Tuna Salad Italian Style
A bright and flavorful Tuna Salad Italian Style made with tuna in olive oil, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, fresh herbs, pine nuts, and lemon juice — a light yet satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
2 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 4 to 5-ounce can tuna packed in olive oil undrained
- ½ cup jarred roasted red bell peppers drained and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pitted kalamata olives roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley or fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
- 1 tablespoon minced red onion or shallot
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the tuna base:
- Pour the tuna and its olive oil into a medium mixing bowl. Do not drain, as the oil will serve as the natural dressing base.
Incorporate remaining ingredients:
- Add the sliced roasted peppers, chopped olives, parsley (or basil), toasted pine nuts, minced onion or shallot, and lemon juice.
Combine and season:
- Using a fork, gently toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed, being careful to keep the tuna in small flakes rather than breaking it apart completely.
Adjust flavor and serve:
- Season lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Taste and adjust the acidity with an additional squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for a slightly cooled presentation.
Storage:
- Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to restore its texture and flavor balance.
Notes
This Tuna Salad Italian Style is naturally gluten-free as written. However, ensure that:
- The canned tuna, roasted red peppers, and olives are certified gluten-free (some jarred products may contain cross-contamination risk).
- If serving with bread, opt for gluten-free crusty bread or gluten-free crackers for pairing.
- For a heartier option, serve over a bed of mixed greens or gluten-free pasta for a satisfying gluten-free meal.