A bowl of mediterranean tuna salad and slices of pita bread on the side.
Lunch, Salads, Sandwiches

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

1 comment This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post.
4 from 3 votes

If you are looking for healthy, delicious, and fast lunch ideas, this Mediterranean Tuna Salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing is all you need!

This healthy No mayo salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, and a unique dressing comes together in less than 15 minutes. Serve it on a salad, on a sandwich, on a lettuce leaf, or a pasta. If you like tuna with pasta, check out here this delicious Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad | No Mayo.

A bowl of mediterranean tuna salad and slices of pita bread on the side.

Is Tuna Salad Healthy?

Yes, fresh or canned tuna is healthy! But it depends on whether the canned tuna is packed in water or oil also if the dressing has sugar or saturated fat (mayo).

  • Canned tuna in oil (1) has higher calories and fat than canned tuna in water (2).
  • Fresh or canned tuna is a high source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids (3), and several essential vitamins and minerals (vitamin D, selenium, and iodine).
  • Finally, canned tuna in water is good for losing weight, as it is low in calories and high in protein.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Ingredients:

This tuna salad is timeless and easy to make in less than 15 minutes. Feel free to add or take off any ingredient.

A large bowl of tuna, chopped vegetables, olives, celery and parsley. A small bowl of the mixed dressing.

Salad:

  • Canned tuna: I used canned Albacore in water.
  • Vegetables: Green bell peppers, Tomatoes, and Onions are good sources of vitamins; finely diced.
  • Olives (optional): Kalamata or black olives; it adds a slightly salty flavor.
  • Herbs: fresh celery and parsley add freshness to the salad; finely chopped.

Dressing:

  • Salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Garlic: fresh minced garlic; gives the salad a garlicky taste.
  • Lemon juice: adds freshens and brightness.
  • Balsamic vinegar: gives a tangy taste.
  • Sumac: Is a spice with a tangy taste with a hint of citrus flavor. Used in most middle eastern dishes.
  • Extra virgin Olive Oil: adds flavor.
  • Cayenne pepper (optional): gives a kick of spicy.
A bowl of mediterranean tuna salad and slices of pita bread on the side.

 How to Make Mediterranean Tuna Salad:

  1. Prepare the dressing. Whisk the salt, pepper, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, sumac, cayenne pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl or a tight-lid mason jar. Set aside.
  2. Vegetables and herbs. Finely chop the tomatoes, onions, green peppers, celery, and parsley. Use sliced or pitted Kalamata olives.
  3. Tuna. Drain the tuna very well to prevent the tuna salad from becoming watery.
  4. Serve. Finally, add the drained tuna and vegetables into a large serving bowl. Then pour the dressing all over and mix well.

How to serve this Tuna salad?

  • Sandwich: Add the Tuna to Whole Wheat or White Pita Bread. Or wrap it in a Lettuce leaf for a lighter low carb option.
  • Salad: Place it in a bed of Mixed Greens.
  • Pasta: Whole Wheat or Regular pasta.
A tuna salad in a lettuce leaf

Storage:

Place the leftover in an air-tight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

CHECK OUT MORE RECIPES:

Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad | No Mayo

Best Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Oven Baked Shrimp | Middle-Eastern

15 Minutes Spicy Shrimp Recipe

Baked Salmon | Easy, Fast And Healthy

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

4 from 3 votes
Recipe by Raneem Course: LunchCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Calories

210

kcal
Total time

15

minutes

This healthy No mayo salad is loaded with fresh vegetables, and a delicious, unique dressing comes together in less than 15 minutes. Serve it on a salad, on a sandwich, on a lettuce leaf, or pasta.

Ingredients

  • Salad:
  • 2 Cans 2 Albacore Tuna in water (5 ounces each)

  • 1/2 Medium 1/2 Red or Yellow Onion, Finely Chopped

  • 1 1 Tomato, Finely Chopped

  • 1/2 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, Finely Chopped

  • 1/2 Cup 1/2 Celery, Finely Chopped (about 1 stalk)

  • 2 Tablespoons 2 Fresh Parsley, stem removed, Finely Chopped

  • 1/2 Cup 1/2 Black Kalamata Olives, sliced or pitted

  • Balsamic vinaigrette Dressing:
  • 1 Teaspoon 1 Sea Salt

  • 1/2 Teaspoon 1/2 Black Pepper

  • 1/4 Cup 1/4 Freshly squeezed Lemon Juice (1 Lemon)

  • 2 Tablespoons 2 Balsamic Vinegar

  • 2 Tablespoons 2 Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • 1 Clove 1 Minced Garlic

  • 1 Teaspoon 1 Sumac

  • 1/8 Teaspoon 1/8 Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Directions

  • Whisk together the salt, black pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, sumac, and cayenne pepper (optional) in a small bowl or a tight-lid mason jar. Set aside.
  • Drain the tuna very well from any excess water.
  • Add the chopped vegetables, kalamata olives, celery, and parsley to a large mixing bowl.
  • Pour the dressing all over, mix well and serve

Notes

  • Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you like to add a spicy kick.
  • Feel free to add or take off anything you prefer.

Like this recipe? Share it on Instagram!

Tag @eatenjoybyraneem on Instagram and hashtag it #eatenjoybyraneem

Like this recipe?

Follow us @https://www.pinterest.com/eatenjoybyraneem/ on Pinterest

Did you make this recipe? Share it with your friends!

Follow us on Facebook

One Comment

  1. Excellent recipe! Thank you for sharing it.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*