Seared-Tuna and Radish Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Contributed by Quick From Scratch Soups & Salads

ACTIVE:
TOTAL TIME:
SERVINGS: 4

FAST

Preparing this salad is no trouble at all, but if you want it easier than easy, or you just don't like medium-rare fish, use canned tuna instead of the fresh steaks.

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7 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 pound tuna steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, minced
2 heads Bibb lettuce (about 1 pound), torn into bite-size pieces (about 3 quarts)
10 radishes, halved lengthwise and sliced thin crosswise

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderately high heat. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon each of the salt and the pepper over the tuna. Cook the fish for 2 minutes. Turn and cook until done to your taste, 2 to 3 minutes longer for medium rare. Transfer the tuna to a carving board.
In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons oil slowly, whisking.
Cut the tuna into 1/2-inch-thick slices. In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the lettuce and the radishes and toss with all but 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette.
Put the salad on plates. Top with the tuna slices and drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top.

Notes Variation:

Substitute two six-ounce cans of drained canned tuna for the fresh tuna. Skip Step 1 completely and add the drained canned tuna along with the lettuce and radishes.

Suggested Pairing

Pinot Noir works beautifully with meaty fish such as salmon, swordfish, and especially tuna. For this salad, pour one of the many excellent examples from Oregon, where Pinot Noirs have bright raspberry flavors and a refreshing, lively crispness.