Fancy Chinese Tuna Salad

Prep: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

A light, flavorful Chinese-inspired tuna salad featuring crunchy vegetables, a tangy dressing, and garnishes that make it perfect for a quick, elegant appetizer or light meal.

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Ingredients

  • 3 c. diced white tuna
  • 1 c. drained bean sprouts
  • 3/4 c. sliced celery
  • 3/4 c. water chestnuts
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. minced onion
  • 1/2 c. French Dressing
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 3/4 c. mayonnaise
  • salad greens
  • sliced ripe olives
  • tomato wedges
  • sliced toasted almond slivers

Instructions

  1. Mix the diced white tuna, drained bean sprouts, sliced celery, water chestnuts, pepper, and minced onion. Chill the mixture.
  2. When ready to serve, blend soy sauce with mayonnaise and stir into the chilled mixture.
  3. Serve the salad on greens, garnished with sliced ripe olives, sliced toasted almonds, and tomato wedges.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or a squeeze of lime juice to the tuna mixture. For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add shredded carrots or diced bell peppers. This salad can be modified to include other seafood, making it a versatile dish alongside Chinese recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fancy Chinese Tuna Salad on a bed of crisp salad greens for a refreshing meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a filling for wraps. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Shrimp And Vegetable Stir-Fry or Fried Rice With Shrimp, Pork, Ham Or Chicken for a delightful Chinese-inspired feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crunch, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If reheating is necessary, consider gently warming it in a pan over low heat, but note that the quality may diminish. Serve chilled for the best taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fancy Chinese Tuna Salad contains roughly 899 calories, with 13g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

899 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.7g 25% DV
Total Fat 79.2g 100% DV
Carbs 39.7g 14% DV
Fiber 6.6g 24% DV
Sugar 33.1g 66% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 594.4mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 9.3mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 52.8mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 49.9mg 55% DV
Calcium 66.1mg 5% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Soy 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 canned tuna instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tuna works well for this recipe. Just ensure it's packed in water or olive oil for the best flavor. Drain it well before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid excess moisture in your salad.

What can I use instead of French dressing?

If you don't have French dressing, you can substitute with a mixture of vinegar, oil, and a hint of sugar or honey. Alternatively, a light vinaigrette can also add a nice tangy flavor to the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The tuna salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just remember to add the garnishes just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and crunchy.

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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