Tuna Fruit Salad
A refreshing and light tuna fruit salad combines crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy lettuce with creamy mayonnaise, perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line bowls with lettuce and mound the salad attractively.
- Toss together unpeeled apples, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, torn lettuce, drained and flaked tuna, and grapes.
- Cover and chill the mixture.
- Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt to make the dressing.
- Toss the tuna mixture with the dressing.
- Serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also swap the apples for pears or add nuts like walnuts for extra crunch. Make sure to use fresh, crisp lettuce to enhance the salad's texture. If you're looking for a seafood recipe that complements this, try the 'New England Christmas Eve Seafood Casserole' as a side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tuna fruit salad on a bed of fresh lettuce for an attractive presentation. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, consider serving iced tea or lemonade alongside. It also makes a delightful addition to a summer picnic or potluck gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tuna fruit salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. If the salad appears a bit soggy after storage, adding a few fresh lettuce leaves before serving can help restore its crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Fruit Salad contains roughly 471 calories, with 39g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (79% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 781mg per serving (34% 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 canned tuna in oil instead of water?
Yes, you can use canned tuna in oil, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor and richness of the salad. Drain the oil thoroughly before adding it to the salad to prevent it from becoming too greasy.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein and fiber. You could also include diced avocado or more fruits like pineapple or mandarin oranges for an extra burst of flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad can be prepared ahead of time. However, it's best to store the dressing separately until you're ready to serve to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp. Assemble the salad and dress it right before serving for optimal taste.
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).