Gar Salad

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A refreshing seafood salad combining tender fish, crisp vegetables, and creamy mayo, perfect for light lunches or appetizers, appealing to seafood lovers and those seeking a crunchy, savory dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. Gar tenderloins or other firm fish
  • 5 or 6 stalks celery
  • 3 to 4 carrots
  • 1 large apple
  • 1 cup mayo

Instructions

  1. Dice all vegetables and the apple.
  2. Cut the fish into 1/2-inch cubes and boil in shrimp boil until white and cooked through.
  3. Combine the diced vegetables, diced apple, and cooked fish in a bowl.
  4. Add mayonnaise and mix well.
  5. Serve with crackers.

Tips & Substitutions

For a variation, consider substituting the gar with firm white fish like cod or haddock if unavailable. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the mayo for extra flavor. If you're looking to reduce calories, Greek yogurt can work as a lighter mayonnaise substitute. Ensure the vegetables are diced uniformly for even texture throughout the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the gar salad on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich for a delightful lunch. Pair it with crackers for a crunchy texture or alongside a bowl of V-4 Tomato Juice for a refreshing drink. This dish also complements a light soup or a side of Mari'S Green And Gold Sauerkraut Salad for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the fish in a microwave, but avoid overheating to prevent dryness. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so serving it chilled is preferable after storage.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gar Salad contains roughly 314 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (228% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

314 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 9.2g 12% DV
Carbs 56.3g 20% DV
Fiber 14.3g 51% DV
Sugar 29.8g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 325.5mg 14% DV
Potassium 1594.3mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 8.8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2053.8mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 30.7mg 34% DV
Calcium 133.2mg 10% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 fish instead of fresh?

Yes, canned fish like tuna or salmon can be used as a convenient alternative. Just drain it well before mixing it with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ slightly from fresh fish, but it will still be delicious.

What types of mayonnaise can I use?

You can use regular, light, or even flavored mayonnaise to suit your taste. For a healthier option, consider using avocado mayo or a homemade version made with olive oil. Each will impart a different taste, so choose one that complements the salad.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just keep the crackers separate until serving to maintain their crunch. It's a great option for quick lunches throughout the week.

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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