Recipe: The Triple T, A.K.A Tasty Tahini Tuna

Posted on: 05-6-2012 by: Darren

Recipe: The Triple T,  A.K.A Tasty Tahini Tune

Tuna salad has earned a bad health rap in delis and restaurants, thanks to its tendency to be drowned in Mayo – a nasty source of fat and preservatives.  This version of Tuna salad is mayo-free, packed with nutrition, and best of all, can be made in about 8 minutes. Get creative by wrapping it up in sheets of nori  (sheets of dried seaweed that can be purchased in most grocery stores and health food stores). Here’s what you need to make 2 servings: Tuna Salad Recipe: 1 can of flaked light tuna (vegans and vegetarians can use one cup of chickpeas pulsed in a blender) 1.5  Tbsp tahini 1 tbsp lemon juice ( try to use fresh. The bottled varieties often contain nasty preservatives) 1 Tbsp cold pressed extra virgin olive oil 1 green onion, finely chopped 1/2 avocado, sliced or cubed 1 tsp dried cranberries – try to go for those sweetened in apple juice to avoid refined sugar 3 leaves kale, any variety. (you can sub the kale for spinach, swiss chard, or any other leafy green) cucumber ( or any other veggies) for garnish 1-2 sheets of nori (optional) 1 tbsp fortified nutritional yeast (optional) salt to taste Pour tuna into a bowl, and mix with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil. Wash kale and massage until kale softens.  Add onion, avocado, cranberries and kale, and toss. Garnish with veggies of your choice, and enjoy! Here’s Why You Should Eat This! Besides being fast and easy to prepare, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse that you can feel great about putting in your body! Kale is widely regarded as one of the healthiest foods in the world, providing protection against diseases like cancer and heart disease. It’s a great source of beta carotene, calcium and vitamin C, and many other vital nutrients. The avocado and olive oil provide your body with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAS) – that’s good fat that protects your heart and immune system, while the tuna gives you protein, as well as a dose of omega-3 essential fats. The onions provide anti-inflammatory effects, while the Nori gives your body iodine and carotene. Cranberries for garnish nourish you with vitamin C,  the cucumbers are a rich source of potassium, and tahini contains B vitamins and significant amounts of calcium.   Finally, the fortified nutritional yeast, which can be purchased at most health food stores, is loaded with vitamin B12.  Have this salad for lunch, or as a light meal after a workout with your Build Yourself trainer!