This No-Mayo Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a healthy and fresh recipe, which is made with albacore tuna and capers. It’s a healthy twist on the classic, ready in about 10 minutes.
No-Mayo Mediterranean Tuna Salad Ingredients
- 1 (5-ounce) can albacore tuna in water, drained
- 1 small bell pepper, halved, cored, and finely chopped (1 cup)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grainy mustard
- 3 tablespoons chopped capers
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- Dressed salad greens, such as escarole, for serving
- Sliced cucumbers and crackers, for serving
How To Make No-Mayo Mediterranean Tuna Salad
- Flake the tuna: Place the drained tuna in a bowl and use a fork to flake it and break up any large pieces.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the finely chopped bell pepper, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, grainy mustard, capers, and fresh parsley to the bowl. Stir everything well to combine.
- Season and serve: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with salad greens, cucumbers, and crackers on the side.
Recipe Tips
- How to make it a full meal? This light salad is perfect for a quick lunch. Serve it in a pita pocket, on a sandwich with your favorite bread, or over a large bed of mixed greens.
- Can I use a different kind of tuna? Yes, any canned tuna will work. If you use tuna packed in oil, be sure to drain it very well before using.
- How to add more flavor? For even more Mediterranean flavor, try adding a ¼ cup of chopped Kalamata olives, some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. This is a fantastic recipe for meal prep. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits in the refrigerator.
What To Serve With Mediterranean Tuna Salad
This versatile tuna salad can be served in many different ways.
- On a bed of fresh salad greens
- With sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and crackers for scooping
- In a whole wheat pita pocket or a wrap
- As a classic tuna melt on toasted bread with a slice of provolone cheese
How To Store Mediterranean Tuna Salad
- Refrigerate: Stored in an airtight container, this tuna salad can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 22g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
No, the fresh lemon juice, briny capers, and fresh parsley give this salad a very bright, clean, and fresh flavor that is not overwhelmingly fishy.
Yes, about 6 ounces of grilled or seared fresh tuna, flaked, would be a delicious and elegant substitute for the canned tuna.
If you don’t have capers, you can get a similar briny, salty flavor by substituting them with an equal amount of finely chopped green or Kalamata olives.
Try More Recipes:
- I Tried Martha Stewart’s Tuna Salad, and It Got Me Through a Day I Didn’t Want to Cook
- Greek Salad Recipe
- Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe
No-Mayo Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe
Description
A light, healthy, and flavorful tuna salad made without mayonnaise, featuring fresh herbs, capers, and a simple lemon-oil vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork.
- Add the chopped bell pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, capers, and parsley.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with greens, cucumbers, or crackers.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use a good quality albacore tuna packed in water.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; the flavors get even better after a day in the fridge.
- Feel free to customize this salad with other Mediterranean ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
- This is a great, healthy alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based tuna salad.