Shoestring Potato Tuna Salad Recipe

I absolutely love this tuna salad recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, making it both satisfying and fun to eat. Plus, the combination of tangy dill pickles and savory Dijon mustard adds just the right zing to keep my taste buds dancing with every bite!

I love creating dishes that blend texture and flavor in delightful ways. My Shoestring Potato Tuna Salad combines the savory taste of flaked tuna with the crunch of crispy shoestring potatoes.

With creamy mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and tangy Dijon mustard (not to mention fresh herbs like parsley), this salad offers a nutritious bite that’s anything but bland.

Ingredients

Tuna is a protein-rich food that is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health.

Mayonnaise has a creamy texture, is a source of healthy fats, and adds richness.

Lemon Juice: Delivers zesty taste, loads of vitamin C, and loads of fresh.

Dijon mustard: imparts a slightly spicy note, deepens flavor, low in calories.

Red Onion: Crunchy structure, contributes gentle heat, is rich in antioxidants.

Celery: Contributes to crispiness, low in calories, has a lot of fiber, awesome flavor.

Pickles made with dill: Flavor that is sour, texture that is crisp, and a snack that is low in calories.

Potatoes, cut into thin strips and fried crisp.

These light, salty strands make every plate better with their umami touch.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained and flaked
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 cups crispy shoestring potatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the drained and flaked tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir until thoroughly combined.

2. Black pepper provides the perfect complement for tuna; it also heightens the subtle sweetness of the fish. Because we know this combination works well, we add it to a mixture that unites not just two but three ingredients. Make sure to add it just before you’re about to serve the dish.

3. Finely chop red onion; add it to a bowl along with chopped celery and chopped dill pickles. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

4. Carefully mix the diced hard-boiled eggs into the salad combination until the eggs are well blended with the other ingredients.

5. Stir the mixture with the crispy shoestring potatoes, saving a small handful to use as a garnish.

6. Incorporate the shoestring potatoes into the salad, mixing just until combined and watching not to labor the mix so much as to bring the crush into the combined texture of the salad, which is more a potato salad than anything else. This is to preserve the super-crunchy texture of the super-crunchy potatoes.

7. Place the tuna salad in a serving dish or on individual plates.

8. The reserved crispy shoestring potatoes add an extra crunch and are the perfect garnish for the salad.

9. Add a pop of color and a fresh flavor boost by topping with parsley.

10. This tantalizing, crunchy tuna salad is a light main dish or side that can be served as part of a meal at any time of day.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon
8. Serving dish or individual plates

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?A: Yes, you can use fresh tuna that has been cooked and flaked as a substitute for tuna that comes in a can.
• Q: What can I use instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option?You can use Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a lighter version.
• Q: Can I omit the hard-boiled eggs?Yes, you can leave out the eggs if you prefer or are allergic; it will still be delightful without them.
• Q: How can I keep the shoestring potatoes crispy when serving?Include the shoestring potatoes right before serving to keep them crunchy when they reach your guests.
• Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?Yes, it is possible to make several hours in advance, but add the shoestring potatoes just before serving to keep them crisp.
• Q: What is a good substitute for dill pickles?Alternate ingredients offer a way to switch up the flavor profile. For a different flavor, you can use sweet pickles or capers in place of the relish.
• Q: How can I add more flavor to the salad?A: For extra zing, you can add more Dijon mustard, lemon juice, or a dash of hot sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

For mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative, or mashed avocado for a creamy substitute.
For lemon juice: Use lime juice for a slightly different citrus flavor, or white wine vinegar for a tangy kick.
To substitute for Dijon mustard: Use yellow mustard for a milder flavor or whole grain mustard for added texture.
To substitute for red onion: Use green onions for a milder flavor or shallots for a mild and sweet flavor.
For dill pickles: Replace with sweet relish for a sweeter taste, or capers for a salty, briny taste.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Ingredients For the best results, chill all ingredients in the refrigerator before assembling the salad. This will help the flavors meld together and enhance the overall taste and texture of the salad.

2. Balance the Acidity If you find the lemon juice too tart, try adding a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the acidity without overpowering the other flavors. Alternatively, a touch of apple cider vinegar can add a bit of sweetness if needed.

3. Enhance the Flavor Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can provide a subtle depth and complexity to the salad, taking it to the next level.

4. Egg Texture For a creamier texture, mash one of the hard-boiled eggs before mixing it into the salad. This will help bind the salad together and add extra richness.

5. Crunch Control To maintain maximum crunch, you can add half of the shoestring potatoes just before serving. This way, they stay crisp and don’t absorb moisture from the other ingredients too quickly.