Re-purposed leftovers: Grilled Tuna Steak dinner followed by Salade Nicoise

I love to shop at Costco.  The large packaging sizes can be a problem…..or they can be a benefit.  We like to purchase the tuna steaks.  They are typically offered in a package of two large steaks.   Great price, great quality and they make a simple meal on the grill.  I use this basic recipe for Grilled Tuna and then add in whatever fresh herbs I have on hand or whatever interesting spice I come across in my cabinets.  I am a scientist, so I do like to experiment.  Even in my kitchen with my dinner!  On this particular BBQ evening, I stuck with the lime and used cilantro.

For the original meal, I served the grilled tuna with a salad, crusty bread and roasted garlic (easy enough to throw on the grill in some foil while the fish cooks or preferably earlier so it has time to get warm and carmelize).  The steaks were very large, so after a few appetizers the three of us only managed to chow down on one of the two tuna steaks.  Leftover problem….no problem!

A couple of years ago I had a wonderful Salade Nicoise at a local restaurant.  Sounds fancy, but really provides a substantial meal and the flexibility to use what you have available.  I was fortunate enough to have a grilled tuna steak, but canned tuna works as well.  ‘Standard’ ingredients include potatoes and hard boiled eggs.  I started boiling the potatoes and after about 15-minutes, I added the eggs.  I like my potatoes al dente (a bit crunchy) in a salad.  Another ‘standard’ ingredient is green beans.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have any available.  If I did, I would have cooked or blanched them with the potatoes and eggs.

Here’s is a great basic recipe for a French Vinaigrette.  You can see the ingredients I used below (olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, tarragon, lemon, salt and pepper).  I really enjoy the ‘zip’ of Dijon mustard and use it on sandwiches, as a marinade on meat, and in dressing.  I buy bucket-sized jars of Grey Poupon at Costco, but my favorite brand to date is Maille.  I have seen this at World Market (Cost Plus).  I was lucky enough to visit France last week.  Can’t wait to use my souvenir mustard.  They had all kinds of interesting ’embellishments’ (dill, pepper, herb mix).  Shallots are another great option in addition to or in place of the garlic.  I love tarragon.  I throw everything in a jar and give it a good shake.  Simple!

Again, this salad is about what you have on hand (romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, anchovies, capers, olives, radishes).  If you love it, throw it in.  Wow!  Look at this amazing, fresh, healthy, satisfying meal.  Yum!

Please let me know what you think by adding a comment using the link just under the post title.  Do you have a great idea for leftovers?

take care.

Laura