Tuna salad is a classic, easy-to-make dish that continues to be a popular choice. It’s a versatile meal that can be served as a sandwich filling, a topping for salads, or even enjoyed on its own. Although tuna salad is simple to prepare, crafting an outstanding version requires careful attention to detail and the perfect mix of ingredients. One famous culinary icon known for her excellent tuna salad is Martha Stewart. So, what does Martha Stewart put in her tuna salad to make it stand out?
This complete guide will dive into every detail of Martha Stewart’s legendary tuna salad recipe, covering the essential ingredients, how she achieves the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and helpful tips for making this dish at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to take your tuna salad to the next level, this article will give you all the insights you need to make a version worthy of Martha Stewart’s culinary reputation.
1. The Foundation: Choosing the Right Tuna
The key to any great tuna salad starts with the tuna itself. For Martha Stewart, the quality of tuna is non-negotiable, and she opts for the best varieties to create a flavorful and well-textured dish.
1.1 What Kind of Tuna Does Martha Stewart Use?
Martha Stewart prefers solid white albacore tuna, prized for its firm texture and subtler flavor compared to other types of tuna. Albacore tuna is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy and substantial choice for tuna salad.
- Solid white albacore: Albacore is often referred to as “white tuna,” and its firm, flaky texture makes it ideal for salads. It holds up well when mixed with other ingredients and won’t become mushy.
- Canned in olive oil vs. water: Martha Stewart typically opts for tuna packed in olive oil. The oil adds an extra layer of flavor and richness, making the salad more luxurious. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter option, tuna packed in water is a great choice.
Using high-quality tuna sets the foundation for a delicious salad. It’s the first step in answering the question, what does Martha Stewart put in her tuna salad?
2. What Does Martha Stewart Put in Her Tuna Salad? Key Ingredients
Martha Stewart’s tuna salad is celebrated for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, carefully crafted with a thoughtful choice of ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the essential components of her recipe.
2.1 Mayonnaise: The Creamy Base
Similar to many classic tuna salad recipes, Martha Stewart’s version uses mayonnaise as the main binding ingredient. Mayonnaise adds a rich, creamy texture that holds the ingredients together and enhances the overall flavor.
- Why it works: Mayonnaise provides a smooth, velvety base that complements the tuna’s natural flavor without overwhelming it. Its slight tanginess also balances the richness of the tuna.
- Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce calories or want a lighter option, Martha Stewart suggests substituting some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This swap maintains the creamy texture but adds a slight tanginess and extra protein.
2.2 Dijon Mustard: A Tangy Twist
One of the standout ingredients in Martha Stewart’s tuna salad is Dijon mustard. This condiment adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the mayonnaise and cuts through the richness of the tuna.
- Why it works: Dijon mustard has a mild heat and sharpness that elevates the salad’s flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Just a small amount can make a significant difference in taste.
- Pro tip: Use about a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a hint of tanginess. If you like a more pronounced flavor, feel free to add a bit more.
2.3 Fresh Lemon Juice for Brightness
Martha Stewart adds fresh lemon juice to her tuna salad to provide a burst of acidity and brightness. Lemon juice helps to balance the richness of the mayonnaise and tuna, giving the salad a refreshing lift.
- Why it works: The acidity from the lemon juice cuts through the creaminess of the mayonnaise and adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the dish. It also enhances the overall flavor profile without making the salad too heavy.
- How to use it: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the salad and stir it in. The fresh citrus will brighten the flavors and bring out the best in the tuna.
2.4 Celery for Crunch
A great tuna salad isn’t just about flavor—it’s about texture, too. Martha Stewart adds celery to her tuna salad for a delightful crunch. This easy addition enhances the salad’s texture while contributing a light, refreshing flavor.
- Why it works: The crisp texture of celery contrasts beautifully with the creamy tuna mixture, giving the salad a delightful crunch in every bite.
- How to prepare it: Finely dice one or two stalks of celery and mix it into the tuna salad for added texture.
2.5 Red Onion for Sharpness
The red onion is another essential ingredient in Martha Stewart’s tuna salad. Red onion adds a sharp, pungent flavor that pairs well with the richness of the tuna and mayonnaise.
- Why it works: Red onion offers both flavor and texture, adding a bit of crunch and a slightly sweet, sharp bite that cuts through the creamy base.
- Pro tip: If you find the flavor of raw onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. This will mellow the flavor without losing the onion’s essential sharpness.
3. Optional Ingredients to Customize Your Tuna Salad
While the basic ingredients of Martha Stewart’s tuna salad are simple and classic, she offers a variety of optional additions to customize the salad to your taste. These ingredients add extra flavor, texture, and personality to the dish.
3.1 Fresh Herbs for Extra Freshness
Martha Stewart frequently suggests incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or chives to infuse the tuna salad with a refreshing burst of flavor. Herbs can lighten the flavor of the salad and bring a pop of color to the dish.
