Zia Maria’s Tuna, Egg and Tomato Salad
Tuna, Egg and Tomato Salad will become a favorite in no time after you make this the first time. Not only pretty, but so nutritious and a perfect dish for Lent.
Originally published August 30, 2013.
My mother has six sisters who live in Italy, the UK and Canada, and each one is, simply put, an outstanding cook.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
My Zia Maria
Zia Maria is my mother’s eldest sister, and is one of her two sisters who has lived in Italy her whole life. I remember going to the village to visit each summer, and seeing how hard everyone worked in the fields and in their homes. However, Zia Maria was the quintessential hard-working Italian woman, with her long dark hair always braided and tied up underneath a handkerchief.
She often was seen walking with a basket on her head or kneading massive amounts of bread dough!
It was rare not to see her working hard, or cooking something, and it was always something fabulous (I loved when she made pizza)!
So years ago, when I was watching my Zia Maria putting together this tuna, egg and tomato salad, I wondered what had happened to her cooking skills! I had always loved tuna and tomato salads, but the addition of hard boiled eggs was making me question her judgment, and I actually voiced my opinion to my aunt, saying something to the effect of, “I don’t think I’m going to like this!”
Tuna lover? Try this delicious tuna sandwich recipe!
I don’t recall what she responded, but she did make me try it and I was stunned–it was impossibly delicious! How something I thought would taste horrifically bad, taste so good? Truly, I was puzzled!
I remember being very excited to make the tuna, egg and tomato salad for my father when I came home. He loved it too, so here’s hoping you feel the same way!
Zia Maria’s Tuna, Egg and Tomato Salad
Recipe by my Zia Maria serves 2
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
- good quality tuna with olive oil
- tomatoes
- hard-boiled eggs
- extra virgin olive oil
- vinegar
- salt
Empty the tuna into a bowl and add the hard boiled eggs.
Cut up the tomatoes and add to the salad.
Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad and add salt.
Garnish with a sprig of basil, for a splash of color, if desired, and it’s ready to serve with some crusty, Italian bread or rolls.
My cousin Ada, Zia Maria’s daughter in Italy, is able to read English, so please feel free to send comments to my Zia Maria, below, and Ada will read and translate them to her.
Another fish dish you may enjoy, Insalata di Baccalà.
I’m sure she’d be overjoyed to hear them!
Zia Maria's Tuna, Egg and Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 5 oz tuna (canned, albacore or any good quality, in water or olive oil)
- 1 tomato (organic)
- 2 free range eggs (hardboiled, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar (I use at least 6% acidity)
- ½ tsp Kosher salt (or sea salt)
Instructions
- Empty the tuna into a bowl and add the hard boiled eggs.
- Cut up the tomatoes and add to the salad.
- Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad and add salt.
- Garnish with a sprig of basil, for a splash of color, if desired, and it's ready to serve with some crusty, Italian bread or rolls.
Notes
- Use high-quality, organic ingredients for the best results.
Nutrition
Don’t miss another travel or recipe post; subscribe to my free subscription below!
Christina’s Cucina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Love the addition of the hard boiled egg. I did only use the whites. Also really appreciate no mayo. Simple and absolutely delicious!
I enjoy reading about your family and the history behind your recipes! I’m glad you tried and shared this tasty, simple recipe. Quality fresh ingredients definitely improve the taste. I will need to also try your coddled eggs.
Awesome, Jana!
I love the pictures of your Zia Maria! I would like to sit in her kitchen and feel her warm company, not to mention taste her cooking! I am growing tomatoes, and will save this salad recipe with my own “produce”! Such a simple recipe, but those are usually the best, aren’t they? Thank you for sharing!
Yes, they absolutely are when you use the best ingredients like your own tomatoes! Thank you for your lovely comments, Zia Maria would appreciate them, too! We just lost my uncle (her husband) recently, so the kind words are truly appreciated. <3
My Sicilian mother made this salad on Fridays when the tomatoes were in season but she added celery and HOT peppers separately for my dad. I haven’t had it in a long time,but I Know how wonderful it is. Loved reading about your family. Reminds me of mine and I’m going to subscribe to your posts since I know how delicious your Zia Marie recipes are. My mother was always accused of playing with her foods when she cooked because she took such special care with everything she made. Bless you and your family and stay healthy and safe in this time of the pandemic. Love, Joelle
Wow looking so tasty always love to eat it.its a perfect combination .thanks for sharing
You’re welcome! Glad you like it!
Most of the recipes my family makes are very simple-but the ingredients they use are the best of the best .your dish is such an amazing and delicious dish perfect combination i really love it and i just made for lunch my family like this i was thankful to you
You can’t go wrong with quality ingredients! I will let my Zia know how much you loved her salad, thank you, Dexter!