Tuna Chef Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed salad featuring tuna, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch or healthy dinner option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix wine vinegar, sugar, crushed basil leaves, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Chill the dressing.
- Toss torn lettuce, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, sliced cucumber, and diced celery together in a large bowl.
- Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the dressing, allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer a creamier dressing, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. For a twist, substitute fresh herbs like parsley or dill for dried basil. You can also swap the tuna for canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Chef Salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside crusty bread or paired with a bowl of soup for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Just Like Luby'S Shredded Carrot Salad for a colorful and nutritious spread. Feel free to add avocado or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent the lettuce from wilting, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If the salad becomes soggy, try refreshing it with a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Chef Salad contains roughly 682 calories, with 11g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1040mg per serving (45% 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 use fresh herbs instead of dried basil?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of the dressing. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, as their flavor is less concentrated. Chopped fresh basil, parsley, or dill would work wonderfully in this salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding a source of whole grains, such as quinoa or farro. You can also include ingredients like chickpeas, beans, or even boiled potatoes for added texture and nutrition.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the crispness of the greens. Portion out the ingredients in individual containers for easy grab-and-go 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).