Description
Mediterranean magic unfolds in this quick tuna salad, blending zesty flavors from Greece and Italy with crisp vegetables and rich protein. Packed with freshness and nutrition, you’ll savor each vibrant bite of this simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 3 cans (5 ounces each) quality tuna (such as wild-caught Albacore or Yellowfin), drained
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 1/2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 1/2 English cucumber (chopped)
- 4–5 radishes (chopped)
- 3 green onions (chopped (white and green parts))
- 1/2 medium red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 bunch parsley (stems removed, chopped (about 1 cup))
- 10–15 fresh mint leaves (stems removed and finely chopped (about 1/2 cup))
Seasonings and Dressing:
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 lime zest
- 1 1/2 limes juice
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives (halved)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by blending Dijon mustard with zesty lime zest and freshly squeezed lime juice in a small mixing vessel.
- Create a silky emulsion by gradually streaming olive oil while continuously whisking the mixture until smooth and integrated.
- Enhance the dressing with sumac, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, whisking thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- In a spacious salad bowl, combine drained tuna with a medley of crisp vegetables: diced celery, cucumber, radishes, green and red onions.
- Introduce briny olives and fragrant herbs like parsley and mint to the vegetable-tuna mixture, gently folding ingredients to maintain their delicate texture.
- Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, delicately tossing to ensure each ingredient is gracefully coated with the tangy dressing.
- Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Give the salad a final gentle toss before presenting it in warm pita pockets, crisp lettuce wraps, or atop roasted tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Notes
- Boost protein by adding chickpeas or white beans for extra nutrition and texture.
- Swap canned tuna with grilled chicken or plant-based alternatives like tofu for vegetarian options.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium tuna and cutting back on olives.
- Enhance freshness by chopping herbs right before mixing to preserve vibrant flavors and aromatic qualities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg