Tuna Salad Biscayne
A vibrant tuna salad with citrus, raisins, and gherkins, perfect for a light lunch or picnic, offering a delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow or shell macaroni ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 (7 oz.) can tuna, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 medium orange, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped sweet gherkins ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dark seedless raisins ⓘ
- parsley or watercress ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni as directed on the package; drain.
- Rinse with cold water; drain again.
- Combine cooked macaroni with sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped chives, salt, pepper, lemon juice, drained tuna, diced orange, chopped gherkins, and raisins.
- Mix lightly and chill.
- Garnish with parsley or watercress before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you prefer a bit more crunch, add diced celery or bell peppers. Adjust the salt and pepper based on your taste, and feel free to experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor. For a twist, try adding some cooked shrimp or crab to the mix, especially if you love seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Salad Biscayne is perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Serve it on a bed of greens or as a filling in a sandwich or wrap. It pairs beautifully with crunchy vegetables or a side of crackers. For a fuller meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a bowl of soup, such as Daddy's Favorite Oyster Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, enhancing the taste. When ready to enjoy, you can serve it cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a bit to soften the texture. Avoid reheating as this dish is best served chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Salad Biscayne contains roughly 252 calories, with 10g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (167% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 534mg per serving (23% 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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow or shell macaroni works best, you can substitute with any small pasta shape like fusilli or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture in your salad.
What can I use instead of tuna?
If you're looking for alternatives, canned chicken or chickpeas can work well. For a vegetarian option, consider using diced tofu or a mix of your favorite beans. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change with different proteins.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also incorporate some cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for depth and heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance for the best results.
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).