Name: Seared-Tuna and Radish Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 7 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ¾ tsp fresh ground black pepper; 1 lb tuna steaks; 3 tbsp lemon juice; 1 small garlic clove; 2 bibb lettuce heads; 10 radishes

Welcome to a world of flavor and freshness with this seared tuna and radish salad. Combining the succulent tenderness of seared tuna steaks with the crisp, tangy crunch of radishes, this salad is a symphony of tastes and textures. Tossed in a homemade vinaigrette, every bite promises a burst of zesty, savory delight. Simple to make, yet sophisticated in taste, this dish is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner.

Photos of Seared-Tuna and Radish Salad Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, there are a few you might need to search for. The star of the dish, tuna steaks, are generally available at any supermarket seafood counter or at a fish market. Choose steaks that are bright in color and have a fresh scent. The bibb lettuce, also known as butter lettuce, is a soft leaf variety that pairs beautifully with the crisp radishes. If you can't find it, romaine or iceberg lettuce will also work.

Ingredients for Seared Tuna and Radish Salad

Olive oil: A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is used both for cooking the tuna and creating the vinaigrette. Its fruity, rich flavor enhances the taste of the other ingredients.

Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the tuna and salad.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and complexity to the dish.

Tuna steaks: The centerpiece of this salad, tuna steaks are meaty, flavorful, and cook quickly.

Lemon juice: Gives the vinaigrette a fresh, tangy kick that complements the richness of the tuna.

Garlic: Imparts a sharp, aromatic note to the vinaigrette.

Bibb lettuce: Soft, buttery leaves provide a delicate base for the salad.

Radishes: Add a peppery crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft tuna and lettuce.

One reader, Filbert Bedford says:

I recently tried the seared tuna and radish salad recipe and it was absolutely delightful! The combination of flavors was refreshing and the tuna was perfectly seared. The radishes added a nice crunch to the salad. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a light and flavorful dish. Highly recommended!

Filbert Bedford

Mastering the Art of Searing Tuna

How to sear the tuna: Searing the tuna involves heating a nonstick frying pan with oil over moderately high heat and cooking the seasoned tuna for 2 minutes on each side until it reaches the desired doneness.

How to make the vinaigrette: The vinaigrette is made by whisking together lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, adding the oil slowly while whisking to emulsify the mixture.

How to assemble the salad: The salad is assembled by tossing the lettuce and radishes with the vinaigrette in a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, then placing it on plates and topping it with the sliced tuna before drizzling the remaining vinaigrette over the top.

How To Make Seared-Tuna and Radish Salad

Have a serving of this tasty and filling radish salad tossed together with juicy seared-tuna and lettuce, all drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

7tbspolive oil
½tspsalt
¾tspfresh ground black pepper
1lbtuna steaks,about ½-inch thick
3tbsplemon juice
1small garlic clove
2bibb lettuce heads,(about 1 lb)
10radishes

Instructions

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over moderately high heat. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper over the tuna.
Cook the fish for 2 minutes. Turn and cook until done to taste; 2 to 3 minutes longer for medium-rare. Transfer the tuna to a carving board.
In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons of oil slowly, whisking.
Cut the tuna into ½-inch thick slices.
In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the lettuce and the radishes, and toss with all but 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette.
Put the salad on plates. Top with the tuna slices and drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top.
Serve, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

If desired, substitute 2 6-ounce cans of drained canned tuna for the fresh tuna. Skip step 1 completely and add the drained canned tuna along with the lettuce and radishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 352.56kcal
Fat: 24.44g
Saturated Fat: 3.50g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 17.38g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.77g
Carbohydrates: 4.16g
Fiber: 1.56g
Sugar: 1.62g
Protein: 29.11g
Cholesterol: 44.23mg
Sodium: 358.28mg
Calcium: 45.09mg
Potassium: 785.51mg
Iron: 2.19mg
Vitamin A: 155.85µg
Vitamin C: 12.06mg

Pro Tips for Perfectly Seared Tuna Every Time

When searing tuna, it's important to have your pan really hot before adding the fish. This ensures a nice, crisp sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Also, be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the tuna to steam rather than sear. If necessary, cook the tuna in batches to maintain the high heat of the pan.

Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing This Salad

Prep ahead: Prepare the vinaigrette and wash and chop the lettuce and radishes in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Multi-task: While the tuna is cooking, you can prepare the vinaigrette and toss the salad ingredients together to streamline the process.

Quality ingredients: Invest in high-quality, fresh tuna and crisp, flavorful radishes to elevate the flavors of the dish.

Sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to slice the tuna, ensuring clean cuts and a professional presentation.

Efficient workflow: Organize your workspace and ingredients to create an efficient cooking flow, making the process smoother and quicker.

Substitute Ingredients For Seared-Tuna and Radish Salad Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for searing the tuna.
tuna steaks - Substitute with swordfish steaks: Swordfish has a similar meaty texture and mild flavor that works well for searing and serving in a salad.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a tangy citrus flavor that complements the tuna and radish salad, similar to lemon juice.
garlic clove - Substitute with shallot: Shallots offer a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can provide a subtle aromatic element to the salad, similar to garlic.
bibb lettuce - Substitute with butter lettuce: Butter lettuce has a similar delicate and tender texture, making it a suitable alternative for the salad base.
radishes - Substitute with jicama: Jicama offers a crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor, providing a refreshing element similar to radishes in the salad.

