Tuna Almondine Salad
A creamy tuna salad infused with curry and lemon, accented by crunchy toasted almonds and green onions, perfect for light meals or elegant appetizers.
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes unflavored Knox gelatin ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 cup boiling water ⓘ
- 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1 jar pimentos, chopped (2 oz.)
- 2 cans (7 oz. each) tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups Blue Diamond sliced natural almonds, lightly toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water. Let stand for 1 minute.
- Add boiling water and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.
- With a wire whip or rotary beater, blend in softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice, curry powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Fold in green onions, chopped pimentos, drained tuna, and 1/2 cup toasted almonds.
- Turn mixture into a greased mold or bowl holding about 5 1/2 cups. Chill until firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure that the cream cheese is very soft before mixing. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the curry powder and garlic powder to taste. You can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the cream cheese for a lighter version. Consider adding celery for crunch or swapping the tuna for salmon for a different seafood twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Almondine Salad is perfect as a light lunch or appetizer. Serve it on a bed of greens or with crackers for a delightful crunch. It pairs beautifully with Potluck Tuna for a seafood-themed gathering. Consider offering a side of fresh fruit or a light vinaigrette salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally. However, this dish is best enjoyed chilled, so consider serving it cold for optimal flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Almondine Salad contains roughly 350 calories, with 25g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1481mg 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, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just ensure it is fully set in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of tuna?
If you're looking for a substitute, canned chicken or chickpeas can work well. Both options will provide a different yet enjoyable texture and flavor profile while maintaining the salad's integrity.
Is it necessary to use gelatin?
While gelatin helps set the salad, you can omit it if you prefer a looser texture. The salad will still be delicious, but it won’t hold its shape as well when served.
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).