an extra flavor. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you can use chickpeas instead of the tuna.
To give this salad a different crunch, you can substitute lettuce with arugula or spinach, and if you’re not a fan of celery, you can swap it with diced cucumbers.
If you want to add in some more vegetables to increase the health quotient of this dish, try adding diced peppers, artichokes, or even small cubed roasted beets.
You can also vary the dressing depending on what you have available in your fridge. A great option is Caesar dressing or even sour cream with some added lemon juice.
If you want to take this salad up a notch, you can stuff cherry tomatoes with this mixture for an appetizer. It is also amazing when served as a side dish with grilled fish or meat.
Finally, when it comes to pairing wine with Trio of T’s Salad, late summer calls for pink wines like Rose in a colored glass, but that’s completely optional.
With these substitutions and variations, your Trio of T’s Salad will be much more exciting than before – satisfying to your stomach and thrilling to your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
Picture this, succulent chunks of chunk light tuna, nestled amongst crisp, refreshing lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes, lightly coated with the herby aroma of fresh tarragon. The Trio of T’s Salad is a dish that oozes elegance and vibrancy, making it the perfect centerpiece for any summer get-together.
To unleash the full potential of this indulgent salad recipe, I recommend you serve it chilled on a large platter to create a visually pleasing display. Garnish with some sprigs of fresh tarragon leaves on top to add an extra pop of color and flavor.
With regards to wine pairing, I suggest opting for a bottle of rosé or even a crisp white wine. A Verdejo or Chablis would perfectly balance the refreshing notes in the salad. Shake things up by serving the Trio of T’s Salad alongside some seared tuna for added variety or as a side dish with grilled chicken breast or Caesar salad.
Whether you choose to present it at a picnic with friends, an outdoor barbeque or whilst hosting a formal dinner party, this refreshing tuna, tomato and tarragon salad will add an element of sophistication to your spread.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a scribe for the home chef who loves throwing parties, I know that time management can make or break a party. That’s why I suggest making this Trio of T’s Salad in advance! It’s perfect for busy hosts who need to get things done ahead of time so they can focus on entertaining their guests when the party starts.
To make the salad ahead of time, prepare all the ingredients up to 24 hours before serving. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together and your Trio of T’s Salad is ready to go.
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! The salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent any moisture from getting in and making it soggy.
When reheating this salad, there’s no need to do anything elaborate. Simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. If you decide to microwave it, be careful not to overheat since heating it too much can cause sogginess.
By making this salad ahead of time and storing leftovers properly, you can enjoy your party knowing that your food is taken care of. Your guests will love the fresh flavors of tomato and tarragon combined with chunk light tuna, and you’ll love how easy it was to prepare!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making the Trio of T’s Salad, there are several tips and techniques you can use to ensure a perfect outcome. Here are some tips to help you create an unforgettable salad:
1. Fresh ingredients make all the difference: The quality of your ingredients will impact the overall taste of your salad. Therefore, it is essential to buy the freshest lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and celery available. Also, look for canned tuna that is chunk light in water.
2. Enhance the flavor with lemon juice: Adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to your salad will brighten all the other flavors and provide a citrusy contrast to the salty tarragon dressing.
3. Don’t skimp on salt: Salt enhances the taste of food but use it in moderation since too much salt can make dishes unpalatable. A teaspoon of kosher salt (freshly ground) goes well for this recipe.
4. Opt for light mayonnaise: You can substitute light mayonnaise for regular to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
5. Chill salad before serving: Chilling your salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps blend flavors and enhances the texture.
6. Add more vegetables and protein: Tossing in an extra cup of diced red onions, grilled chicken breast or seared tuna will add more depth and interest to your salad while providing extra nutrition.
By following these tips, you can take your Trio of T’s Salad from good to great. Remember, cooking is an expression of love through food, so pay attention to every detail to delight everyone at your next party!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks! The Trio of T’s Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packs a punch with its deliciously tangy combination of tuna, tomato, and tarragon. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a healthy lunch option, this salad is guaranteed to tick all the boxes.
As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your guests will also be impressed by the beautiful presentation and fresh flavors.
And don’t forget to pair this salad with a refreshing glass of rose-colored pink wine for the ultimate late summer dining experience. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
In conclusion, the Trio of T’s Salad is an excellent addition to any meal rotation. So why not give it a go and impress your friends and family with this simple yet elegant dish? Happy cooking!
Trio of T’s Salad (Tuna, Tomato and Tarragon) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/3 cup light mayonnaise (can use fat-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 (6 ounce) cans chunk light tuna, in water
- 2 stalks celery, sliced thin (about a cup)
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves, packed, coarsely chopped
- 8 cups torn lettuce or 8 cups mixed greens
- 1 lb fresh tomato, cut into wedges
- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
Instructions
- Place onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water (optional).
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Drain.
- Whisk mayonnaise, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Add tuna, celery, tarragon and the drained onion; stir to combine.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce (or mixed greens) with tomato and lemon wedges.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!