Dinner

Simple Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe

Name: Simple Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained; 1 (15 oz) can white beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, chopped; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano or chopped fresh mint (optional)

ByHarper Ellington March 25, 2026March 25, 2026

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Introduction

This Simple Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a fresh and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining protein-packed tuna with crisp vegetables and tangy feta, it comes together in just 15 minutes. Its bright lemony dressing and Mediterranean herbs add vibrant flavor with minimal effort.

The image shows a bowl of fresh salad on a white marbled surface with a blurred background containing a lemon half and a bottle of oil. The salad has several layers: the base is made of beige cooked grains, topped with bright red cherry tomatoes cut in half and light green cucumber slices. Scattered among these are pale pink beans and pieces of white tuna. Thin slices of light purple onion and bits of green parsley are mixed throughout the salad, adding fresh green spots. The salad is served in a simple white bowl with a gentle curve. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
1 (15 oz) can white beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, chopped
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2–3 tablespoons)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano or chopped fresh mint (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and prep your vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, chopping the cucumber, and thinly slicing the red onion.
Step 2: Soak the red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor, if desired.
Step 3: Drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and beans.
Step 5: Flake the drained tuna into the bowl using a fork.
Step 6: Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley to the bowl.
Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional oregano or mint.
Step 8: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 9: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if needed.
Step 10: Serve immediately or chill for 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped bell peppers or cucumber seeds can be scooped out to reduce water content if desired.
Swap the white beans for chickpeas for a different texture.
Fresh mint brings a bright twist, especially in warmer months, while dried oregano gives a classic Mediterranean flavor.
If you prefer, use fresh tuna steak cooked and flaked instead of canned tuna.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh as the cucumbers and tomatoes may release water over time. If chilled, allow it to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, then toss gently again to refresh the flavors.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad composed of multiple layers including red cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, light brown beans, chunks of white tuna, and bits of green parsley, all mixed with thin slices of red onion creating a colorful and textured dish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the bowl slightly from one side, with a blurred lemon and an olive oil bottle in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, but for best texture, add the dressing just before serving or shortly before chilling.

Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?

This salad is relatively low in carbs, especially if you rinse and drain the beans well. You can omit the beans or substitute with lower-carb veggies if desired.