Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Lemon and Fresh Herbs
Tuna Salad
Bright, refreshing salad with canned tuna, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch or light dinner.
Nutrition (per serving)
This Mediterranean Tuna Salad is one of my go-to recipes when I want something delicious that comes together in minutes. It's the kind of dish that proves you don't need fancy ingredients—just quality basics prepared with care. Canned tuna gets a bad rap, but when you treat it right and pair it with vibrant vegetables and a proper vinaigrette, it becomes something truly special.
What I love most about this salad is its flexibility. It's equally at home in your lunch box, on the dinner table, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread. The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and bright lemon brings real sunshine to your plate. It's nourishing, satisfying, and honestly, it's the kind of simple meal that makes you feel good about what you're eating.
Ingredients
- Canned tuna in water:2 cans (5 oz each)
- Mixed salad greens:4 cups
- Cherry tomatoes:1 cup
- Cucumber:1 medium
- Red onion:¼ cup
- Kalamata olives:⅓ cup
- Fresh parsley:3 tbsp
- Fresh dill:1 tbsp
- Extra virgin olive oil:3 tbsp
- Fresh lemon juice:2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard:½ tsp
- Salt:to taste pinch
- Black pepper:to taste pinch
Instructions
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Drain the canned tuna well and flake it gently with a fork into a small bowl.
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Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
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Wash and dry your salad greens, then place them in a large bowl.
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Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, thinly slice the red onion, and add all to the greens along with the olives.
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Add the flaked tuna to the salad bowl.
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Pour the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is well coated.
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Sprinkle fresh parsley and dill over the top, give it one more gentle toss, and serve immediately.
Tips & Notes
- Drain your canned tuna really well—squeeze it gently in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess water and ensure a better texture.
- Make the dressing first so the flavors meld while you're prepping the vegetables.
- This salad is best served right away, but you can keep the components separate and assemble it just before eating if you prefer.
- Crumbled feta cheese or a soft-boiled egg would be wonderful additions if you want extra richness.
