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- 2 cans of premium tuna packed in olive oil, thoroughly drained - 1 cup vibrant cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 English cucumber, diced into small cubes - 1/4 red onion, finely minced - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced for easy eating - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled into delectable chunks - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped for a burst of flavor - 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained - Juice of 1 zesty lemon - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for richness - Salt to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste When choosing tuna, look for high-quality, premium brands. Tuna packed in olive oil has a rich taste. Always check for good packaging. Cans should not be dented or rusted. Freshness is key. If you can, opt for tuna that is sustainably sourced. This adds to the overall taste and helps the planet. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, add the drained tuna. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, minced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and capers. Mix gently. Be careful not to mash the tuna. This salad is all about fresh flavors and textures. In a small bowl, combine the juice of one lemon, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk them together until well mixed. This dressing brings all the flavors to life. You want it to be bright and zesty, enhancing the salad without overpowering it. Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture. Now, fold everything together gently. Keep the tuna pieces intact for the best texture. Taste your salad and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Once you've got the right flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend beautifully. Serve it chilled or at room temperature on greens or in crusty bread. Enjoy the fresh delight! To keep the tuna intact, you must handle it with care. After draining, add it to the bowl last. This way, you can mix other ingredients first. When you combine everything, gently fold the tuna in. Avoid stirring too hard, or it will break apart. The chunks should stay whole for a great texture. You can enhance flavors in your Mediterranean tuna salad easily. Add fresh herbs, like basil or dill, to give a new twist. Try mixing in a splash of red wine vinegar for a zing. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Each addition creates a unique flavor that makes your salad stand out. Your tuna salad is great for many occasions. Serve it at picnics on a bed of greens. It also works well as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. For a more formal event, use a large, shallow bowl and garnish it. Add extra parsley and whole Kalamata olives for a beautiful look. Pair it with crusty bread for a delightful meal. Pro Tips Quality Tuna: Choose high-quality tuna packed in olive oil for a richer flavor and better texture, enhancing the overall taste of your salad. Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious dish. Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your salad before serving and adjust the seasoning to your preference; a pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the dish significantly. Fresh Herbs: Using fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also a vibrant color; consider experimenting with other fresh herbs like dill or basil for a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can make this salad even more colorful by adding extra veggies. Try bell peppers for crunch or radishes for a peppery bite. Carrots add a sweet note, while avocados bring creaminess. You can even toss in some spinach or arugula for greens. Just chop them up and mix them in with the tuna. Remember to keep the ratios balanced so the tuna stays the star. If you want a twist, consider swapping tuna for another protein. Canned salmon works well and adds a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or white beans. They are hearty and fill you up. Just rinse and drain them well before adding to the salad. Each choice changes the taste but keeps it just as tasty. Cheese can change the whole vibe of the salad. Feta gives a briny, rich taste, but you might enjoy goat cheese for a tangy kick. If you want a milder flavor, try mozzarella balls. You can also use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option. Just crumble or chop the cheese and fold it in gently. Each cheese brings its own flair to the dish. To keep your Mediterranean tuna salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This helps keep moisture out and flavors in. If you have leftovers, store them right after serving. You want to avoid letting them sit out too long. When stored well, the salad lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you see any, it's best to toss it. For the best taste, enjoy your salad within this time frame. Freezing tuna salad is not the best idea due to the textures. The ingredients may change when thawed. If you want to freeze it, do so without the dressing. Store the salad without dressing in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Add the dressing fresh when you’re ready to eat. I recommend using premium tuna packed in olive oil. This type tastes rich and adds great flavor. You can find it in cans at most grocery stores. Look for brands that use sustainable fishing practices. They often have a better taste and texture. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors will meld and taste even better after a few hours. Just cover it well with plastic wrap. Remember to stir it gently before serving to keep it fresh. For a low-carb version, skip the feta and capers. You can add more fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Instead of olives, try using avocado for creaminess. Replace the dressing with a mix of lemon juice and olive oil, keeping it light and fresh. This blog post covered fresh ingredients and pantry staples for the perfect tuna salad. You learned how to prepare the salad base, make a tasty dressing, and combine everything just right. I shared tips to keep the tuna intact and enhance flavors for any occasion. You also discovered fun variations and storage tips to keep your salad fresh. Now, you can confidently create a delicious tuna salad for any time. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends and family with your new skills!

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Delight

A refreshing and flavorful tuna salad with Mediterranean ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans premium tuna packed in olive oil, thoroughly drained
  • 1 cup vibrant cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 piece English cucumber, diced into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
  • 1 piece juice of zesty lemon
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, minced red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and capers. Mix gently to combine all ingredients without mashing the tuna.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the tuna salad mixture and gently fold everything together. Take care to keep the tuna intact for better texture and flavor balance.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully.
  • Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, either on a bed of mixed greens or as a delightful filling for crusty bread, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with extra parsley and a few whole Kalamata olives. Add slices of lemon around the rim for a pop of color and extra citrusy aroma.
Keyword healthy, Mediterranean, quick, salad, tuna