Here are some very different options for tuna salad. The first is a completely vegan recipe that really has a depth of flavor and crunch that will satisfy your cravings for that tuna salad from childhood. Then, take a trip on the creative side with a variation on the basic tuna salad. Try new flavors, new spices and herbs to add punch to that lunchtime standby.


VEGAN MOCK TUNA SALAD (No Tuna, No Egg, No Mayo):

10 1/2 oz extra firm - silken tofu OR 1 can (8oz) garbanzo beans blended fine
OR 8oz hummus or tahini
¼ cup finely grated nori - toasted seaweed or kelp
¼ cup celery, chopped fine
2 tbsp finely grated carrot
½ cup minced sweet pickle or bread and butter pickles
¼ cup minced red onion or thin rings of scallion
3 tbsp vegan mayonnaise OR 1 ½ tbsp olive oil OR sesame oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (tamari)
1 ½ tbsp fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a kick!
Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

Cut the block of tofu into 1/2- to 1-inch thick slabs. Place the thawed slices on a double layer of cheesecloth or a very clean, dry kitchen towel and wrap. Place a heavy baking dish on top of the wrapped tofu, and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Unwrap and crumble the tofu, using a fork Add the remaining ingredients and mix well, adjusting seasonings to taste. Chill overnight before serving, allowing your flavors to blend together.

Some optional add-in flavors:

2 tspn dried dill
1 tspn prepared yellow mustard
1 tspn dijon mustard
1/4 tspn onion powder
1/8 tspn garlic powder
1/8 tspn paprika
1 tspn turmeric; thyme and marjoram
2 drops (or more) of hot sauce



ALTERNATIVE RECIPES FOR TUNA SALAD:

Peppers and Onions Tuna Salad (No Mayo):

2 large tomatoes, chopped medium
1 red bell pepper, chopped medium
1 green bell pepper, chopped medium
1 small onion, chopped medium
1 can (6 1/2 or 7 ounces) tuna in vegetable oil, drained
4 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons wine vinegar
1/2 small clove garlic, finely minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
12 pitted black olives, chopped
1/8 tspn Liquid Smoke - measure out first not into salad

Mix ingredients well and serve on toasted italian or french bread. Sprinkle top with shredded cheese and bake at 400 degrees fahrenheit for just 3 to 4 minutes to melt cheese.


Mediterranean Tuna Salad:

1 (7 ounce) can white tuna in oil, drained and flaked
3 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons green or black olives, chopped
1/8 teaspoon dried minced onion flakes
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1 tablespoon capers, chopped
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Lemon juice, ½ lemon
1 pinch cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1/8 cup chopped walnuts or pine nuts, optional

Options: trade the parsley and lemon juice and substitute cilantro and lime juice!

Enjoy! And don't forget to stop by the Sandwiches forum and share YOUR variations on tuna salad!