Go Back

Mediterranean Tuna Dinner Salad – Bright, Fresh, and Satisfying

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 2 (5–6 ounce) cans of tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked
  • 1 large head romaine or 5 cups mixed greens, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small English cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 roasted red pepper from a jar, sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
  • 1 small avocado, sliced
  • Toasted bread cubes or warm pita, for serving
  • Capers, for extra briny pop

Method
 

  1. Mix the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until slightly thick and glossy. Taste and adjust with more lemon, salt, or pepper as needed.
  2. Prep the tuna. Drain the tuna well. Flake it gently with a fork so you get bite-sized pieces. If using tuna in water, add a teaspoon of olive oil for richness.
  3. Build the base. Add romaine or mixed greens to a large bowl. Scatter on tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chickpeas, olives, and roasted red pepper if using.
  4. Add the tuna. Place the flaked tuna over the vegetables. Sprinkle with feta and chopped herbs.
  5. Dress and toss. Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad. Toss gently with tongs until everything is coated but not soggy. Add more dressing if you like.
  6. Finish and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness. Serve with warm pita or crunchy croutons if you want a heartier plate.
  7. Optional upgrades. Top with quartered hard-boiled eggs or sliced avocado for extra protein and creaminess.