- Why they work: Fresh herbs add a layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Dill adds a bright, almost citrusy note, while parsley and chives provide a fresh, mild flavor.
- Pro tip: Finely chop the herbs and sprinkle them over the salad just before serving for a fragrant and flavorful garnish.
3.2 Capers for a Briny Kick
Capers are another optional ingredient that Martha Stewart sometimes includes in her tuna salad. Capers provide a briny, salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the tuna and mayonnaise.
- Why they work: Capers add a zesty, pickled taste to the salad, enhancing its depth and complexity. They also provide a nice textural contrast.
- How to use them: Add a tablespoon of drained capers to the salad for an extra burst of flavor. You can chop them up for a more subtle taste or leave them whole for a bolder bite.
3.3 Pickles for Sweetness and Acidity
For a touch of sweetness in her tuna salad, Martha Stewart occasionally recommends adding chopped pickles. Pickles add a sweet-and-sour contrast that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Why they work: Pickles provide both sweetness and acidity, which enhances the flavor of the tuna salad without making it overly rich. The crunch of the pickles also adds to the textural variety.
- Pro tip: Finely chop a few dill pickles and mix them into the salad, or try adding a tablespoon of pickle juice to the dressing for a tangy twist.
3.4 Hard-Boiled Eggs for Extra Protein
For a heartier version of her tuna salad, Martha Stewart sometimes includes hard-boiled eggs. Eggs not only add extra protein but also provide a creamy texture that enhances the richness of the dish.
- Why they work: Hard-boiled eggs complement the tuna and add another layer of creaminess. The subtle flavor of the eggs pairs perfectly with the other ingredients, making the salad more filling.
- How to add them: Dice one or two hard-boiled eggs and gently fold them into the salad for a richer, more substantial meal.
4. How to Make Martha Stewart’s Tuna Salad at Home
Now that we know what does Martha Stewart put in her tuna salad, let’s walk through the steps of making this delicious dish. With a few simple ingredients and some quick preparation, you’ll have a tuna salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a standalone dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of solid white albacore tuna, drained
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- Fresh parsley, dill, or chives (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional extras: capers, pickles, hard-boiled eggs
Instructions:
- Drain the Tuna: Begin by draining the tuna thoroughly. If you’re using tuna packed in olive oil, you can reserve a small amount of oil for added flavor.
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until the combination is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Tuna: Flake the drained tuna into the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture. Use a fork to gently fold the tuna into the mixture, making sure it’s well-coated.
- Mix in the Vegetables: Add the diced celery and red onion to the bowl. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’re using capers or pickles, stir them in at this stage as well.
- Add Fresh Herbs: If you’re using fresh herbs, finely chop them and sprinkle them into the salad. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly blended.
- Chill Before Serving: For best results, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend seamlessly, making the salad even more flavorful.
5. Serving Ideas for Martha Stewart’s Tuna Salad
Martha Stewart’s tuna salad is incredibly versatile, and there are many ways to enjoy it. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:
5.1 Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich
A classic way to serve tuna salad is as a sandwich. Spread the tuna salad between slices of whole grain or sourdough bread, and add lettuce, tomato, and avocado for a delicious and filling meal.
5.2 On a Bed of Greens
For a lighter option, serve the tuna salad on a bed of fresh greens such as spinach, arugula, or mixed baby greens. Drizzle with a little extra lemon juice or olive oil for added flavor.
5.3 Stuffed in Tomatoes or Avocados
For an attractive and sophisticated presentation, scoop out tomatoes or avocados and fill them with tuna salad. This is a great way to add more vegetables to the dish and is perfect for a low-carb option.
5.4 With Crackers or Crostini
For a fast snack or appetizer, pair the tuna salad with whole grain crackers or crispy toasted crostini. This is a great option for parties or gatherings.
6. Why Martha Stewart’s Tuna Salad Is So Popular
So, what does Martha Stewart put in her tuna salad that makes it so popular? The answer lies in her careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients and her ability to balance flavors and textures perfectly. Every element—whether it’s the firm white albacore tuna, tangy Dijon mustard, or crunchy celery—adds to a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Martha’s tuna salad is simple enough to make for a quick lunch but refined enough to serve at a gathering. By following her recipe, you can create a tuna salad that stands out, whether you’re enjoying it as a sandwich, salad topping, or snack.
7. Conclusion: What Does Martha Stewart Put in Her Tuna Salad?
To sum up, Martha Stewart’s tuna salad is a timeless dish that blends the creamy texture of mayonnaise with the tang of Dijon mustard, the crispness of celery, and the fresh zing of lemon juice. By using high-quality ingredients and paying attention to texture and flavor, Martha has created a tuna salad that’s both delicious and versatile. Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients Martha Stewart uses in her tuna salad, you can recreate this classic dish at home and enjoy it in multiple ways. Whether you stick to her traditional recipe or add your own twists with capers, pickles, or fresh herbs, this tuna salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.