Salad Niḉoise

This is a great summer salad.  Salad Niḉoise (knee-SWAHZ) is a traditional dish from Nice, France.  It is usually served with each ingredient arranged around the tuna on a bed of lettuce but is sometimes cut into smaller pieces and mixed together.  Grilled fresh fish or smoked fish can be used in place of the canned tuna.  Grilled chicken would also work.  If you are in the mood for some greens add some spinach or some baby greens. 

Dressing

½ c................. Olive Oil

¼ c................. Red Wine Vinegar

2 Tbs............. Dijon Mustard

1 ea............... Lemon (juiced)

2 Tbs............. Chopped Fresh Basil

1 ea............... Chopped Garlic Clove

¼ c................. Capers

to taste.......... Salt & Pepper

1.    Mix together well and refrigerate until needed.

Salad

1 12 oz can... Chunk Light Tuna

3 ea............... Baby Red Potatoes

3 ea............... Roma Tomatoes

½ lb................ Green Beans (trimmed)

½ ea.............. Red Onion

3 ea............... Hard Boiled Eggs

½ c................. Kalamata Olives

1.    Boil or steam the potatoes and green beans.

2.    Cool completely.

3.    Drain tuna and place in the middle of a platter.

4.    Cut each potato and tomato into 8 wedges and place around tuna on the platter.

5.    Julienne red onions and place on platter.

6.    Cut each egg into 4 wedges and place on platter.

7.    Place green beans and olives on platter.

8.    Pour dressing over whole salad.

Be creative, have fun and enjoy!!!

Tuna Melt

Tuna melts are one of my favorite ways to eat tuna salad. I add tarragon to  give the tuna a slightly different but enjoyable flavor of licorice.  As always you can leave it out or replace it with other fresh herbs.  The amounts can also be increased or decreased.  Adding avocado, sprouts and/or lettuce can be used with or replace the tomato.  And of course, there are so many types of cheese that will work with this sandwich if Swiss is not your cup of tea. 

If you can get a hold of some fresh tuna, grilled will work in place of the canned.  Fresh grilled salmon is always a tasty alternative and you can replace the mayonnaise with olive oil for a healthier version.  Although I have heard that eating mayonnaise will reduce the chances of getting cancer.   Of course I don’t remember whom or where I had heard it from so don’t quote me on that one.  I love mayonnaise so I am always looking for an excuse to eat it on something. 

1 can......... Tuna

2 Tbs........ Mayonnaise

1 Tbs........ Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Tbs........ Chopped Red Onion

1 Tbs........ Chopped Celery

1 Tbs........ Chopped Fresh Tarragon

1 pinch...... White Pepper

2 slices..... Sourdough Bread

3 slices..... Swiss Cheese

4 slices..... Tomato

Butter

1.   Drain tuna and add the first seven ingredients, mixing will.

2.   Build sandwich from the bottom piece of bread up with tuna, tomato and then Swiss cheese.

3.   Butter each side and grill until golden and cheese is melted. 

Be creative, have fun and enjoy!