What is fancy tuna salad?

"Fancy tuna salad" is a bit of a subjective term, but generally speaking, it refers to a tuna salad that is made with higher quality ingredients and more care in preparation than a basic tuna salad.

Here's what sets it apart:

Ingredients:

* High-quality tuna: Think albacore tuna packed in olive oil or water, not the cheapest chunk light tuna.

* Fresh, flavorful additions: Instead of just celery and onion, you might find ingredients like:

* Avocado

* Capers

* Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley

* Roasted red peppers

* Sun-dried tomatoes

* Exotic fruits like mango or pineapple

* Creamy and flavorful dressings: Mayonnaise is often used, but it could be mixed with sour cream, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, or even a homemade herb vinaigrette.

* Gourmet touches: These could include toasted walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Preparation:

* Fine chopping: Ingredients are finely chopped or minced for a more refined texture.

* Flavor combinations: The ingredients are carefully chosen and combined for a balanced and complex flavor profile.

* Presentation: Fancy tuna salad is often served in elegant ways, such as on crusty bread, in a lettuce wrap, or on top of a bed of mixed greens.

Here are some examples of fancy tuna salad recipes you might find:

* Mediterranean Tuna Salad: With Kalamata olives, capers, red onion, and a lemon-herb dressing.

* Asian Tuna Salad: With sesame seeds, edamame, and a ginger-soy vinaigrette.

* Avocado Tuna Salad: With avocado, red onion, and a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.

* Smoked Tuna Salad: With smoked tuna, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Ultimately, what makes a tuna salad "fancy" is up to the individual cook, but the key is to elevate the basic recipe with premium ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and a touch of elegance.