Classic Tuna Salad

Ingredients:

2 (6-ounce) cans solid white tuna in water
2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small rib celery, minced (about 1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons minced dill or sweet pickles
1/2 small clove garlic, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1/8 teaspoon)
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions:

Drain tuna in colander and shred with fingers until no clumps remain and texture is fine and even. Transfer tuna to medium bowl and mix in lemon juice, salt, pepper, celery, onion, pickles, garlic, and parsley until evenly blended. Fold in mayonnaise and mustard until tuna is evenly moistened. (Can be covered and refrigerated up to 3 days.)

VARIATIONS:

Tuna Salad with Balsamic Vinegar and Grapes

Follow recipe for Classic Tuna Salad, omitting lemon juice, dill (or pickles), garlic, and parsley and adding 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 6 ounces halved red seedless grapes (about 1 cup), 1/4 cup lightly toasted slivered almonds, and 2 teaspoons minced thyme leaves to tuna along with salt and pepper.

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples
and Currants

Follow recipe for Classic Tuna Salad, omitting dill (or pickles), garlic, and parsley and adding 1 medium firm, juicy apple, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup), 1/4 cup currants, and 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves to tuna along with lemon juice, salt, and pepper; mix 1 tablespoon curry powder into mayonnaise before folding into tuna.

Tuna Salad with Lime and
Horseradish

Follow recipe for Classic Tuna Salad, omitting lemon juice, dill (or pickles), and garlic and adding 2 tablespoons juice and 1/2 teaspoon grated zest from 1 lime and 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish to tuna along with salt and pepper.

Tuna Salad with Cauliflower, Jalapeno, and Cilantro

Follow recipe for Classic Tuna Salad, omitting dill (or pickles), garlic, and parsley and adding 4 ounces cauliflower florets cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 cup), 1 medium jalapeno chile, minced (about 2 tablespoons), 2 medium scallions, minced (about 1/4 cup), and 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro leaves to tuna along with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

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