Scottish Picnic Salad
A vibrant, creamy salad featuring tuna, fresh vegetables, and cheddar cheese, perfect for picnics or casual gatherings, offering a balance of savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green onion slices ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 2 (6 1/4 oz.) cans tuna, drained ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dill weed ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups medium shell macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped, seeded cucumber
- 2 cups chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen peas, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 6 bacon slices, crisply cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, green onions, and mustard and set aside.
- Flake tuna and toss with dill weed.
- In a 3-quart serving bowl, layer shredded lettuce, cooked and drained medium shell macaroni, chopped seeded cucumber, chopped tomatoes, tuna, thawed and drained peas, and crumbled bacon.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture over the bacon, sealing to the edge of the bowl.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover and chill overnight.
- Toss to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also replace the tuna with canned chicken or chickpeas for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon bits can be used instead of frying bacon slices. Consider adding in some diced bell peppers or using arugula instead of lettuce for a peppery kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a hearty main dish or as a side at picnics and gatherings. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light soup. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. This dish is also a great addition to any potluck, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. To refresh the salad before serving, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a little more mayonnaise to bring back moisture. Avoid freezing, as the texture of vegetables will suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scottish Picnic Salad contains roughly 1010 calories, with 39g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (106% of the Daily Value), calcium (81% of the Daily Value), and protein (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1463mg per serving (64% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting the salad.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute. It provides creaminess and a bit of tang. Alternatively, you can use a mix of sour cream and mustard for a similar flavor with fewer calories.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and tuna. You can add additional protein by including chickpeas or diced avocado. The salad will still be delicious and filling without the meat components.
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).