This easy tuna salad recipe may make a sandwich that friends or family who have little appetite can eat.
Dawn Kessinger/The Lima News
In January of 2020, I found myself at Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. I had a brain tumor and needed surgery to remove it, but first my neurosurgeon wanted to get the swelling in my brain under control.
I don’t remember much about the nine days I spent in the hospital. I don’t recall being hungry. Two meals I ate surprised me, though. I was aware enough to know I had to eat. But I didn’t expect hospital food — or any food, for that matter — to taste good.
The oatmeal I was served for breakfast, and the salmon I had for dinner were both memorable because they were comforting as well as delicious. In fact, I requested both meals more than once.
Knowing it’s possible to eat and enjoy food even when fighting a major health issue, when I discovered I had two friends who are receiving chemotherapy, I was inspired to find something my friends might be able to eat and maybe enjoy.
According to Mayo Clinic staff, hot foods, particularly because of their strong aroma, may be less appealing to those undergoing chemo. Cold or room-temperature foods such as sandwiches or pasta salads may be easier for loved ones with little or no appetite to consume without as many negative side effects.
A few other tips I picked up from the Mayo Clinic staff’s report on how to get nutrition during cancer treatment include using croissants (or biscuits) to make sandwiches, and adding extra meat when possible to recipes for extra protein. Milkshakes (or smoothies) are an acceptable accompaniment to a sandwich, or served as a snack by itself.
I’ve been making this easy tuna salad recipe for more than 30 years, and hope it can offer some small comfort to my friends, even if they’re not especially hungry at the moment.
If you’d like to to share a meal with The Lima News readers, I’d be happy to hear from you. Send your recipe with your name, city of residence, phone number (won’t be published) and a photo of your meal to [email protected].
Easy Tuna (or chicken) Salad
Ingredients
• 6 hard boiled eggs, chopped (I use Great Value hard-boiled eggs; six in a bag for $2.96)
• 3 5-ounce cans tuna or chicken, drained
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup dill (or sweet) relish
• Salt and pepper to taste
Optional ingredients:
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon mustard
In a large bowl, mix chopped eggs, tuna or chicken, mayonnaise, relish, lemon juice, salt and pepper and any optional ingredients you choose. Stir well. Refrigerate. Serve chilled on croissant. Add lettuce and/or tomato if you like.
Want to share a meal with The Lima News readers? Send your recipe with your name, city of residence, phone number (won’t be published) and a photo of your meal to [email protected].
