Tuna On A Shoestring

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A crunchy, savory tuna salad with shredded carrots, celery, and onions, accented by a creamy dressing and topped with crispy shoestring potatoes, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can tuna, drained
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 3/4 to 1 cup salad dressing or Miracle Whip
  • 1 (4 oz.) can shoestring potatoes

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, break apart the drained tuna into chunks.
  2. Add shredded carrots, diced celery, minced onion, and salad dressing or Miracle Whip.
  3. Toss the mixture until the tuna is well coated with the dressing.
  4. Just before serving, fold in the shoestring potatoes to combine.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you prefer less creaminess, reduce the salad dressing to 1/2 cup or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option. For added crunch, you can mix in chopped bell peppers or cucumbers. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or as a topping for crackers, similar to Molded Shrimp Dip.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tuna On A Shoestring on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with vegetable sticks or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced lunch. For a heartier dish, consider serving alongside Tuna Vegetable Slaw to complement the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shoestring potatoes may lose their crunch, so consider keeping them separate and adding them just before serving. To reheat, gently warm the tuna mixture in a microwave, but avoid overheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna On A Shoestring contains roughly 498 calories, with 18g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 729mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

498 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.1g 36% DV
Total Fat 24.6g 32% DV
Carbs 53.3g 19% DV
Fiber 7.6g 27% DV
Sugar 11.3g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 729.4mg 32% DV
Potassium 1166.7mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 22.7mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 659mcg 73% DV
Vitamin C 13.5mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 4% DV
Calcium 81.2mg 6% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Fish

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 tuna instead of canned tuna in this recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but you'll need to cook it first. Grill or sear the tuna steaks until fully cooked, then flake them into chunks similar to canned tuna. This will add a fresh flavor and a different texture to the dish.

What can I use instead of salad dressing or Miracle Whip?

You can substitute with Greek yogurt or a mixture of mayonnaise with a splash of vinegar for a tangy flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try using avocado mash for creaminess. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can prepare the tuna mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the shoestring potatoes right before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.

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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