Cheese-Sauced Tuna Salad
Cheese-Sauced Tuna Salad offers a delightful combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh tomatoes filled with flavorful tuna and coleslaw. Perfect for a light lunch or appetizer, it pairs rich textures with crisp vegetables, appealing to those seeking a satisfying yet fresh dish.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 (12 1/2 oz.) can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 (11 3/4 oz.) carton deli coleslaw ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. white pepper ⓘ
- 4 large tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dry minced onion ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- paprika ⓘ
- parsley (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Place bacon slices on a rack in a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cover with paper towels and microwave at high for 4 to 6 minutes, or until bacon is crisp.
- Drain bacon, crumble, and set aside.
- Combine drained tuna, coleslaw, and white pepper in a bowl; stir well.
- Core the tomatoes and cut them to, but not through, the base of each tomato.
- Place the tomatoes on individual salad plates.
- Spread the tomato wedges slightly apart and fill each tomato with the tuna mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon. You can also use canned salmon or chicken instead of tuna. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the tuna mixture. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can enhance the flavor profile. Adjust the spices to your preference, especially if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheese-Sauced Tuna Salad on a bed of mixed greens for added crunch and nutrition. Pair it with crusty bread or crackers for a delightful contrast in texture. This dish is great for picnics or potlucks and complements sides like Cold Pork And Bean Salad or a refreshing cucumber salad. Garnish with paprika and parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tuna salad can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. To reheat the tomato filling, gently microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking. The tomatoes are best served fresh, so consider enjoying them right after preparation for optimal taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese-Sauced Tuna Salad contains roughly 720 calories, with 37g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (204% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value), and iron (81% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1436mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the tuna salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the tuna mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, fill the tomatoes just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. This ensures that the tomatoes stay firm and maintain their shape.
What can I use instead of sharp Cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute with mild Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. For a bit of tang, consider using feta or goat cheese. Just be mindful of the melting properties if you plan to heat the cheese mixture.
How can I enhance the flavor of the coleslaw?
To enhance the flavor of the deli coleslaw, consider mixing in a splash of apple cider vinegar or a drizzle of honey for a sweet and tangy kick. You can also add finely chopped apples or raisins for a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors of the tuna and bacon.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).