French Country Summer Picnic Tablescape

Hot summer weather makes us want to picnic! A French Country style picnic. When eating outdoors, look for delicious, no cook meals. This Tuna & White Bean Salad fits the bill perfectly. Inexpensive, easy, and healty, it’s perfect on a huge salad, or in a wrap. Ideal cold or at room temperature, no mayonaise either. Customize it with olives, peppers, a little ranch dressing, maybe. Delicious! Pack this in a container, add luscious summer fruit, a baguette if you didn’t opt for the “wrap” version, c’est fini! Another favorite to eat outside in the garden, at the ocean, or in the park. {or inside, under the fan.}

Ingredients:

1 (5-ounce) can Albacore tuna in water, drained

1 (15-ounce) can small white beans, drained and rinsed

3 Roma tomatoes, {or other tomatoes fresh off the vine} chopped

1/2 large cucumber, chopped

1/2 medium red or white onion, chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more in reserve

1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, plus more in reserve

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Optional: green onions, grape tomatoes, black olives, red bell pepper, parsley, capers, celery, or grapes

Directions:

1. In a small bowl of cold water, soak the red onion for 10 minutes. Drain.

2. In a large serving bowl, combine tuna, white beans, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Add olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly. Try a spoonful of the mixture and add more seasonings as necessary.

3. Let this sit 10-15 minutes so flavors can blend together. Stir and serve by itself, on a bed of lettuce, or in a wrap, use a tortilla, or one of the special “wraps” so many markets sell these days.

Serves 4.

Dishes & Runners: French Country Tablecloths & Linens
If you want to romance your Home and Garden with antique and vintage treasures to make you smile each time you come home, visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.