If you’re craving something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Mediterranean Tuna Salad will hit the spot! This dish is the perfect blend of crisp vegetables, protein-packed tuna, and Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like olives, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a side dish for your next picnic, this salad is a total game-changer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Name: Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: *For the Salad:*; – 3 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained; – 1 cucumber, diced; – 1 red bell pepper, diced; – 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; – 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; – 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; – 1/4 cup capers, drained; – 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; – 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; – Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; *For the Dressing:*; – 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; – Zest of 1 lime; – Juice of 1 1/2 limes; – 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; – 1/2 teaspoon ground sumac (optional); – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); – Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

This isn’t just your regular tuna salad. It’s packed with vibrant flavors, healthy fats, and satisfying protein. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it as a standalone meal or as a side to complement grilled meats or crusty bread. It’s great for any occasion!

Budget-Friendly: Canned tuna is an affordable protein source, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this salad both economical and delicious.

Quick and Easy: Toss everything together in just a few minutes for a healthy, no-cook meal that requires very little prep time.

Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the tuna for chicken or chickpeas if you’re craving something different.

Crowd-Pleasing: This salad is light yet filling, making it perfect for family meals, potlucks, or a tasty lunch at work.

Ingredients in Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Mediterranean-inspired salad. Simple, fresh, and flavorful!

Tuna: The star of the salad! Use high-quality canned tuna, packed in olive oil or water, depending on your preference.

Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, cucumber adds a crisp texture that balances the richness of the tuna.

Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes burst with flavor in every bite, adding color and tang.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives the salad a mild sharpness that enhances the other flavors.

Kalamata Olives: Briny and savory, these olives give the salad its Mediterranean flair and a little salty kick.

Feta Cheese: Creamy, crumbly feta adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Olive Oil: A key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to the dressing.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the salad, adding a zesty punch to balance the richness of the tuna.

Dried Oregano: The classic herb that brings a touch of Greek flavor to the mix.

Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Instructions

Let’s get this Mediterranean Tuna Salad ready in a few simple steps:

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and chopping the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Slice the cucumber into half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.

Drain the Tuna: Open the cans of tuna and drain the liquid. Flake the tuna with a fork in a large mixing bowl.

Combine the Ingredients: Add the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives to the tuna. Crumble the feta cheese on top and gently toss everything together.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad is perfect on its own, with a side of pita bread, or even as a topping for a bed of greens.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~300 calories

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Mediterranean Tuna Salad

This Mediterranean Tuna Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
– Serve it with a side of warm pita bread or toasted baguette slices for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
– Enjoy it over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light but filling meal.
– Pair it with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken for a more substantial dinner.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the dressing or toss in some sliced jalapeños.
– For added texture, consider tossing in some roasted chickpeas or toasted almonds.
– If you have any leftovers, this salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of tuna?
Yes, you can use canned tuna packed in oil or water, depending on your preference. You could also substitute with salmon for a different twist.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep the vegetables crisp.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or even some avocado for extra richness.

4. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the tuna and add chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein for a satisfying vegetarian version.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to store the dressing separately if possible.

6. Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of feta, you can use goat cheese or even mozzarella for a creamier texture.

7. Can I serve this as a side dish?
Absolutely! This salad is the perfect side for grilled meats, seafood, or even a simple pasta dish.

8. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
Yes, fresh oregano or basil will work great in place of dried oregano. Just use about twice the amount of fresh herbs.

9. Can I add nuts to this salad?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds would add a lovely crunch and extra richness to the salad.

10. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to pair it with gluten-free bread or crackers if you’re serving it alongside.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Tuna Salad is the perfect combination of fresh veggies, briny olives, tangy feta, and zesty dressing. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—exactly what you need for a satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a bigger spread, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a little taste of the Mediterranean!