Experience a burst of Mediterranean flavors with this Potato Tuna Salad, a vibrant dish inspired by Nicoise salad and Spanish Ensaladilla Rusa. Featuring a melody of tender potatoes, crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and rich tuna, this salad is elevated with a blend of aromatic spices and a light, zesty dressing.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fingerling potatoes or small red potatoes, the star of the show.
- 10 oz French green beans, trimmed, for a crunchy, fresh element.
- 6 oz small tomatoes (like Campari or Roma), cut into wedges, adding a sweet juiciness.
- ⅓ cup pearl red onions or shallots, quartered, for a mild, aromatic touch.
- 15 oz can of high-quality tuna, the protein-rich centerpiece.
- 2-3 large garlic cloves, minced, for a bold flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika, plus more as desired, for a smoky depth.
- ¾ tsp cumin, plus more as needed, for an earthy warmth.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick.
- ⅓ cup Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil, for a rich, fruity base.
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar, for a bright acidity.
- 6 oz spring greens or butter lettuce, as a fresh bed.
Method:
- Cooking Potatoes: Boil fingerling potatoes in a large pot of water until fork-tender (about 10 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Keep the boiling water.
- Blanching Green Beans: Set up a bowl of iced water near the pot. Blanch green beans in the same boiling water for about 4 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge them into the ice bath to retain their color and crispness. Once cool, pat them dry.
- Prepping Salad Ingredients: Halve the boiled potatoes lengthwise and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the green beans, tomatoes, onions, crumbled tuna, and minced garlic.
- Seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
- Dressing the Salad: Whisk together Early Harvest EVOO and white wine vinegar. Drizzle this over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more spices if desired.
- Plating: Lay spring greens or butter lettuce on a platter. Top with the potato tuna salad.
This Potato Tuna Salad is not just a meal, but an adventure of flavors and textures. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or a light dinner, this salad is sure to please your palate with its balance of savory, spicy, and tangy notes. Serve it up and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
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