Tuna Chermoula Salad

This recipe is based off of a tuna chermoula toast I saw in a favorites of the week link roundup recently. I was struck by the simplicity of the flavors and the overall unexpectedness of encountering the humble canned tuna in presumably a party setting.

Chermoula is a really neat condiment. Popular throughout northern Africa, this sauce is made a zillion different ways and used as a meat marinade, accompaniment to fish or seafood, and dressing for vegetables. The version I’m making is seasoned to balance tuna’s meaty-but-dull nature.  I’ve seen versions that include the brininess of olives, sweeter versions including raisins, and versions that just straight up seem like chimichurri to me. If you happen to have preserved lemons on hand, they would make a fantastic swap for the lemon here. I, sadly, have run out.

gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, keto

Tuna Chermoula Salad

Your favorite canned tuna (I used a 6 ounce pouch of water packed tuna)
1/4 cup olive oil
Big hand full cilantro
Juice and zest of 1 big lemon (I had 2 small little sad lemons on hand)
1 clove garlic
1/2 inch ginger
1 tsp. sweet paprika
Big pinch red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. cumin
Big pinch salt
Few cracks black pepper
1/2 avocado
2 cups roasted broccoli

If your broccoli isn’t already roasted, roast some broccoli florets sprinkled with salt, pepper and your favorite fat in a 400 degree (F) oven for 25 – 30 minutes). Let cool.

On to the chermoula.

Chop the cilantro, and add to a bowl. Add the lemon zest and juice, the garlic and ginger once those have been grated, the olive oil, paprika, cumin and red pepper flakes, and hit with a  big pinch og salt and pepper. Taste. Your sauce should be nice and acidic and there should be a bunch of it. Adjust as necessary for your personal salt and heat preferences.

Add the tuna and stir. Add the broccoli and stir. Chop the avocado and add last, gently stirring to combine.

Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serves 2 for lunch