Italian Tuna Salad

Italian Tuna Salad

6 servings
This Roman-style tuna salad has Castelvetrano olives, crunchy celery, quick-pickled onions, and sun-dried tomatoes and is tossed in a creamy lemony honey-Dijon dressing.

Ingredients

  • thinly sliced red onion

    from 1 small onion

    ¼ c
  • red wine vinegar
    ¼ c
  • fresh lemon juice

    from 1 lemon

    1 ½ tbsp
  • dijon mustard
    1 tbsp
  • honey
    1 tsp
  • kosher salt
    ¾ tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • extra-virgin olive oil

    divided

    5 tbsp
  • 6.7-ounce jars oil-packed tuna

    drained and flaked into large pieces, such as tonnino

    3
  • 6.7-ounce jar pitted castelvetrano olives

    drained and roughly chopped, about 1 cup

    1
  • 8 1/2-ounce jar oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves

    drained and roughly chopped, about 1 packed cup

    1
  • celery stalks with leaves

    thinly sliced, about 1 1/4 cups

    3 large
  • loosely packed fresh basil leaves

    roughly chopped, from 1 [1/2-ounce] package

    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Place onion in a small bowl, and add red wine vinegar; set aside.

  2. 2

    Whisk together lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    Fold in tuna, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, celery, and basil. Drain onions, and fold into tuna. If serving immediately, drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons oil over tuna salad, folding to coat. (Alternatively, cover tuna salad, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, folding to coat just before serving.)

Italian Tuna Salad

Italian Tuna Salad

4.7(10)20 min6 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

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Exceptional

Based on 10 ratings

foodandwine.com
4.7(10 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a fresh, vibrant lunch that's anything but ordinary? This Roman-style Italian Tuna Salad transforms a pantry staple into a gourmet experience, ready to enjoy in just 20 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

Unlike typical tuna salads, this recipe layers bold flavors and textures to create something truly special. The secret lies in a harmonious blend of crisp quick-pickled red onions, crunchy celery, briny Castelvetrano olives, and sweet-savory sun-dried tomatoes. All these elements are beautifully brought together by a creamy lemon-honey-Dijon dressing, elevating humble tuna into a Mediterranean delight.

What to Expect

Prepare for a sophisticated yet approachable dish that’s incredibly satisfying. You'll discover bright, zesty notes from fresh lemon, complemented by the subtle sweetness of honey and the distinct sharpness of Dijon mustard. The oil-packed tuna provides a rich, moist foundation, enhanced by the satisfying chew of sun-dried tomatoes and the buttery flavor of Castelvetrano olives. With the fresh snap of celery and the aromatic burst of basil, this salad offers a refreshing and complex flavor profile that feels both familiar and exciting. It's an effortlessly elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

Customization & Variations

While this Italian Tuna Salad is perfected with a balance of flavors, you can easily tailor it to your preferences. For a sweeter dressing, adjust the amount of honey. If you prefer a brighter, tarter profile, an extra squeeze of lemon juice will do the trick. Feel free to increase the amount of fresh basil for an added aromatic punch, or more celery for extra crunch. The amount of Castelvetrano olives can also be adjusted if you desire more briny goodness.

Serving & Context

This fresh Italian Tuna Salad is ideal for a light lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or as a sophisticated addition to a picnic spread. Serve it simply on its own, nestled into crisp lettuce cups, or alongside some crusty artisan bread to soak up all the flavorful dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions