Zesty Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Name: Zesty Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans of tuna (5 oz each), drained; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced; 2 tbsp capers, drained; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook:

🍽 Serves: 8

Meet your new go-to meal: Zesty Mediterranean Tuna Salad. This recipe is a vibrant mix of fresh flavors and textures, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It's like taking a mini-vacation to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights.
Loaded with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Packed with protein and low in carbs — great for a health-conscious meal.
Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
No cooking required — ideal for hot summer days.

Ingredients

2 cans of tuna (5 oz each), drained

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

2 tbsp capers, drained

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by preparing your ingredients. Open the cans of tuna and drain them well; you don't want any excess liquid making the salad soggy. Place the tuna in a large mixing bowl. Next, finely dice the red onion and add it to the bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes and toss them in, followed by the diced cucumber.

Slice the Kalamata olives and add them to the mix, along with the capers. Chop the fresh parsley and basil, then sprinkle them over the salad. These herbs will add a garden-fresh aroma and taste.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Give it a good whisk until it's emulsified and smooth.

Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or salad tongs, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.

Tips & Tricks

For a creamier texture, add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a dollop of mayonnaise.
Chill the salad for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
If you prefer a more robust flavor, use oil-packed tuna instead of water-packed.

Serving Suggestions

This tuna salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad. Stuff it into a pita pocket for an easy sandwich. Pair it with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying snack. It also makes a great filling for lettuce wraps if you're looking to keep things light and low-carb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?: Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and flake the fresh tuna before using it in the salad.
How long will leftovers last in the fridge?: The salad will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I make this salad in advance?: Yes, but for the best texture, add the cucumbers and tomatoes just before serving.

Ingredients Explained

The foundation of this salad is tuna, a lean source of protein that's both satisfying and nutritious. Red onion adds a spicy bite that complements the tuna perfectly. Cherry tomatoes bring a pop of sweetness and juiciness. Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the salad's texture. Kalamata olives introduce a salty, briny flavor that feels quintessentially Mediterranean. Capers, with their tangy punch, elevate the salad's complexity. Fresh parsley and basil add brightness and a hint of herbal aroma. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, ties everything together with a zesty finish. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, capers, parsley, and basil.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and gently toss to combine.

4. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve immediately.

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