Tuna, Potato, and Green Bean Lunch Salad

This composed lunch salad brings together tender potatoes, green beans, flaky tuna, and a sharp mustard vinaigrette. Cook the potatoes until just tender and keep the beans bright by adding them near the end. The components can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled; dress them shortly before eating for the best texture.

Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 18 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound small waxy potatoes, halved or quartered
• 8 ounces green beans, trimmed
• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups tender lettuce leaves, to serve

Method

1. Put the potatoes in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until a knife slides into the largest piece easily.
2. Add the green beans for the final 4 minutes of cooking. Drain the vegetables and let them steam-dry for 5 minutes.
3. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
4. Add the warm potatoes and green beans to the bowl and toss gently. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then fold in the tuna, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
5. Arrange the lettuce on four plates or in lunch containers. Spoon the salad over it and serve, or pack the lettuce separately and combine at lunchtime.

Variations

Use drained white beans in place of tuna, or add chopped hard-cooked egg if you have it ready. Swap parsley for fresh dill, and use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a brighter dressing.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate the salad promptly in a covered container. Keep lettuce separate and use the prepared salad within 3 days. This dish is best served chilled or at room temperature rather than reheated.

For portable meal ideas, read the packable lunches for mixed schedules guide and the lunchbox prep plan for a busy week. Put the ingredients on the Lucru Home grocery list before your next shop.