Greek-style Tuna Salad

Greek-Style Tuna Salad: A Symphony of Mediterranean Flavors on Your Plate

In the realm of refreshing and wholesome salads, Greek-Style Tuna Salad stands tall as a testament to the vibrant and robust flavors of the Mediterranean. This salad, with its combination of crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and protein-packed tuna, is a celebration of freshness and simplicity. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the art of crafting the perfect Greek-Style Tuna Salad—a dish that brings the sun-kissed flavors of Greece to your table.

Ingredients:

To embark on the creation of Greek-Style Tuna Salad, gather the following ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tuna: Drain the tuna cans and transfer the tuna to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to flake the tuna into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop and Slice Fresh Ingredients: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. Add these ingredients to the bowl with the flaked tuna.
3. Add Olives and Feta: Include the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. These ingredients will add a briny and creamy texture to the salad.
4. Whisk Together the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This vibrant dressing will tie all the flavors together.
5. Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Gently toss the ingredients until they are well coated with the dressing, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
6. Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Greek-Style Tuna Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, and the salad to cool, enhancing its refreshing quality.
7. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the salad with additional feta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Cook Notes:

• Selecting Tuna: Opt for high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil or water. This choice can significantly impact the overall taste and texture of the salad.
• Customize with Fresh Herbs: Experiment with additional fresh herbs such as mint or dill to elevate the herbaceous notes in the salad.
• Dressing Balance: Adjust the quantities of olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. The beauty of this salad lies in its adaptability to personal preferences.

Variations:

Quinoa Boost: For an added layer of protein and a nutritional boost, incorporate cooked quinoa into the salad. This variation transforms the dish into a hearty and satisfying meal.

Avocado Elegance: Enhance the creaminess by adding diced avocado to the salad. The buttery texture of avocado complements the other ingredients beautifully.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Transform the Greek-Style Tuna Salad into a heartier dish by adding cooked and cooled pasta. Choose a short pasta shape like fusilli or penne to soak up the flavors.

Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly version of Greek-Style Tuna Salad, replace the traditional red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar to reduce carb content. Adjust the quantity of onions to meet keto guidelines, and ensure the canned tuna is free of added sugars.

Low-Carb Version:

To make a low-carb variation, limit the quantity of tomatoes and onions, as they contribute to the carb content. Use a sugar-free feta or reduce the amount to control the overall carb intake.

Greek-Style Tuna Salad is more than a dish; it’s a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. As you savor the harmonious blend of flavors—the briny olives, the creamy feta, and the protein-rich tuna—you’ll find yourself transported to a Greek taverna overlooking the azure sea. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a vibrant main course, this salad brings the essence of Mediterranean living to your table. So, embrace the simplicity, relish the freshness, and let Greek-Style Tuna Salad become a staple in your repertoire of go-to recipes.