Kale and Tuna Salad, a healthy, Paleo-friendly, grain-free salad perfect for weekday lunches.
As I sit here waiting for my Stitch Fix to arrive, yes I am still doing that, but haven’t photographed the last 10 or so boxes because I got lazy, I try to decide whether that or this kale and tuna salad is the highlight of my day.
I have had two cans of tuna sitting on the counter all week. I knew I wanted to use them, but didn’t want your usual tuna salad. Finally the 20 pound bag of kale spoke to me and asked me to marry them into one dish. I LOVE the way it turned out. I thankfully had leftover mint from the lettuce wraps and it was just enough to give this salad a special flavor pop. Unfortunately you can’t see it as it blends in with the dark green kale, but it’s presence is definitely there. And you can’t skip it because it makes this super yummy.
Canned tuna is a great affordable and convenient option for getting in those Omega 3 fatty acids and protein. And don’t get me started with my love for kale. People thought it was a trend, but I don’t think it’s going anywhere. It’s such a fabulous green and love that it’s so easy to find now, especially in those giant bags which makes it perfect to use for salad or to sauté or toss into soup or eggs, etc. It’s packed with Vitamin A and K, C, antioxidants, fiber and calcium and sorts of fabulousness. I loooooove it, in case you couldn’t tell.
I make this salad just about every week, but I think this kale and tuna salad has made it’s into the new rotation. It would also be great with quinoa had I not run out, but would need a little more dressing.
Anyway, I finally broke in my new planner! Woo hoo…only half way through the first month, not too bad. I can’t wait to tell you all about my new year goals! Next time perhaps? I have to go wrestle a little one to bed and try on the fix that just arrived! Yes literally while typing this.
Have a fabulous weekend and let me know if you need any help with your new year’s goals if they pertain to your diet, nutrition, exercise, etc. Cheers friends!
- 4 packed cups of chopped kale
- 2 5-ounce cans tuna packed in water, drained
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped or sliced kalamata olives
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1 large or 2 small avocados, diced
- For the dressing:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- In a small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients. Set aside. In a large bowl combine kale through avocado and gently toss. Pour dressing over salad and toss again. Best if let sit for a few hours or even overnight to soften kale a bit.
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I’ve never actually had a kale salad, but I must say this looks very yummy. I love the addition of mint and think it would give off such a great flavor!
Julia recently posted..Current 5 Must-Follow Instagram Accounts
Thank you, it definitely stands out!
This recipe is a double win! Yummy and healthy! Thanks for sharing. I’m excited to have a new recipe to try out!
Thanks so much Julie!
I love finding new ways to eat salad! I also love kale so this is a definite plus!
Sabrina Fox recently posted..ChopSaver: Perfection in a Tube
Thank you Sabrina! We eat a lot of salad so it’s good to change it up. 😉
I am curious about the tuna + mint combo! The dressing sounds perfectly simple to pair with this wonderful salad.
I know, I’ll admit it does sound a little strange, ha. But it worked (for me at least). 😉
My husband would love this.
Admittedly i am not a big kale salad fan, but I LOVE tuna and the combo with mint sounds so refreshing and delish!
Gasp! What? lol. what about it don’t you love…texture? These salads that last a few days in the fridge are nice because they soften it up a bit. But thank you!
If I don’t have at least 4 cans of tuna on hand…I freak! Hahahaha! Greatest easiest protein!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted..Friday Finisher 1/15/16
Ha, I took a long tuna break and now I am back to using it- seriously so convenient.
This looks so good! I can’t wait to make it.
January Erskine recently posted..Pastel
I’ve never put mint in with a tuna salad. I bet it’s so refreshing and tasty. Good idea.
Becky @ Project Domestication recently posted..Happy Friday! Happy List! (VO. 7)
Have you ever had tabouli? that is another great cold salad type dish made with mint. So good!
What a great looking salad, so simple and fresh!
I’m curious of the tuna and mint combination! I’m not a big fan of eating raw kale in a salad but I guess I could just switch it out to something else!
That looks so good! And your photos are great!
Angie @ My So-Called Chaos recently posted..Saturday Spotlight | 7 Date Ideas for When it’s too Cold to Get Out of the House + a $25 Fandango Giveaway
Thanks Angie!
What a tasty and protein-packed salad! I can see the mint lifting the flavour of the olives and the kale – yum!
Do you ever massage your kale when eating it raw in salads? It does a masterful job of tenderising it when you give it a gentle massage with your fingertips and even seems to make it sweeeter somehow.
Thank you Ally! I have massaged it in the past, but find it’s not worth the extra step. Especially since this salad keeps for a few days as it sits in the fridge it softens a bit so ends up being perfect. 😉