Dallas Salad

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy tuna salad with crunchy pecans and water chestnuts, perfect for light lunches or appetizers, topped with fresh lettuce or stuffed into tomatoes or avocados.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. low-fat mayonnaise
  • 3 cans solid white tuna
  • 1/4 c. toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1/3 c. chopped celery
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 c. water chestnuts, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Serve on lettuce, in an avocado half, stuffed in a tomato, or as a sandwich spread.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise. If you prefer a crunchier salad, add diced bell peppers or cucumbers. For a lighter option, you can use canned chicken instead of tuna. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste, and toss in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Dallas Salad is versatile and can be served on a bed of crisp lettuce, in an avocado half, or stuffed in a tomato for a refreshing presentation. It pairs wonderfully with sides like potato chips or a light fruit salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside American recipes like Hotsy Totsy Shrimp or Jenny'S Secret Salmon Patties.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the salad's freshness, avoid storing it with lettuce. Reheat gently if using as a sandwich spread, but it's also delicious served cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dallas Salad contains roughly 560 calories, with 7g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1776mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

560 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.8g 14% DV
Total Fat 59g 76% DV
Carbs 3.8g 1% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1776.2mg 77% DV
Potassium 133.2mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 43.8mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 52.4mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 25.7mg 2% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly
Contains Egg Tree nuts Fish

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 use a different type of protein instead of tuna?

Yes, you can substitute the tuna with canned chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Both alternatives will provide a different flavor profile while still keeping the salad hearty and satisfying.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. You might also try adding some chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep. Just keep the salad separate from any greens or bread until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

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).

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