Italian Tuna Salad
This zesty Italian Tuna Salad has all the flavor of an Italian Salad but with some added protein (and definitely more filling). This is refreshingly bold and way more exciting than your average deli tuna.
GLUTEN FREE LUNCH RECIPES
6/16/20262 min read
Italian Tuna Salad
Fresh, zesty, and packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Italian Tuna Salad is an easy, protein-packed meal that comes together in minutes. Flaky tuna is tossed with crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy mayonnaise, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a simple lunch that's delicious on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or served over greens.
Ingredient Breakdown
Tuna in water: The protein-packed base of this recipe. I prefer tuna packed in water because it's lighter and lets the Italian flavors shine.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that balances the creamy dressing.
Yellow bell pepper: Brings freshness, color, and a mild sweetness.
Roma tomatoes: Roma tomatoes work best because they're less watery. Remove the pulp to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
Assorted olives: Add a salty, briny bite that gives this tuna salad its Italian-inspired flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy dressing that ties everything together.
Lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and adds fresh citrus flavor.
Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning: Simple seasonings that enhance all of the Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
2 (9-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
1 small red onion, diced
1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
2 small Roma tomatoes, pulp removed and diced
⅓ cup sliced assorted olives
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt & Pepper to taste
Italian seasoning, to taste
Instructions
Add the drained tuna, red onion, yellow bell pepper, Roma tomatoes, sliced olives, mayonnaise, garlic and lemon juice to a large bowl.
Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Add any extra toppings you'd like, then chill until ready to serve.
Enjoy on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or over a bed of lettuce.
Notes
Removing the tomato pulp helps prevent the salad from becoming watery.
This tuna salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
Customize it with extra toppings like fresh parsley, shredded lettuce, cucumber, or additional olives.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 🫒🍋🐟
I do not use Tuna in Oil like some other recipes you may have seen. It cuts the calories and you still end up with an award winning lunch.