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.
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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
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It was absolutely delicious! And filling too, which most salads do not (had a Ciabatta roll with it)
such an amazing and delicious delicious perfect combination i really love it and i just made for lunch my family like this i was thankful to you
That’s great, Henry! Thanks for letting me know!
What a incredible combination of flavors, Christena! This is very reminiscent of a pasta sauce we make – thanks for another great recipe!
As you noted sometimes the simplest of dishes are some of the best. I will certainly be trying this in the days ahead. Thanks!
Just made this for lunch and it’s delicious.Will definitely make more in the summer when it’s warmer as just now we have snow and freezing temps
I’ve always loved this combination and it’s perfect for my low-carb lifestyle!
MY FRENCH MOTHER USED TO MAKE TUNA SALAD ALSO. WITH TUNA, EGG, CHOPPED ONION, AND MAYONNAISE. MY. HUSBAND CALLS TUNA CAT FOOD. LOL. SO I GET TO MAKE THE SALAD WHEN MY DAUGHTER COMES.