The Best Bake Kale, Tuna, and White Bean Salad

Did you know kale is a superfood? Check out my blog page here for all things kale.

Kale, Bean, and Tuna Salad is a healthy and delicious salad that is packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. The salad is made with a base of chopped kale leaves, which are known for their numerous health benefits, including being high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and K. The salad also includes beans, which are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron and folate.

Tuna fish is added to the salad for an additional source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. The salad is typically dressed with a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette, which adds a refreshing and tangy flavor to the dish.

To prepare the salad, the kale leaves are washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces, and the beans are rinsed and drained. The tuna is usually canned and drained before being added to the salad. The ingredients are then mixed together and dressed with the vinaigrette.

This salad is a great option for a healthy lunch or dinner, as it is easy to prepare, filling, and nutritious. It is also a versatile dish that can be customized by adding other ingredients such as chopped vegetables, nuts, or seeds. Overall, the Kale, Bean, and Tuna Salad is a delicious and healthy choice for anyone looking to add more plant-based protein and nutrients to their diet.

Tips and Tricks:

  1. Massage the kale leaves: Kale leaves can be tough and bitter if not prepared properly. To make them more tender and less bitter, massage them with your hands for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
  2. Use different types of beans: You can use any type of beans for this salad, such as chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, or cannellini beans. You can also use a combination of different beans for added flavor and texture.
  3. Choose high-quality canned tuna: Look for high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil or water. This will ensure that your salad is flavorful and not too dry.
  4. Add other vegetables: You can add other vegetables to your salad, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or shredded carrots. This will add color and nutrients to your salad.
  5. Prepare the salad ahead of time: This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend together and make the salad even more delicious.
  6. Make your own dressing: While a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette is often used for this salad, you can experiment with other dressings such as balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing to add more flavor.
  7. Add crunch: Add some crunch to your salad by adding some nuts or seeds, such as roasted almonds or sunflower seeds.
  8. Serve with crusty bread: Serve your salad with some crusty bread on the side to make it a more filling meal.

Nutritional Benefits:

This salad is a nutritious dish that provides a variety of important nutrients. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of this salad:

  1. Kale: Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and fiber. It also contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and protein.
  2. Beans: Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, as well as essential nutrients such as iron, folate, and magnesium.
  3. Tuna: Tuna is a great source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B12 and D. It is also low in calories and fat.
  4. Onion: Onions are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
  5. Cucumber: Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a good source of hydration. They are also a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber.

Overall, this salad is a nutritious meal that is high in protein, fiber, and a variety of essential nutrients. It can be a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet, support their immune system, and promote overall health and wellbeing.

Superfood Qualities:

Here are some of the superfoods in this soup:

Kale: Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron. It is also a rich source of antioxidants and has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease.

Beans: White beans are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium.

Garlic: Garlic is a superfood that is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help to lower cholesterol levels and boost immune function.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. They are also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Onion: Onion is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help to lower cholesterol levels and boost immune function

Overall, kale, and bean soup made with onion, celery, garlic, and tomato is a nutritious and delicious dish that contains several superfoods.

Pairing Recommendations:

This salad is a satisfying and filling dish on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments to make it a complete meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with a kale, bean, and tuna salad:

  1. Crusty bread: Serve the salad with a slice of crusty bread on the side for added carbohydrates and to make the meal more filling.
  2. Quinoa or brown rice: Add some cooked quinoa or brown rice to the salad for extra fiber and nutrients.
  3. Roasted vegetables: Roast some seasonal vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or brussels sprouts and serve them alongside the salad for added flavor and nutrition.
  4. Soup: Serve the salad with a bowl of warm soup, such as tomato soup or butternut squash soup, for a comforting and satisfying meal.
  5. Fruit: Serve the salad with some fresh fruit, such as sliced apples, grapes, or oranges, for a refreshing and healthy dessert.

Overall, the salad can be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments to create a well-balanced and nutritious meal that satisfies your taste buds and your nutritional needs.

