FOLEY'S FOLLIES

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Light Lunch - Tuna Salad

My Mom would always have a bowl of this made up in the summer for a quick light lunch.  There is really no specific recipe or measurements - it's all to your individual taste. 


Cook whatever type of pasta you like such as elbow macaroni, shells, penne etc.  Drain and add any 'extras' you like, I chop up celery and radishes in small chunks.  Add thawed frozen peas or if you're lucky to have your own fresh peas and a large can of drained tuna. ( I use water packed).  Mix together a dressing of mayo, milk, vinegar and a pinch of sugar (I use Splenda) to suit your own taste whether it be tangy or a little sweet.  Pour over the mixture of pasta and extras, mix together well.  This time I added some chopped cashews, or use any nut you would like.  The nuts can be mixed in at the same time or you can top your salad with them as you plate it.  By mixing them in, you lose a little of the crunch...again all to your taste.  Refrigerate until ready to use.  To serve, place a serving of the salad on a bed of lettuce with crackers of your choice.  Lately I've been buying the Wheat Thins 'flatbread' crackers, they are delicious and come in a few different flavors.



I love having this in the fridge when I run home at lunch time and want something light, fast and easy.   It would stay fresh in the fridge for at least a week - but it never lasts that long!  Enjoy and remember to just add your own favorite 'extras' .... olives, carrots, red onion are others I have used.  You could also trade out the tuna for some cubed cooked chicken if desired.... something I haven't tried but sounds interesting!

Thanks for stopping by ...

11 comments:

Carol said...

I love salads like that! My grandma always put mayo and vinegar in hers, too! Love your mix-ins, will have to try the radish, nice peppery crunch, great idea! Wheat Thins are my favorite! ok, when I come for lunch, make this :)

Suzy said...

That would hit the spot at the moment. I love salads of all kinds especially in the summer. I like the addition of radishes!

Marigene said...

Your salad looks delicious...anything with tuna is yummy. Salads are my favorites in the summer, with all the fresh veggies, you can't go wrong.

Cathy said...

This is one of my favorite summer salads. My mother used to make something similar and serve it with thick slices of tomato. Radishes provide such a nice crunch. Delish.

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Barb, what a great salad to have on hand! Tuna and salads with fresh veggies and herbs are the perfect summer meal.

Debbie@Mountain Breaths said...

Forgot to say, I love your patriotic blog header!!

Kathleen said...

Leave out the peas, and I am there! I had it for dinner tonight. Just so hot!

Barbara said...

Love this red white and blue layout! And Happy 4th right back at you!

My mom used to make this salad...I had forgotten all about it. We all thought it was delicious. I don't know how recipes like this get lost. Copying now!

Rettabug said...

I ♥ ♥ ♥ YOUR NEW HEADER!!!!!!!!!

I am sooooo going to benchmark (that means copy) those stuffed strawberries!

Your tuna salad is identical to the one I make except I usually add a wee bit of onion, too. Now you've gone & made me hungry for it. LOL
Thanks for sharing the idea, as I haven't made it in a long time.

Have a Happy 4th of July!
The Gazebo House

Cynthia said...

Barb, I love pasta salads and yours sounds delicious. I made plain old tuna salad yesterday because John doesn't like pasta in a salad. It was tasty, but I know that I would have preferred yours.

Happy Fourth to you, Barb, I hope all your furbabies are not bothered too much by the fireworks.

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

I love tuna salad and it's been one of my favorites since I was little! My mom made it very simply with canned tuna, peas, celery and onion with mayo, salt & pepper. Yum!