Mediterranean Tuna Salad is fresh and light - serve in a tomato, over lettuce, between slices of bread, or scoop with crackers!
Let it be known that I’m not a huge tuna salad sandwich lover. I think the last time I had one was when the sub shop I used to frequent in college was out of turkey and it was the next best option, or something. It’s not that I don’t like tuna, but the thought of it combined with globs of mayonnaise, pickles, and celery just doesn’t really do it for me.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad though? Totally slaying the tuna salad game!
Mediterranean Tuna Salad is flaky tuna is combined with bright, fresh flavors including kalamata olives, red onion, basil, fire-roasted red peppers, and tons of tangy capers. They are without a doubt my favorite part of the mix. I kept the mayo but used it sparingly. Just enough to keep the salad together, plus added a drizzle of fresh lemon juice to really brighten things up.
Tuna salad is a fantastic lunch choice because it’s packed with protein to keep you full all afternoon, and super portable. Serve it in a fresh tomato like I’m showing here, pack it in a container then dip into it with crunchy crackers, spread it between two slices of bread, stuff it into a pita pocket, or scoop onto fresh greens. Quick, easy, fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious!
For two lunches you’ll need 2, 5oz cans tuna packed in water. Drain the tuna then add it to a big bowl.
Next add all the goodies including 1/4 cup chopped kalamata or mixed olives, 2 Tablespoons minced red onion, 2 Tablespoons chopped fire roasted red peppers (I don’t even know what inspired me to add them but I loved the addition!!) 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil, and 1 Tablespoon capers. Three cheers for only needing to clean a bowl, cutting board, and Tablespoon after making this dish!
Finally add 1/4 cup olive oil mayonnaise, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper then mix to combine.
To serve the Mediterranean Tuna Salad in a tomato cup, choose a large ripe tomato then slice it into sixths without cutting all the way through. Gently pry it open then scoop the salad into the center and serve!
Ingredients
- 2, 5 oz cans tuna packed in water, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata or mixed olives
- 2 Tablespoons minced red onion
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fire roasted red peppers
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 Tablespoon capers
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- salt and pepper
- 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, option al
Directions
- Add all ingredients except tomatoes to a large bowl then stir to combine.
- Slice tomatoes into sixths, without cutting all the way through, then gently pry open. Scoop Mediterranean Tuna Salad mixture into the center then serve.
Notes
- Could also serve tuna salad as a sandwich, in a pita pocket, on a bed of greens, or with crackers.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Not really a fan of tuna but just had to say that I love the presentation of this!
Tuna is not really my jam, but I am NUTSO over chicken salad. I would love to see your take on a chicken salad recipe.
I agree! Not a huge tuna fan, but always looking for new chicken salad recipes – especially since chicken salad is a staple in my lunches! Keep the great lunch ideas coming – it IS a tough meal to plan for!
p.s. I recently your shrimp/avocado salad – so delicious, fresh and filling! Especially loved the marinade that doubled as the dressing. :)
***recently made…can’t type this evening, apparently!
Sounds just wonderful! Pinning and putting on my menu. Thanks. :)
Looks yummy! And is so beautifully served!
I’m a picky tuna and mayo eater, but once I saw the capers I was sold! I’ll probably be making this in the next week!!
This is right up my alley! Can’t wait to try it.. I might try canned salmon because I prefer it to canned tuna!
Have you tried TJ’s new whole grain gluten free bread? I think it’s really good!
I love any form of mediterranean salads and this looks delish. Like others have said I’d probably mix mine with some greek yogurt (nothing against mayo) for a little tang.
If you can’t stand the idea of so much mayo you can replace half of it with Greek yogurt. You’ll maintain the creamy texture and taste and it’s a lot healthier!
Kristen, I’m also gluten free and definitely feel your pain when it comes to decent GF bread. I found Canyon Bakehouse bread at Target, it’s about $5.50 a loaf, but it’s by far the best GF bread I’ve ever had. It’s moist and chewy. Tastes good as toast, and as bread. I’d definitely recommend it.
Ditto!! Diagnosed with Celiac 8 years ago and I’ve tried so many nasty breads. Canyon Bakehouse is amazing. My gluten eating hubby even likes it!
Ok awesome!! I will definitely buy a loaf then! I was never a huge bread girl but like they say, you only want it when you can’t have it. :)
I love you for posting this—I found out recently that I need to mega up my protein intake, so I’ve been on the hunt for healthy, high protein lunches. This is perfecto!
This is awesome tuna salad! I make mine with some greek yogurt and hot sauce, this is so much better! And Mediterranean flavors are my all time favorite ever! :) Also going to try that smoked salmon with my eggs!
Yay! Love this lunch idea! I am with you 100% on the lunch slump! Keep those ideas coming because I pack my lunch daily for work and am forever searching the cupboards trying to make this lunch thing work!
This sounds so good – I have made something similar with garbanzo beans and a little vinaigrette instead of mayo. What are those crackers in the picture?? They look amazing.
Thanks for all you do – love your blog!
OOOoo! that sounds great, Nora! Although I am great with mayo in moderation but my husband hates mayo…would you mind sharing this chick pea alternative?
I actually use tuna packed in olive oil – add a little dijon or red wine vinegar (start with a teaspoon) add some salt and pepper. I just open a can a beans, rinse and drain and add to the tuna.
They’re Mary’s Gone Crackers crackers. Love them!
Yum! Where do you find the crackers at?
I get them at my regular grocery store (HyVee) and have seen them at Whole Foods before too. I think Costco sells them too!
Thank you! That was going to be my question, too!