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Ultimate Mediterranean No-Mayo Tuna Salad

Discover your new favorite lunch with this Ultimate Mediterranean No-Mayo Tuna Salad! Bursting with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing, this vibrant salad is a healthy and satisfying choice. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for those following a Mediterranean lifestyle or anyone looking for a delicious alternative to traditional tuna salad.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 365
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 3 cans approx. 5 oz / 142g each tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
  • 1 1/2 cups marinated artichoke hearts drained and roughly chopped
  • 3/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted, halved or quartered
  • 3/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 3/4 cup English cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers from a jar, drained and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons capers drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup green onions thinly sliced
For the Zesty Lemon-Herb Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon approx. 3-4 tablespoons
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3/8 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or a jar with a secure lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  2. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently flake the drained tuna using a fork. Add the roughly chopped marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, finely chopped red onion, diced English cucumber, chopped roasted red peppers, drained capers, finely chopped fresh dill, finely chopped fresh mint, and thinly sliced green onions to the bowl.
  3. Dress and Toss: Pour the prepared Zesty Lemon-Herb Dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Chill for Flavor Enhancement: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a suitable lid and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 20-30 minutes. This resting period is key for the flavors to marry, deepen, and for the salad to cool to a refreshing temperature.
  5. Serve: Once chilled, give the salad a final gentle stir. Serve as desired – it’s wonderful spooned into crisp lettuce cups (such as Bibb or romaine), as a flavorful filling for whole-grain bread or pita pockets, alongside crackers, or simply enjoyed on its own as a light and nutritious meal.

Notes

Serving Suggestions & Storage:
  • This tuna salad makes an excellent appetizer served with pita chips or slices of crusty bread.
  • For a satisfying low-carb meal, consider serving it in avocado halves or large lettuce wraps.
  • Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2 days.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):
  • Calories: ~365 kcal
  • Protein: ~17 g
  • Fat: ~29.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~10.1 g
  • Fiber: ~3.6 g
  • Sugar: ~2.1 g
(Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using standard food databases and may vary based on specific ingredient brands, precise measurements, and variations in preparation.)