Salad Elegant

Ronda L. Halpin

I know I've been on a salad kick lately and I promise to share posts with more variety soon, but I couldn't resist sharing this one before I take a hiatus from salad days for a bit. My latest creation involved ahi tuna that was crusted with a spicy sesame seed coating before being lightly seared in a spicy oil blend. That already had me drooling, but there was more to love.

The base of the salad was composed of a fantastic mix of fresh greens from our CSA box that were sprinkled with thinly sliced green onions and bright, slightly crunchy sweet peas. It was actually very pretty to look at, I thought. Once the tuna was sliced thin and nestled on the bed of salad greens, an Asian-inspired salad dressing that combined spicy, sweet and salty flavors was drizzled over the top and it was time for dinner. Summer salads make me so happy!

Seared Tuna Salad

  • 8 oz. mixed salad greens
  • 2 T. thinly sliced green onions
  • 1/2 c. frozen sweet peas, thawed
  • 1/4 c. toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. coarse salt
  • 2 ahi tuna steaks
  • 1 tsp. chili oil
  • 2 T. canola oil
For the dressing:
  • 1 T. chili oil
  • 2 T. olive oil
  • 2 T. soy sauce
  • 2 T. mirin
  • 1 T. toasted sesame seeds

Divide the first three ingredients evenly among two serving plates.

Combine the toasted sesame seeds, red pepper, garlic powder, ground ginger, black pepper and coarse salt on a small plate. Carefully press each side of the two tuna steaks into the seed mixture.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with the chili and canola oil in it. Sear the tuna steaks in the oil for about 3 minutes per side or until the tuna reaches the desired level of doneness. I like the center of the tuna to remain raw, but be warm to the touch. Remove the tuna from the pan and let it rest while you prepare the dressing.

To make the dressing, combine all of the dressing ingredients in a small, resealable jar. Shake vigorously to combine.

Using a very sharp knife, slice the tuna steaks across the grain and arrange the slices on the prepared salads. Drizzle the top with the prepared dressing and enjoy!

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Yields: 2 main dish salads

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