Katie's Healthy Bites: Tuna & White Beans

Even though part of this meal comes from a can, you'd never know once you dress it up with fresh flavorings.
Katie's Tuna Salad

Canned tuna is pantry staple in my house because it works as the foundation for many quick and easy meals, including this tuna and white bean salad. I toss in a few fresh ingredients, and you'd never know dinner came from a can.

When shopping for canned tuna, I opt for albacore, packed in water with no sodium added. If you prefer a tuna packed in oil, omit the tablespoon of oil from the recipe below.

A few other tips… I love adding beans to a tuna salad because they add carbohydrates, fiber and even some more protein -- making the dish a complete meal. Skip the salt shaker in this dish; the canned products and Dijon mustard have enough sodium on their own. Some fresh herbs, a robust vinegar and sweet vegetables add simple but appealing flavor.

Tuna and White Bean Salad

4 servings
Ingredients:
2 6-ounce cans of tuna, packed in water and no salt added
1 15-ounce can of organic navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 large roasted pepper, sliced (or 2 medium peppers)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
10 basil leaves, chiffonade (or thinly sliced)
Pepper to taste

Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl. Add the beans, tomatoes and peppers to tuna. In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar, mustard and oil. Whisk together, add to the tuna mixture and toss. Season with basil and fresh cracked pepper, toss again and serve.

Nutrition Info:
Calories: 238
Fat: 4.4 grams
Saturated Fat: .72 grams
Protein: 27 grams
Carbohydrates: 20 grams
Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
Sodium: 252 milligrams
Fiber: 6.3 grams

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