Kalamata Tuna Salad

I'm having a girls dog-walk and lunch today with my daughter, granddaughter and a good friend of theirs.  These two foods pair well to make an easy, do-ahead lunch.

3/4-1c mayonnaise
2-4T balsamic vinegar
sea salt and ground garlic
black pepper

1 12oz. can tuna - drained

2/3 c chopped kalamata olives

1 sm.-med. onion - chopped

2 stalks celery - sliced thin

1c frozen peas

7oz. pasta - cooked al dente and drained

~ 3-4 oz. capers ~ optional 

Combine the first group of ingredients in a large bowl.  Taste it to see what adjustments are needed, then add everything else.  Toss and chill several hours.  Serve with chopped, seasoned tomatoes and cucumbers. . .Lin


A Favorite Tomatoes and Cucumber Salad

2 med. cucumbers - rough peeled and chopped
2 med. tomatoes - chopped
1 shallot - peeled and sliced
sea salt and ground garlic
black pepper
a big splash of balsamic vinegar
1/2c± extra virgin olive oil
sliced avocados

Combine everything but the avocado in a medium bowl.  Cover and chill a couple hours.  Just before serving, garnish with the sliced avocado. . .Lin