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I’ve always been a fan of tuna salad, but the traditional mayonnaise-laden versions? Not so much. They often leave me feeling heavy and, frankly, a bit blah. One summer, while vacationing in Greece, I stumbled upon a small taverna by the sea. The owner, a jovial woman named Yianna, shared her secret: a tuna salad infused with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Think sun-dried tomatoes, briny olives, capers, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. It was a revelation!
I've adapted that experience to my own kitchen, creating a sandwich that not only tastes incredible but also makes me feel good. It's packed with healthy fats, lean protein, and a rainbow of nutrients. This isn’t your grandma’s tuna salad (sorry, Grandma!). This is a flavor explosion that will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with every bite. It's also super versatile. You can eat it straight from the bowl, stuff it into pita pockets, or, my favorite, pile it high on crusty bread for a truly satisfying sandwich. I even shared this with my friend, John, who, is a big fan of tuna, he absolutely loved it!
What does this mean for you? It means a quick, easy, and delicious lunch option that you can feel good about eating. No more boring tuna salad! This Mediterranean version is a game-changer. I highly recommend trying it. You might just find yourself making it every week (I know I do!). And honestly, who wouldn’t want a little taste of sunshine in their day? It's realy that simple.
Required Equipments
Mixing Bowl
Chopping Board
Knife
Toaster
Spoon
Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich: A Taste of Sunshine: Frequently Asked Questions
Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich: A Taste of Sunshine
This Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich bursts with fresh flavors! It's a light, healthy, and satisfying lunch option, perfect for a quick weekday meal or a delightful picnic in the park.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Drain the Tuna: Open the cans of tuna and drain them well. Flake the tuna into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Get rid of as much water as possible. Nobody wants a wet sandwich!
Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the red onion, celery, and sun-dried tomatoes. The smaller the pieces, the better they'll blend into the salad. Aim for roughly the same size, about 1/4 inch. Add them to the bowl with the tuna.
Add the Briny Goodness: Add the Kalamata olives (halved or quartered if large), capers, and fresh parsley to the bowl. These ingredients provide that essential Mediterranean flavor. If you don't have Kalamata olives, feel free to substitute with another type of olive, but Kalamata really makes a difference.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing should be bright and flavorful. Start with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and add more to taste. Some capers and olives can be very salty, so be cautious!
Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetables. Gently stir everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the tuna to maintain some texture. The mixture should be moist but not swimming in dressing. Remember the goal: Tasty tuna sandwich!
Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the slices of bread. This adds a nice crunch and prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy. I prefer a crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough for this recipe, but any sturdy bread will work. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Keep an eye on it like a hawk!
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise (optional, but adds creaminess) on one or both slices of toasted bread. Pile the Mediterranean tuna salad on one slice of bread and top with the other slice. If you want to make it extra fancy, add a few leaves of fresh arugula or lettuce.
Cut and Serve: Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. Enjoy with a side of chips, a salad, or your favorite Mediterranean-inspired sides. I personally love it with a simple Greek salad. I find it very refreshing
📝 Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley (about 1 teaspoon).
Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.