Tuna Pecan Salad
A creamy tuna salad with crunchy pecans, water chestnuts, and fresh celery, perfect for sandwiches or light salads, appealing to those craving savory, textured flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped pecans, chopped water chestnuts, flaked tuna, and chopped celery.
- Mix well until all ingredients are coated evenly.
- If the salad appears dry, add more mayonnaise to desired creaminess.
- Serve as a sandwich filling or as a salad on a bed of lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating diced red onion or a touch of Dijon mustard into the salad. If you prefer a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be substituted for half of the mayonnaise. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, but be careful not to burn them. You can also swap tuna for canned salmon if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuna Pecan Salad as a filling for sandwiches, paired with whole grain bread or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. It also makes a delightful salad on a bed of mixed greens and can be complemented with sliced tomatoes or avocado. Consider serving it alongside a light soup for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Tuna Pecan Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its creaminess, if it seems dry after storage, stir in a little more mayonnaise or yogurt before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change unfavorably.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Pecan Salad contains roughly 544 calories, with 49g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (99% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 696mg per serving (30% 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
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Tuna Pecan Salad is great for meal prep. Just prepare in advance and store in individual containers. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a convenient option for lunches or quick snacks.
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).