Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Tuna Salad featuring a zesty Dijon mustard and lime vinaigrette, combined with crisp vegetables, tangy Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs. This salad is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for light lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing
- 2 1/2 teaspoons good quality Dijon mustard
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 1 1/2 limes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sumac
- Pinch of kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Tuna Salad
- 3 cans tuna, 5 ounces each (use quality tuna of your choice)
- 2 1/2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 English cucumber, chopped
- 4–5 radishes, stems removed, chopped
- 3 green onions, both white and green parts chopped
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 1 bunch parsley, stems removed, about 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 10–15 fresh mint leaves, stems removed, finely chopped, about 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lime zest, and lime juice until well combined. Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil, then whisk in sumac, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Whisk thoroughly until the vinaigrette is emulsified and set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, gently combine the drained tuna with chopped celery, cucumber, radishes, green onions, red onion, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley, and fresh mint. Mix carefully using a wooden spoon to keep the tuna flakes intact.
- Add Dressing and Chill: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the tuna salad. Mix gently again to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, toss the salad gently once more to refresh the ingredients. Serve chilled as a light meal or side dish.
Notes
- Use quality tuna for best flavor—either chunk light or solid white albacore works well.
- Feel free to omit the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder salad.
- This salad can be served over a bed of greens or with crusty bread for a fuller meal.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For an extra twist, add cherry tomatoes or capers to enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean tuna salad, healthy tuna salad, no-cook lunch, Dijon mustard vinaigrette, fresh herbs tuna salad
