Name: Italian Tuna Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 (5.4 oz) cans solid white albacore tuna packed in water; 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp lemon zest; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup sliced black olives; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp capers; 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

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Introduction

This Italian Tuna Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Packed with bright lemon, fresh basil, and savory capers, it makes a perfect light lunch or a tasty sandwich filling. Easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean flair, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe.

The image shows two stacked croissant sandwiches on a white marbled surface, stuffed with a creamy tuna salad filling. The tuna mix includes visible slices of black olives, halved red cherry tomatoes, finely chopped purple onions, and small green jalapeño pieces, creating a mix of colors and textures within the golden, flaky croissant layers. In the background, a white bowl filled with the same tuna salad is slightly blurred next to a half-cut red onion, and a few triangular crackers lie nearby on a green patterned cloth. The sandwiches look fresh and ready to eat, with the croissant's buttery layers flaking delicately. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (5.4 oz) cans solid white albacore tuna packed in water
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp lemon zest
Salt & pepper, to taste
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp capers
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

Instructions

Step 1: Open the cans of tuna and drain the water. Transfer the tuna to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Step 2: Using a sturdy fork, flake the tuna until there are no large chunks remaining.
Step 3: Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt & pepper to the bowl. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
Step 4: Add the black olives, red onion, fresh basil, capers, and grape tomatoes to the bowl. Gently toss everything together to combine evenly.
Step 5: Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator before serving for a more refreshing taste.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
Use fresh lemon zest instead of dried to brighten flavors.
This salad works great served on toasted bread or over a bed of greens for a hearty salad.

Storage

Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, but avoid leaving it out for extended periods to keep it fresh and safe.

How to Serve

Three croissant sandwiches are filled with a creamy tuna salad that has visible black olive slices, red onion pieces, red cherry tomato halves, and green capers. The croissants are golden brown with a flaky texture, and they are arranged on a green patterned cloth. Behind them, a large white bowl is filled with more of the tuna salad, with a wooden spoon resting inside it. Around the croissants and bowl, there are beige triangular crackers scattered on a white marbled surface. Some fresh green basil leaves and whole cherry tomatoes add color and freshness to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water-packed?

Yes, you can use tuna packed in oil if you prefer a richer flavor, but be aware it will add extra calories and may alter the texture slightly. Drain excess oil before mixing.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This tuna salad keeps well in the fridge and makes an easy, protein-packed lunch for several days. Just keep it chilled and consume within 3 days for best quality.