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Expert Pro Tips for the Best Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad – paleo recipe
Stav Kogan

Expert Pro Tips for the Best Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad

Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 305

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups (60g) petite lettuce leaves
  • 2 oz (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 oz (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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Drain the beans and plunge into iced water; drain again and set aside.
  3. Arrange the 2 cups (60g) of lettuce, cucumbers, onion, tomatoes, basil, green beans, eggs, and radishes evenly between two serving plates.
  4. Set a skillet over medium-high heat and coat with olive oil cooking spray.
  5. 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.
  6. Cut the cooked tuna across the grain and arrange it evenly over the prepared vegetable plates.
  7. 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.
  8. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the Seared Tuna Nicosia Salad and serve immediately.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
    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.

Nutrition

Calories: 305kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 35gFat: 13g

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