Spicy Tuna Salad

5 from 1 vote

Spicy Tuna Salad

This Spicy Tuna Salad features oil-packed tuna, crisp vegetables, red kidney beans, and a punch of red chili, all tossed in a zesty balsamic dressing—no mayo.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Course: Salad recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: spicy tuna salad, tuna salad

Servings:

Author: chefjar

Ingredients

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables carrots and corn
1 small red onion peeled and very thinly sliced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Balsamic vinegar
2 5 oz. each cans oil-packed tuna, drained, but reserve some oil for use.
1 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained through a strainer and rinsed
1-2 red chili peppers finely chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 small or medium garlic clove finely minced
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Put the frozen mixed vegetables into a medium-sized glass bowl. Microwave them on high for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Keep them aside.
Quick-Pickle the Onions: Place the chopped onion in a bowl. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of vinegar over the onions, then cover with cold water. Let the onions soak for 5 minutes to mellow their flavor. After soaking, drain the onions and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry using paper towels.
Prepare the Salad: In a medium or large salad bowl, combine the mixed vegetables, tuna, beans, red chili peppers, pickled onions, and parsley. Keep aside.
Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine the remaining vinegar ( 1 tablespoon), salt (to taste), pepper, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together. While whisking, gradually add the olive oil along with some of the oil reserved from the oil-packed tuna can.
Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Store your Spicy Tuna Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For max freshness, keep the dressing separate if you’re meal-prepping. When you’re ready to dig in, give it a quick toss, and you’re good to go with a flavor-packed meal anytime!

Nutrition