Welcome to a culinary journey where we unveil the secrets of the famous Panera Tuna Salad Recipe.
Tuna salad has always been a classic, but when it comes to Panera’s version, there’s something extraordinarily special about it.
This article is your gateway to replicating that unique flavor in your own kitchen.
Why Panera’s Tuna Salad Stands Out
Panera Bread is renowned for its healthy, fresh, and flavorful offerings. Their tuna salad is no exception.
It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy textures, while the flavors are a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and a hint of sweetness.
Panera Tuna Salad Recipe
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Course: Main Dish/Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: Serves 4
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 200 calories (based on using light mayonnaise)
Ingredients:
- Chunk Light Tuna in Water – 2 cans (12 oz total), drained well
- Mayonnaise – 1/4 cup (use light mayonnaise for fewer calories)
- Celery – 1/2 cup, finely chopped
- Red Onion – 1/4 cup, finely chopped
- Dijon Mustard – 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
Step-By-Step Recipe
- Drain The Tuna: Start by draining the chunk light tuna thoroughly. This step is crucial to avoid a watery salad.
- Chop The Veggies: Finely chop the celery and red onion. This ensures an even distribution of crunch and flavor in every bite.
- Mix The Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped vegetables, a generous dollop of mayonnaise, a hint of Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill The Salad: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This enables the flavors to harmoniously blend together.
Serving Suggestions
While the Panera Tuna Salad is a standout sandwich filler, its versatility goes beyond.
Serve it on a bed of fresh greens for a delightful salad, stuff it in a tomato for a low-carb option, or scoop it onto crackers for a quick snack.
Health Benefits: More Than Just Tasty
This tuna salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Tuna is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids essential for heart health.
Using ingredients like light mayo and fresh vegetables also keeps the calorie count in check.
Customize Your Tuna Salad
This recipe’s versatility is what makes it so beautiful. Don’t hesitate to add your twist.
Some popular variations include adding chopped hard-boiled eggs, a sprinkle of paprika, or even some capers for an extra zing.
Storing The Salad: Keeping It Fresh
Store your Panera-style tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Conclusion
The Panera Tuna Salad Recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a testament to the art of simple, healthy, and delicious cooking.
By following this recipe, you’re not just preparing a dish but embracing a lifestyle that values freshness, flavor, and nutrition.
Panera Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- Chunk Light Tuna in Water – 2 cans 12 oz total, drained well
- Mayonnaise – 1/4 cup use light mayonnaise for fewer calories
- Celery – 1/2 cup finely chopped
- Red Onion – 1/4 cup finely chopped
- Dijon Mustard – 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed
- Salt – to taste
- Black Pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Drain The Tuna: Start by draining the chunk light tuna thoroughly. This step is crucial to avoid a watery salad.
- Chop The Veggies: Finely chop the celery and red onion. This ensures an even distribution of crunch and flavor in every bite.
- Mix The Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped vegetables, a generous dollop of mayonnaise, a hint of Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill The Salad: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This enables the flavors to harmoniously blend together.
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