Tuna Stuffed Tomato Salad
A fresh and flavorful salad featuring tuna and creamy dressing stuffed into crisp tomato shells, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings with vibrant, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain and flake the tuna.
- Dice the hard-boiled eggs and add them to the tuna.
- Add mustard, Miracle Whip, sweet pickle relish, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything well to combine.
- Using a sharp knife, remove the stem end of each tomato and cut from the top to within 1/2 inch of the bottom, creating 6-inch petals.
- Place lettuce leaves on small plates and center each with a tomato.
- Fill each tomato with the tuna salad.
- Garnish with stuffed olives.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced celery or onion to the tuna mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for the Miracle Whip. For a touch of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts. This recipe can also be made with canned salmon for a delightful twist. Make sure the tomatoes are firm so they hold their shape when stuffed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a refreshing light lunch or as an appetizer at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crunchy breadsticks. You can also serve it alongside other seafood recipes, such as Tuna Shell Salad, for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The filled tomatoes are best consumed fresh, but you can store the tuna salad separately. If you have leftovers, avoid reheating as the texture may change; instead, enjoy the salad cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Stuffed Tomato Salad contains roughly 78 calories, with 7g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 740mg per serving (32% 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 tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cooked tuna for a more robust flavor. Just ensure it is flaked and cooled before mixing with the other ingredients. Adjust the seasoning as fresh tuna may have a different flavor profile compared to canned.
How can I make this dish more colorful?
To add color, consider incorporating diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped herbs like parsley or dill into the tuna salad. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, the tuna salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, it's best to stuff the tomatoes just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. This way, you maintain the fresh taste and texture of the dish.
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).