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A colorful bowl of Mediterranean tuna salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and Kalamata olives.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 275
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans 5 to 6 oz each tuna, drained
  • 1 cup English cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives sliced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional Greek Variation: 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Method
 

  1. Drain the canned tuna thoroughly and add it to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to flake it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Add the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped parsley, and sliced Kalamata olives to the bowl with the tuna.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently with a spoon until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Tuna Selection: Choose solid white albacore for a firm, steak-like texture that holds up to tossing, or skipjack for a lighter, more flaky texture.
  • Control the Moisture: Squeeze excess liquid from the canned tuna before combining. De-seed the English cucumber if it is particularly watery to keep the salad crisp.
  • The "Mellow Onion" Hack: If you find raw red onion too sharp, soak the diced pieces in ice water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
  • Advance Prep: The vegetables can be chopped 24 hours in advance. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together 10 to 15 minutes before serving.