Tomato Tuna Tower Salad

Up here in northern Wisconsin, tomato season is short and sweet. But once those heirloom tomatoes are finally ripe, I can’t get enough fresh tomato recipes, whether I eat the produce freshly sliced with a dash of salt and pepper, served in a simple tomato salad or as a topping for bruschetta. This recipe for tomato tuna tower salad combines fresh tomatoes with another one of my favorite things: flavorful tuna salad. Whether served as an appetizer or as a protein-rich, savory afternoon snack, this effortless summertime recipe is always a winner.

Tomato Tuna Tower Salad Ingredients

Lemon mustard vinaigrette:

• Olive oil: The robust flavor of extra virgin olive oil makes it the best type of olive oil for making a vinaigrette like this one.
• Lemon: Lemon juice and lemon zest add a bright citrus flavor to the dressing. Use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor. You can juice a lemon without a knife by poking a hole with a wooden skewer and squeezing.
• Shallot: A shallot is a type of onion with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. Use a yellow or white onion, both of which have a similar flavor to shallots, as a substitute if necessary.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of green color and a fresh herbal flavor to the vinaigrette. Store parsley and other fresh herbs in a glass of water in the fridge to make them last longer.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard is a French mustard that adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the vinaigrette.
• Sea salt: A dash of sea salt enhances the flavors in the dressing.

Tuna salad:

• Albacore white tuna: Canned tuna is a pantry staple that can be used in a variety of ways for so many delicious canned tuna recipes. For this one, we recommend using albacore white tuna packed in water. Drain the tuna thoroughly to avoid a mushy tuna salad.
• Navy beans: These beans add a buttery and nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the tuna salad.
• Celery: Finely chopped celery adds crunch and a slightly bitter and earthy flavor to the tuna salad.
• Tomatoes: The tuna salad is stacked on top of thick slices of tomato. At the height of summer, look for heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes. Vine-ripened tomatoes are another type of tomato that will work in this recipe if heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes are not available.
• Pine nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a rich, buttery flavor to the tuna salad. Toasting the pine nuts helps enhance their savory flavor.
• Pepper: Use a pepper grinder to garnish each tomato tuna tower with freshly cracked pepper before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dressing

In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, shallots, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and sea salt. Process until smooth.

Step 2: Make the tuna salad

In a large bowl, stir together the tuna, navy beans and celery.

Add the vinaigrette and toss to coat.

Step 3: Plate the salad

Place the tomato slices onto four plates. Divide the tuna mixture over the top of each one and sprinkle with pine nuts. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper before serving.

Tomato Tuna Tower Salad Variations

• Add fresh herbs: Plenty of fresh herbs pair well with tuna salad. In addition to fresh parsley, try making this tomato tuna tower salad with freshly chopped basil, chives, dill, marjoram or chervil.
• Switch up the nuts: Use toasted pistachios, cashews, walnuts, macadamias or almonds instead of pine nuts.
• Serve on toasted baguette slices: Use toasted baguette slices as the base, then top with tomato slices that are cut slightly thinner than called for in this recipe. Finish with the tuna salad.

How to Store Tomato Tuna Tower Salad

Leftover tuna salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, store the tuna salad separately from the tomatoes. It’s best to store unsliced tomatoes at room temperature.

How long does tomato tuna tower salad last?

Leftover tuna salad should be consumed within three to four days.

Tomato Tuna Tower Salad Tips

How do you neatly stack the tuna salad on top of the tomato slices?

For an elegant presentation, place a round cookie or biscuit cutter on top of the tomato slice and carefully mound the tuna salad inside the ring. Carefully remove the cookie cutter to maintain the rounded tuna salad. Then garnish and serve.

What else can you serve with tomato tuna tower salads?

Tomato tuna tower salads are an excellent appetizer to serve at a summertime barbecue alongside favorites like grilled margarita chicken, baby back ribs, steak and shrimp kabobs, or burgers.