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Italian Tuna Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 82 reviews

This Italian Tuna Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Featuring flaky white albacore tuna mixed with creamy mayo, zesty lemon, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients like black olives, capers, fresh basil, red onion, and grape tomatoes, it delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Quick to prepare and served chilled or at room temperature, this salad is an ideal make-ahead meal or sandwich filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Tuna Salad Base

  • 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

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 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

  1. Drain and Flake Tuna: Open the cans of tuna and drain the liquid. Transfer the tuna to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a sturdy fork, flake the tuna thoroughly until it is broken down into small pieces with no large chunks remaining.
  2. Mix Dressing: Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the flaked tuna. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
  3. Add Vegetables and Herbs: Incorporate the sliced black olives, diced red onion, chopped fresh basil, capers, and quartered grape tomatoes into the tuna mixture. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine everything evenly without breaking up the tomatoes too much.
  4. Serve or Chill: Serve the Italian Tuna Salad immediately as a refreshing light meal, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld the flavors. It can be enjoyed on its own, in sandwiches, or atop fresh greens.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • If you prefer a lighter salad, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Feel free to customize by adding diced cucumber or bell peppers for added crunch.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.

Keywords: Italian tuna salad, tuna salad recipe, healthy tuna salad, no-cook tuna salad, Mediterranean tuna salad

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/italian-tuna-salad-recipe/