Sesame Free Lemon Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Bright, herby, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, this tuna salad is the kind of dish that feels like a proper meal rather than a quick lunch fix. Kalamata olives, capers, fresh mint, and parsley bring serious depth, while a lemon-turmeric dressing ties everything together with a warm, citrusy kick. Canned tuna salads can be a sneaky source of hidden sesame — especially in store-bought versions that lean on tahini or sesame oil for richness — but this one builds all its flavor from olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs instead. The result is genuinely vibrant and satisfying without a drop of anything to worry about. Crisp cucumber keeps every bite refreshing, and the gentle fold technique means you get satisfying chunks of tuna rather than a mushy spread. It comes together in one bowl with minimal prep, making it an easy go-to for meal prep, a light dinner, or stuffed into a pita. A little fresh basil stirred in at the end takes it over the top if you have it on hand.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
- 1 english cucumber, diced small
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 2 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced (green tops only)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric, ginger, and salt until combined.
- 2
Add the drained tuna to a large mixing bowl and break it apart with a fork into large flakes — not a fine mash.
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