Sometimes I'm on my own for dinner and, when I am, I turn to simple meals that let me become a bit of a food artist. I love combining colors, flavors, and textures on a plate. And when that plate is fortunate enough to include seared tuna, I'm a happy woman:
This particular salad was all about finding something delightfully crunchy to stand against the nearly silky texture of the seared tuna. My choice? Dried green beans. They crunch nearly like a potato chip without all the added fat and salt. I also decided that a sprinkling of sesame seeds would be a fun crunchy addition.
As I mentioned, the tuna was tender and silky. I also added finely grated carrots, which add sweetness, color, and almost a bit of softness when finely grated. And, of course, this all plays out on a bed of beautiful fresh greens. The final touch is a spicy dressing that ties it all together. After a few days devoted to decadence and a bit of overindulgence, it's nice to know you can eat well for your body and soul … all on one plate!
Texture-Happy Tuna Salad
- 1 T. cooking fat (I used sesame oil)
- 1 small serving ahi tuna
- 2 c. mixed greens
- 1 c. dried green beans
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 2 T. rice vinegar
- 1 T. tamari
- 1 tsp. chili oil
- 2 tsp. black sesame seeds
Heat the cooking fat of your choice over medium-high heat in a small nonstick skillet. Once hot, add the tuna and sear on both sides, giving it 1-2 minutes to cook. Remove the tuna from the pan and allow to rest on a cutting board. Slice it carefully into thin strips and set aside.
On a serving plate, arrange the greens, dried beans, and grated carrot. Add the seared tuna.
Combine the vinegar, tamari, and chili oil in a small, resealable jar. Shake vigorously and drizzle over the salad. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve immediately.
- Yields: 1 serving
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes