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.
Made several times. Great summer lunch or light dinner.
What kind of crackers are in the pic or did I miss it?
These are Mary’s Gone Crackers crackers. :)
I made this recipe, it was delicious. I put the recipe on my blog with your link at the end of the page, I hope you don’t mind.
I DEFINITELY recommend adding cucumber! Everything Mediterranean has cucumber and it’s a wonderful addition ? I also nixed the capers (I don’t have any and I’m not a huge fan) but it tastes awesome!
I liked the additives in this recipe. Very good and light. I have always liked tuna but ate it plain with just mayo and relish. The crackers pictured look like a healthy choice as well. Can you tell me the brand on those?
I am doing Weight Watchers and made this for my lunch this week. I scooped my serving into Romaine Hearts and added diced tomato on top. Only addition to the recipe I made was a few glugs of red wine vinegar. It is so delicious! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful recipes!
Have you ever made this with Tuna Steak? Not much for Tuna in a can
I haven’t, but that would be just fine!
I don’t know what anti inflammatory diet this is but tomatoes are a no no… ALL nightshade vegetables cause inflammation. Tomatoes are at the top of the list.
This looks sooo good! Do you happen to know the calories per serving?
THE SALAD LOOKS GREAT, BUT THOSE CRACKERS LOOK YUMMY TOO! WHAT KIND OF CRACKERS ARE THOSE???
The brand is called “Mary’s Gone Crackers” :)
Just tried tuna with mashed avacado and lemon juice instead of mayo (which always gives me terrible heartburn). It was delicious and im going to add your extras in next time. Yummy and full of protein and healthy fat.
*Raises hand* YES I am totally in a lunch slump!! I am putting this on my list for sure!
Sounds delicious with an attractive way of serving. Cheers!