10-Min Mediterranean Tuna Salad (Bold & Healthy) Recipe
This vibrant and refreshing 10-Min Mediterranean Tuna Salad combines quality canned tuna with crisp vegetables, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty mustard vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or light dinner, this salad brings bright Mediterranean flavors with a hint of spice and citrus zest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
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)
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 and 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, chopped (about 1 cup fresh parsley)
- 10–15 fresh mint leaves, stems removed, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup fresh mint)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lime zest, and lime juice until combined. Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil, then whisk in the sumac, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until the vinaigrette is smooth and emulsified. Set aside briefly.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the drained tuna along with chopped celery, English cucumber, radishes, green onions, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, freshly chopped parsley, and mint leaves. Gently mix all the ingredients using a wooden spoon to maintain texture.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared zesty mustard vinaigrette over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Chill before Serving: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. When ready to serve, gently toss the salad again to refresh the ingredients and vinaigrette distribution.
Notes
- Use high-quality tuna, such as solid white albacore or chunk light, for best flavor and texture.
- Sumac adds a tangy, lemony flavor but can be omitted if unavailable, though it enriches the Mediterranean profile.
- The crushed red pepper flakes are optional for adding gentle heat; omit if you prefer milder flavors.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
- Serve over greens or with crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Keywords: Mediterranean tuna salad, quick tuna salad, healthy tuna salad, no-cook salad, summer salad, low fat lunch, easy tuna recipe
