Tuga Pops − Monday, June 8, 2026, 2 Months ago in Salad Recipes
5 out of 5 with 2 ratings

Portuguese Tuna Salad | Quick Black-Eyed Pea Recipe

Make this easy portuguese tuna salad in no time! It's a delicious and tasty mix of black-eyed peas, fresh tomatoes, and egg for a healthy protein boost.
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30 min 2 servings Very Easy Prep time 5 min Cooking Time 10 min

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Tired of the same old lunches? Try this portuguese tuna salad! It's a quick, high-protein meal that doesn’t require cooking meat. Packed with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and black-eyed peas, this dish brings a taste of the Algarve right to your table. You'll love how satisfying and easy it is to whip up in just minutes!

Tips for Success

To enhance the flavor of the tuna salad, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. This will provide a bright acidity that complements the richness of the tuna.

When chopping the onion and tomato, aim for uniform sizes to ensure even distribution in the salad. Additionally, if you find raw onion too pungent, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow its flavor.

A common mistake is not properly seasoning the salad; make sure to taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper accordingly. The amount can vary based on the saltiness of the tuna and olives, so it's important to check before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute black-eyed peas with another type of bean?

Yes, you can substitute black-eyed peas with other beans such as canned chickpeas, kidney beans, or cannellini beans. Just ensure they are cooked and drained before adding them to the salad.

How should I store leftovers of this tuna salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last up to 2-3 days, but keep in mind that the flavors may continue to develop and may change in texture over time.

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or lemon juice as alternatives. Each will add a slightly different flavor but will still work well in the salad.

Recommended Drink Pairings

  • Vinho Verde: This light and refreshing Portuguese wine complements the salad's flavors without overpowering them.
  • Dry Rosé: The crisp acidity and fruity notes of a dry rosé enhance the freshness of the salad ingredients.
  • Sparkling Water: The effervescence cleanses the palate, making it a great non-alcoholic option to enjoy with the dish.
  • Chilled Green Tea: The subtle earthiness of green tea pairs well with the tuna and beans, providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Lemonade: A slightly tart lemonade balances the richness of the tuna and olive oil, adding a refreshing touch.

Ingredients

1/2 medium onion (50 g / 1.7 oz)1 ripe tomato (150 g / 5.3 oz)400 g (14 oz) cooked black-eyed peas1 can (120 g / 4.2 oz) tuna in olive oil2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegarSalt, to taste (approx. 2 g / 0.07 oz)Pepper, to taste (approx. 1 g / 0.03 oz)Fresh parsley, chopped (15 g / 0.5 oz)1 large egg (50 g / 1.7 oz)6 whole olives (20 g / 0.7 oz)

Equipment:

SaucepanKnifeCutting boardDeep dish or serving bowl

Directions

  1. Finely chop the onion and dice the tomato into cubes while draining the black-eyed peas and tuna, and setting aside a few olives.
  2. Place the drained black-eyed peas in a deep dish or serving bowl and top them with the diced tomato, chopped onion, and drained tuna.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil and vinegar over the salad, season with salt and pepper, add the finely chopped parsley, and mix everything together gently.
  4. Taste the salad to adjust the seasonings if necessary, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to help the flavors develop.
  5. Place the egg in a saucepan of boiling water while the salad chills and cook for 10 minutes to make it hard-boiled, then cool and peel the egg.
  6. Remove the salad from the refrigerator, cut the hard-boiled egg into quarters, place them on top of the salad along with the reserved olives, and serve immediately.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Petit Chef

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
380 kcal
Fat
18 g
Carbs
30 g
Protein
24 g

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Tuga Pops

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