One Perfect Bite: Fresh Tuna Salad

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Fresh Tuna Salad

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I have only this year jumped on the (sandwich) wrap bandwagon. I was late to the party for lots of reasons, the main one being I couldn't fathom why anyone would want to take the filling of a standard sandwich and wrap it in a tortilla. The calorie count wouldn't change dramatically and ham and cheese in a tortilla tastes no different than when it's slapped between two pieces of bread. My mind was changed by chance, when for want of anything more interesting, I ordered a salmon wrap in a restaurant when we were at the coast. I've been hooked ever since and I'm always on the lookout for new fillings that can be used in wraps. Tonight's feature is a perfect candidate, though I must admit it's also good enough to serve as a stand alone salad if, IF, you make it with freshly cooked tuna. Because fish is so plentiful in this area, I must admit to being spoiled. I can buy steamed fish in most grocery stores, so the only work associated with the wrap is done at the fish market and I can make the salad in minutes once I'm home. If you decide to try the recipe, do be aware that when it's made with canned tuna the filling will be a huge disappointment and not worth your time. The capers are also important. If, however, you have a ready source for fresh fish and are willing to use capers, I think you'll love the salad. It's adapted from one first published on the blog, Just A Pinch. Here is how it's made.

Fresh Tuna Salad...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Just A Pinch

Ingredients:
1-lb. steamed fresh tuna
8-oz. sweet salad cubes, drained ( see Cook's Note below)
1/4 cup finely chopped onions
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons capers, drained
1/3 cup mayonnaise
Optional: 2 tablespoons pimentos, drained

Directions:
Coarsely flake tuna and mix well using your hands with other ingredients. Store in refrigerator up to 7 days. Makes 2 pounds.

Cook's Note: Sweet Salad Cubes are pickle squares that are slightly larger than those used in pickle relish. They can usually be found in with pickles and relish in most large grocery stores.