Ever get stuck on a tuna salad rut? Did you look up from your lunch and ask, “What else is there besides mayonnaise, salt, and pepper?” If you bring another simple pantry item to the table, there’s hope. Try adding dried fruit to your go-to recipe for a serious tuna fish upgrade. If chicken salad often gets to benefit from those little gems of sweetness, tuna salad deserves the same.
Dried fruits provide a little chewy textural intrigue in what is otherwise a pretty homogenous dish. They also add brightness, sweetness, and acidity, making a simple tuna salad much more dynamic. You can use any kind of dried fruit you prefer. You can choose dried cranberries, but you can also use raisins, sultanas, Zante currants, blueberries, dates, or apricots. For larger fruits, just cut them up into bite-sized pieces. You can add more or less fruit to suit your tastes. A quarter cup of fruit for every can of tuna is a good general rule.
Tuna is a versatile and healthy protein that works well in salads sandwiches bowls and more. But plain tuna dishes can get boring fast. The solution? Brighten up tuna by pairing it with fresh, flavorful fruits.
When thoughtfully combined, the right fruits can provide sweetness and acidity to balance tuna’s savory umami taste After exploring expert chefs’ suggestions, here are the best fruits that complement tuna wonderfully
1. Pineapple
Pineapple’s tropical sweetness and slight tang are a classic match for tuna’s richness. The juice also helps cut the fish’s density. Try pineapple in a sweet and sour canned tuna stir-fry, or add chunks to tuna salad. Grilled pineapple rings go great with seared tuna too.
2. Mango
Mango has enough sweetness to balance tuna’s hearty flavor. Its tropical notes add interest versus citrus. Use mango in salsa on tuna tacos and bowls, or blend into a tangy poke dressing. Grilled mango tuna skewers are amazing as well.
3. Apple
Apples offer a crunchy sweetness and tartness that livens up tuna salads, sandwiches, wraps and more. Diced apples mixed into tuna salad provide fiber and juiciness. Slices on tuna sandwiches or in wraps add texture.
4. Orange
Sweet, juicy oranges have the right citrus flavor to perk up tuna. Use orange segments in tuna salads or bowls for brightness. Orange juice and zest add sunshine to tuna dressings and marinades. A citrusy tuna salad is so refreshing.
5. Peach
Like mango, peaches contain a tropical-flavored sweetness that complements tuna wonderfully. Grilled peach and tuna skewers are gourmet but easy. Diced peaches in tuna salad or bowls also work nicely.
6. Grape
Grapes offer a refreshing, juicy sweetness that livens up tuna salads. Seedless green and red grapes add pops of flavor and moisture that balance tuna’s density. They also have an appealing crunchy texture.
7. Strawberry
Strawberries mix beautifully into tuna salads, providing a sweet tartness that contrasts with tuna’s richness. Slice strawberries over seared tuna for an elegant composed dish. They also enhance tuna sandwiches.
8. Dried Cranberries
If you want something less juicy but still fruity, chopped dried cranberries lend chewy sweetness and tartness to tuna salads and sandwiches. They add flavor without moisture.
9. Cherry
Similar to cranberries, dried cherries offer concentrated sweet-tart taste to complement tuna. Chopped dried cherries in tuna salad provide chewy texture and brightness. They work for sweetness without compromising the salad.
10. Lime
Although not a fruit salad ingredient, fresh lime juice deserves a mention for bringing out tuna’s flavors. A squirt of lime brightens up tuna salads, bowls, tacos and more. It adds light citrus flavor without overpowering the fish.
Tips for Pairing Tuna and Fruit:
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For tuna salads, gently fold diced fruits in at the end to retain texture. Avoid mushiness.
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On composed dishes, delicately place fruit slices or segments so they don’t saturate the tuna.
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Grill firmer fruits like pineapple and peach over direct heat to caramelize their sugars.
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For poke bowls and tacos, keep fruits in larger diced pieces to avoid mushiness when tossed.
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In dressings and salsas, blend fruits into small pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
The natural sweetness and acidity of fruits does wonders to liven up tuna’s neutral flavor. Both complement and contrast the fish’s hearty density and savory umami taste. Next time a tuna dish needs some excitement, turn to pineapple, mango, apple, orange or other fruits to balance the flavors deliciously.
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