Ingredients
- 2 cups (60g) petite lettuce leaves
- 2 ounces (55g) trimmed French green beans
- 2 tsp. (10g) capers
- 1 tbsp. (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 garlic clove, minced (approx. 3g)
- 0.25 tsp. (1.25ml) maple syrup
- 1 tsp. (5g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- 8 ounces (225g) tuna steak
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced (approx. 100g)
- 4 radishes, sliced thin (approx. 60g)
- 2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced crosswise (approx. 200g)
- 0.25 red onion, thinly sliced (approx. 40g)
- 0.5 cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 0.25 tsp. (1.5g) sea salt
- 1 tsp. (5ml) water
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil; add the 2 ounces (55g) of green beans and boil for about 2 minutes or until crisp-tender and bright green. Drain the beans and plunge into iced water; drain again and set aside.
- Arrange the 2 cups (60g) of lettuce, cucumbers, onion, tomatoes, basil, green beans, eggs, and radishes evenly between two serving plates.
- Set a skillet over medium-high heat and coat with olive oil cooking spray. Season the 8 ounces (225g) tuna steak with the 0.25 tsp. (1.5g) sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper, then add to the pan; cook for about 2 minutes per side or until browned on the outside but still pink in the middle.
- Cut the cooked tuna across the grain and arrange it evenly over the prepared vegetable plates.
- Make the dressing: mix the 1 tbsp. (15ml) lemon juice, 1 tbsp. (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp. (5g) Dijon mustard, 0.25 tsp. (1.25ml) maple syrup, 2 tsp. (10g) capers, 0.5 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp. (5ml) water in a jar. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until well blended.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate values per serving, based on 2 servings)
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 13g
Expert Pro Tips for the Best Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad
- Source Sushi-Grade Tuna: Because you are only searing the outside and leaving the center pink, always purchase high-quality, sushi-grade Ahi or Yellowfin tuna from a reputable fishmonger.
- Achieve a Smoking Hot Sear: To get that perfect crust without overcooking the center, make sure your skillet is exceptionally hot before adding the tuna. Pat the tuna steak completely dry with paper towels before seasoning; moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
- Don't Skip the Ice Bath: Plunging your French green beans into iced water immediately after boiling stops the cooking process. This locks in that vibrant, bright green color and ensures they keep a satisfying, crisp-tender snap for your salad.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To keep your petite lettuce leaves and delicate herbs from wilting, always wait to drizzle the zesty lemon dressing over your Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad right before it hits the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of tuna to use for a Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad? Yellowfin (often sold as Ahi) is the gold standard for searing. It has a firm texture, a mild flavor, and a deep red color that looks beautiful when sliced. Always ask your seafood counter for a center-cut steak that is at least 1-inch thick to ensure the middle stays rare while the outside browns.
Can I prepare this Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad ahead of time? You can prep most of the components in advance to save time! Boil the eggs, blanch the green beans, slice the vegetables, and mix the dressing up to a day ahead—just store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. However, for the best culinary experience, you should sear the tuna and dress the salad immediately before serving.
Is this Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad recipe keto-friendly? Yes! This salad is naturally low in carbohydrates and packed with healthy fats and lean protein, making it an excellent choice for a keto or paleo lifestyle. If you are following a strict ketogenic diet, simply omit the 1/4 teaspoon of maple syrup from the dressing to lower the carb count even further.
