My “perfect” recipe

While it is extremely difficult for me to narrow down to saying one thing is my absolute favorite in the whole wide world, there is a long list of things I really like. Here is just one of the items on my list. I like to call these my Brown Paper Packages!

Do you know Pioneer Woman? I mean don’t really know her, but have you heard of her? Well, she has this way of labeling her favorite recipes by inserting the word “perfect” before the name of them. For example, Perfect Pie Crust, Perfect French Fries, Perfect Iced Coffee, etc. And let me say her “perfect” recipes that I’ve tried are pretty darn good, especially the iced coffee. Anyway, I’m kind of borrowing her idea and naming the recipe I’m sharing with you, Perfect Tuna Salad. That’s not what you were expecting, is it? Tuna salad is just tuna salad. But oh no, I’ve found the Perfect Tuna Salad. I make it at least every two weeks and we eat on it for lunch or snacks or maybe even dinner (if I didn’t have time to cook).

P.S. Please excuse my pitiful food photography . . . and my messy kitchen.

The recipe is below. I’m not very particular about measuring things exactly (unless I’m baking) so you may want to alter the amounts depending on your preferences. It makes a pretty large batch if you want to half it.

So, there’s not much more to say. We love it! It’s hearty, pretty healthy, and super easy to mix up. Enjoy!

1 small red onion, chopped
4 stalks of celery, chopped
4-5 carrots, chopped
5-6 baby dill pickles, chopped
2 cans of white albacore tuna in water (I haven’t tried it but you could probably sub in chicken.)
1 bag of real bacon bits
1 cup of mayo
1 packet of ranch powder mix
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups (at least) of cooked egg noodles (THE SECRET INGREDIENT)

Cook egg noodles and let them come to room temperature. While they are cooking and cooling, cut the first four ingredients up and put in a mixing bowl with the tuna. Mix mayo and ranch powder together and add to the mixing bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. After egg noodles are cooled mix them in as well. Serve with chips, crackers, or our favorite on a bed of romaine lettuce. Let me know what you think!