Go Back
Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe - Cheap Delicious Meals

There’s something about Mediterranean cuisine that feels like a warm embrace. It’s vibrant, fresh, and often embodies the essence of healthful eating. 
For me, the Mediterranean Tuna Salad stands out not just as a dish but as an experience. A sunny afternoon, a picnic blanket sprawled out under a tree, and a bowl of this colorful salad at the center of it all.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 228
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
  • ¼ cup fire-roasted red bell peppers, chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped seedless English cucumber
  • 1 tablespoon 1 plus 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons drained capers
  • 3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ¼ cup sliced Kalamata olives
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
  1. Start by finely dicing the onion and garlic. Make sure to chop your fire-roasted peppers and English cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
  2. This will set the foundation for the salad. The fine cuts yield a harmonious blend of flavors and make for a crisp texture.
Step 2: Mix the Base
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, capers, red onion, garlic, and roasted red bell peppers. Be gentle while mixing; you want to ensure that the tuna stays nice and chunky.
Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients
  1. Next, toss in the chopped cucumber, Kalamata olives, parsley, and dill. Each of these adds a unique flavor. The olives introduce a briny aspect, while the herbs provide freshness.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
  1. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and cracked black pepper. Drizzle this over the salad; it adds that necessary zing.
Step 5: Combine Everything
  1. Carefully combine all the ingredients, ensuring every component is covered in the dressing. If it looks dry, feel free to drizzle more olive oil. Season with salt to taste.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
  1. For the best flavors, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

Here are a few tips to ensure your salad turns out amazing:
  • Use Quality Tuna: Pick high-quality albacore tuna in olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
  • Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip on the parsley and dill. They brighten the salad and are key to achieving that fresh taste.
  • Experiment with Olives: If you love olives, consider mixing different varieties for added depth.
  • Add a Crunch: For extra texture, consider throwing in some diced celery or a handful of chickpeas.
Adjust the Dressing: Depending on your taste, feel free to adjust the lemon juice or mustard for the dressing. More tang? Add another splash of lemon.