Plating Ideas for a Stunning Seared Tuna Salad

Elevate the tuna slices: Arrange the seared tuna slices in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping each other to create a visually appealing presentation.
Create a vibrant radish salad bed: Place a generous amount of the lettuce and radish salad in the center of the plate, ensuring it is evenly spread out to provide a colorful and fresh base for the tuna.
Drizzle the vinaigrette with precision: Use a squeeze bottle to delicately drizzle the lemon and garlic vinaigrette over the tuna and salad, ensuring an even distribution without overwhelming the dish.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a handful of vibrant microgreens over the tuna and salad to add a touch of elegance and a pop of color to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few carefully selected edible flowers around the plate to add a sophisticated and visually stunning element to the presentation.
Use a minimalist approach: Embrace negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to shine, creating a visually striking and balanced presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Seared Tuna and Radish Salad

Nonstick frying pan: A type of frying pan that has a non-stick surface, making it ideal for cooking delicate foods like fish without them sticking to the pan.
Carving board: A sturdy board used for carving and slicing cooked meats, such as the seared tuna in this recipe.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, such as the vinaigrette in this recipe.
Glass or stainless-steel bowl: Used for mixing and preparing the vinaigrette and tossing the salad ingredients together.
Plates: Used for serving the seared tuna and radish salad.

Reheating Tips for Leftover Seared Tuna Salad

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover seared tuna on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tuna and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the tuna is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. Be careful not to overcook, as the tuna can quickly become dry.
For a quick and easy reheat, use your microwave. Place the seared tuna on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the tuna is heated through. The damp paper towel will help prevent the tuna from drying out.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can use it to reheat your leftover seared tuna. Set the water bath to 115°F (46°C) and place the tuna in a sealed bag. Submerge the bag in the water bath and let it reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the tuna is warmed through. This method ensures that the tuna remains moist and tender.
To reheat the radish salad, place it in a large bowl and drizzle a small amount of fresh lemon juice and olive oil over the top. Toss the salad gently to combine and redistribute the dressing. If the lettuce seems wilted, you can refresh it by placing it in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes, then draining and patting it dry before adding it back to the salad.
For a cold serving option, slice the chilled seared tuna thinly and arrange it over the refreshed radish salad. Drizzle with a small amount of the reserved vinaigrette or a fresh batch of the lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic dressing. This chilled version is perfect for a light summer lunch or dinner.

Fascinating Facts About Tuna and Radishes

Seared tuna is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being.

Budget-Friendly: Making Seared Tuna Salad at Home

This seared tuna and radish salad recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the tuna steaks, which can be a bit pricey, but the rest of the ingredients are relatively affordable. The dish offers a refreshing and flavorful combination of tuna and radish with a zesty vinaigrette. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $30-$35. Rating: 8/10.

Is This Seared Tuna Salad Healthy?

This seared tuna and radish salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:

Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals
Radishes are low in calories and rich in vitamin C, folate, and potassium
Bibb lettuce provides dietary fiber, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants
Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats

However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the dressing to lower the overall calorie and fat content
Consider using a mix of olive oil and a lighter option, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to maintain flavor while cutting down on calories
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Experiment with different types of lettuce, such as spinach or arugula, to vary the nutritional profile and flavors
Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to add flavor without increasing calorie content
Serve the salad with a side of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to make it a more balanced and filling meal

Our Editor's Take on This Seared Tuna and Radish Salad

This seared tuna and radish salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The seared tuna brings a rich, meaty flavor, while the crisp radishes and tender bibb lettuce add a refreshing crunch. The vinaigrette ties everything together with its bright and zesty notes. Overall, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and fresh elements, making it a wonderful choice for a light and satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Seared-Tuna and Radish Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, perfect for pairing with the seared tuna and radish salad.

roasted asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a delightful accompaniment to the seared tuna and radish salad.

grilled peaches: Juicy grilled peaches with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of honey-infused Greek yogurt, a sweet and savory addition to the seared tuna and radish salad.

Delicious Alternatives to Seared Tuna Salad

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the chicken and vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic marinade before grilling them to perfection on skewers.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Combine ripe mango, creamy avocado, and zesty lime juice to create a refreshing and vibrant salsa that pairs perfectly with grilled fish or tacos.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and rich cream together to create a comforting and velvety tomato basil soup that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Berry Cobbler: Bake a medley of fresh berries with a buttery biscuit topping to create a warm and comforting berry cobbler that is best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Seared Tuna Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant and colorful skewers featuring fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Each spoonful offers a refreshing and satisfying treat.

Why trust this Seared-Tuna and Radish Salad Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience with its fresh and high-quality ingredients. The tuna steaks are seared to perfection, ensuring a succulent and flavorful taste. The radishes and bibb lettuce add a refreshing crunch, while the vinaigrette made with lemon juice and olive oil provides a zesty and aromatic finish. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, as it promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will elevate your culinary journey.

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FAQ:

What type of tuna should I use for this recipe?

You can use fresh yellowfin or ahi tuna for this recipe. Look for high-quality tuna steaks with a vibrant color and fresh smell.

Can I substitute the radishes with a different vegetable?

Yes, you can substitute radishes with thinly sliced cucumbers, jicama, or even watermelon radishes for a different flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vinaigrette up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using it on the salad.

How do I know when the tuna is done cooking?

The tuna is best when cooked to medium-rare, which means it should still be slightly pink in the center. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes on each side for this result.

Can I add other ingredients to the salad?

Of course! Feel free to customize the salad with additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, or even some toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.