Exotic Tuna Salad

The exotic tuna salad is a fresh alternative that combines the flavor of the sea with exotic fruits for a colorful and tasty dish. Here is the recipe with a small Italian twist that could further enrich the dish.

Ingredients

• 200 g of fresh tuna or high-quality canned tuna
• 1 ripe mango
• 1 avocado
• 1 small red onion (optional for the Italian variant, you could also use fresh spring onions)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 fresh chili pepper (optional)
• A handful of arugula or other green leafy salad
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• A few leaves of fresh basil (for the Italian variant)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Preparation

1. If you are using fresh tuna, cook it in a pan with a drizzle of oil until it is golden on the outside but still pink inside. Let it cool down and then cut it into cubes. If you have opted for canned tuna, drain it well from the oil.

2. Peel the mango and avocado and cut them into cubes of similar size to the tuna.

3. Thinly slice the red onion, if you have chosen to include it, and the chili pepper, after removing the seeds if you don’t want a flavor that is too spicy.

4. In a large salad bowl, gently mix the tuna, mango and avocado cubes, onion, chili pepper, and salad leaves.

5. Dress the salad with lime juice, salt, pepper, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

6. If you like, add hand-torn fresh basil and toasted sesame seeds for a crunchy touch.

Let the salad rest for a few minutes in the fridge before serving to let the flavors absorb. You can serve this salad as a fresh appetizer or as a single dish for a light and nutritious lunch.

Curiosity

The combination of exotic fruit and fish is a modern culinary trend that mixes sweet and salty tastes, creating surprising contrasts on the palate. Tuna, with its intense flavor, pairs well with the sweetness of mango and the creaminess of avocado. The addition of fresh basil is a small Italian touch that can further enhance the freshness of the dish.