Kale, Tuna, and Bean Salad in Italy:

It’s unclear whether kale, bean, and tuna salad has a specific history or origin in Italy, as it is not a traditional Italian dish. However, Italy is known for its love of fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, flavorful salads, so it’s possible that variations of this salad have been enjoyed in Italy over time.

Kale, bean, and tuna salad is a dish that combines ingredients from different cuisines and cultures, with kale and beans being staples in many Mediterranean and Italian dishes, and tuna being a popular ingredient in Italian cuisine, particularly in southern Italy where seafood is abundant. The combination of these ingredients creates a hearty and nutritious salad that is versatile and easy to prepare.

Italian cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, and this salad certainly fits that description. Kale, bean, and tuna salad is a healthy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, and is perfect for warm summer days or cool autumn evenings. While it may not have a specific history or origin in Italy, this salad is a testament to the Italian approach to food, which values simplicity, freshness, and flavor above all else.

Kale, Tuna, and Bean Salad in Poland:

Kale, tuna, and bean salad is not a traditional dish in Poland, but it is possible that variations of this salad have been enjoyed in the country over time. Kale, tuna, and beans are all healthy and nutritious ingredients that are widely available in Poland, making it easy to prepare this dish using locally-sourced ingredients.

Polish cuisine is known for its hearty, comforting dishes that feature ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and meat, but there is also a growing interest in healthy eating and wellness in the country. As such, lighter dishes like salads are becoming more popular, and there are many variations of salads that feature ingredients like kale, tuna, and beans.

Kale, tuna, and bean salad is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences. Some variations may include additional ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, or feta cheese, while others may use different types of beans or seafood.

Overall, while kale, tuna, and bean salad is not a traditional Polish dish, it is a healthy and delicious option that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish, and is perfect for those who are looking to incorporate more nutrient-rich ingredients into their diets.

Kale, Tuna, and Bean Salad Humor:

Why did the Kale, tuna and bean salad go to the doctor?

It was feeling a little green!

“I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie for those who want to eat dessert as though it were salad.” –

Swami Beyondananda

“The Best Bake” Kale, Tuna, and Bean Salad

Super Kale, Tuna, and Bean Salad

Recipe by Michelle LendzionCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

5

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Calories

270

kcal
Total time

30

minutes

This is a healthy, tasty salad that works for lunch or dinner. It is filling and satisfying any time of the day. Add in your own veggies &/or spices to make it your own. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 Medium Red Onion

  • 1 Cucumber

  • 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes

  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro

  • 5 – 6 Cups Kale

  • 1 7 oz Can White Albacore Tuna in Water

  • 15 oz Cannellini Beans, Drained and Rinsed

  • 1 Tsp. Sea Salt Salt

  • 1 Tsp. Farfalle Seeds (substitute – black sesame seeds)

  • 1/2 Tsp. Pepper

  • 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • 1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

  • 1/2 Juice from Lemon

Directions

  • Slice onion in half and cut thin slices
  • Peel and slice cucumber
  • Half cherry tomatoes
  • Chop cilantro
  • Drain tuna
  • Wash the kale.
    If you are chopping your own kale, wash it thoroughly and pat it dry. Remove the thick stems. Massage the kale with your hands to soften the leaves. Your local store offers pre-chopped bags; this makes it super easy.
  • Drain and rinse cannellini beans
  • Juice the 1/2 lemon
  • Create the dressing by whisking vinegar, oil, lemon juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, and nigella seeds
  • Gallery

Recipe Video

Superfood Notes

  • Nigella Seeds – Did you know nigella seeds are a superfood? It is a middle eastern spice, traditionally used in Indian cooking. They are good for the digestive tract and help with allergies, asthma, and other bronchial ailments. They are also thought to have anti-cancer and anti-inflammation properties as well. They have savory notes of onion, cumin, and oregano.
  • Kale – Did you know that kale is a superfood? It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It is helpful for your heart, and weight management, It’s loaded with vitamins and micronutrients as well as being delicious. If you are chopping your own kale, wash it thoroughly and pat it dry. Remove the thick stems. Massage the kale with your hands to soften the leaves. Your local store offers pre-chopped bags; this makes it super easy.

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