My favorite place to grab lunch while shopping is the Mermaid Bar at Neiman Marcus NorthPark. They offer the beloved salad trio, which includes their famous tuna salad. I tested multiple tuna salad recipes and quickly discovered that the water chestnuts make their tuna salad stand out. I love the crunch the water chestnuts add and it pairs so well with the tuna flavor. This recipe can be altered based on personal preference, I like to cut down the amount of mayonnaise and add more pecans. Enjoy! xoxo

Images via Alex Phillips.

Print Tuna Salad Recipe.

9 oz. chunk white albacore tuna in spring water, drained

1/2 cup finely diced celery

1/2 cup sliced water chestnuts, drained

1/2 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecan pieces

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

In a large bowl, lightly break up the tuna with a fork. Add the celery, water chestnuts, pecans, mayo, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days, but because the nuts can get soggy, it is best served immediately.

There are many things I have missed during quarantine, but I have especially missed the fresh flavor of the shrimp ceviche at Mesero. There are few things better than a light, fresh dish paired with Topo Chico and a beautiful patio in 90-degree heat. This shrimp salad is not exactly like the ceviche, but it is close enough to hold me over until we can dine out again. I buy my shrimp freshly boiled at Central Market and it makes preparing this salad so quick and easy. I have also tried this salad with lime juice instead of lemon juice and love it both ways. Alex seems to prefer the lemon juice version, so I have stuck with that. This shrimp salad is best served cold and pairs well with tortilla chips if you like the extra crunch. Enjoy! xoxo

Images via Alex Phillips.

Download Shrimp Salad recipe.

1 cup micro greens

1 shallot, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes halved

1 large avocado, diced

2 cups boiled shrimp, peeled and diced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Combine micro greens, diced shallot, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and diced shrimp in a bowl. Top with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Serve cold.

Images via Alex Phillips.

Print Simple Winter Salad Recipe

Trader Joe’s Cruciferous Crunch Collection

Dried Cranberries

Pomegranate Seeds

Goat Cheese

Pecans

Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Salad Dressing