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- Tuna (canned in olive oil) - Fresh vegetables (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion) - Kalamata olives and feta cheese - Capers and parsley Let’s dive into the main ingredients. First, I love using tuna canned in olive oil. It adds a rich flavor. Next, fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion bring crunch and color. Kalamata olives and feta cheese give the salad a salty kick. I also add capers for a briny taste and parsley for freshness. - Extra virgin olive oil - Fresh lemon juice - Seasonings (salt and pepper) Now, let’s talk about the dressing. I use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity taste. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. Finally, I season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - Overview of calorie count and macro breakdown - Health benefits of the primary ingredients This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. On average, one serving has about 300 calories. It’s packed with protein from the tuna. You also get healthy fats from the olive oil and olives. Veggies add fiber and essential vitamins. This meal is great for your heart and helps you feel full. Enjoy this delightful dish while knowing you’re eating well! Combining the salad ingredients Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, rinsed capers, and chopped parsley. Use a fork to gently break up the tuna as you mix. This helps blend all the flavors together. Preparing the dressing In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and combined. This dressing adds a bright flavor that enhances the salad. Tossing the salad and ensuring even coating Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to break up the feta cheese too much. You want those nice, creamy bites in every scoop. Adjusting seasoning according to taste Take a moment to taste your salad. If you feel it needs more flavor, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. This is your chance to make it perfect for you. Importance of allowing flavors to meld Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This time allows the flavors to blend nicely. It makes a big difference in taste. Optimal time for resting Ten minutes is just right. It’s enough time for the ingredients to soak in the dressing without getting soggy. Enjoy the wait; the result will be worth it! When making Mediterranean tuna salad, the right ingredients matter. For tuna, I recommend using canned tuna packed in olive oil. It adds rich flavor and moisture. Look for brands that source fish sustainably. This choice can enhance taste and support the environment. For olives, choose Kalamata olives. They bring a bold taste that pairs well with tuna. Check for pitted olives to save time. You can find them in jars or from the deli section. When it comes to cheese, feta adds creaminess. Look for blocks of feta rather than crumbled for better texture. Freshness is key, so check the expiration date. For tomatoes and cucumbers, choose ripe options. Ripe cherry tomatoes should feel slightly soft but not mushy. Pick cucumbers that are firm and vibrant green. The flavor will be much better in your salad! To serve your salad, pair it with crusty bread. A nice baguette or pita can soak up the flavors. If you enjoy wine, a crisp white wine complements the dish nicely. For a beautiful display, serve the salad on a large platter. Arrange the ingredients in sections for a colorful look. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds a burst of color and invites people to dig in! Balancing flavors is essential for a tasty salad. Start with the dressing. Use a good amount of lemon juice to brighten the dish. The acidity of the lemon pairs well with the rich tuna and feta. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. This small addition can elevate the whole dish. For garnishes, consider adding capers on top for a salty kick. A few extra parsley leaves will also add a fresh touch. These small details can make your Mediterranean tuna salad stand out. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can switch up the fish in this salad. Try using salmon or sardines instead of tuna. Both add unique flavors and nutrients. You can also change the cheese. Swap feta for goat cheese or even cheddar. Mix in roasted peppers or artichokes for added taste. Each choice gives the salad a new twist. If you need a gluten-free option, this salad is perfect. Just stick to the fresh ingredients. For a low-carb version, skip the olives or cheese. If you're vegan, use tofu or chickpeas. Both options provide protein and a good texture. This makes the salad filling without meat or dairy. You can adjust the salad based on the seasons. In spring, add fresh herbs like dill or mint. In summer, include sweet corn or snap peas for crunch. Fall is great for roasted squash or pumpkin seeds. Winter calls for hearty greens like kale. These changes keep your salad fresh and exciting all year round. To keep your Mediterranean tuna salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and air from spoiling it. The salad lasts in the fridge for about 3 days. After that, the ingredients might lose their crunch and flavor. You can freeze this salad, but it’s not ideal. Tuna can change texture when frozen. The olives and vegetables may become mushy. If you still want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. Use it within a month for the best taste. To reheat, avoid using a microwave, as it can make the salad soggy. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps bring back some texture. If you need warmth, serve it on a plate and warm it gently in a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Enjoy your Mediterranean tuna salad as if it were fresh! You can add grains or proteins to make this salad more filling. Here are some tips: - Quinoa: Cooked quinoa adds fiber and protein. - Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are a great source of protein and easy to add. - Brown rice: This adds bulk and a nutty flavor. - Hard-boiled eggs: Chopped eggs give extra protein and richness. Adding any of these options will keep the salad tasty and healthy. Yes, you can use canned tuna in water. However, there are some flavor differences. Tuna in olive oil is richer and has a distinct taste. It also adds healthy fats. Tuna in water is lighter and lower in calories. If you choose water-packed tuna, consider adding more olive oil in the dressing for flavor. Yes, this salad is great for meal prep. Here are some guidelines: - Make in advance: You can prepare the salad a day before. - Store in the fridge: Keep it in an airtight container. - Add dressing later: Wait to add the dressing until just before eating. This helps keep the salad fresh. Following these tips will keep your Mediterranean tuna salad tasty and ready to enjoy throughout the week. Mediterranean tuna salad brings together fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. We covered essential ingredients like tuna, fresh veggies, olives, and feta. The simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice elevates the dish. Nutritional insights showed its health benefits and low calories. Consider trying different fish or veggie options for variety. This salad is perfect for meal prep and offers great storage tips. Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to make a dish that tastes fantastic and nourishes your body. Enjoy every bite!

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Discover the perfect Mediterranean Tuna Salad that’s quick, fresh, and bursting with flavor! This delightful recipe features tender tuna, cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and briny olives, all dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can create a healthy dish that serves four and leaves everyone craving more. Click through to explore this easy recipe and elevate your meal planning today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cans (6 oz each) of tuna packed in olive oil, drained

1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup of cucumber, diced into small pieces

½ cup of red onion, finely chopped

1 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and cut in half

½ cup of feta cheese, crumbled into small bits

1 tablespoon of capers, rinsed under cold water and drained

2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, rinsed capers, and chopped parsley. Use a fork to break up the tuna gently as you mix in the other ingredients.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until the dressing is well combined and emulsified.

      Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the tuna mixture and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly coated in the dressing. Be careful not to break up the feta cheese too much during this process.

        Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.

          Allow the salad to rest for approximately 10 minutes at room temperature. This resting period will allow the flavors to meld and develop beautifully before serving.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

              Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an additional wedge of lemon on the side for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean feast!