Greek Salad with Tuna Recipe

Greek Salad with Tuna is a delicious twist on the classic Greek Salad, combining Mediterranean flavors with the savory taste of tuna. This recipe features crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy red onions, and creamy feta cheese, enhanced by high-quality tuna and a simple olive oil dressing. Easy to prepare, this salad is perfect as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish to share.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Romaine lettuce: 1 large head, chopped (optional for added greens)
• Cucumber: 1 large, sliced
• Tomatoes: 4 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• Red onion: ½ large, thinly sliced
• Green bell pepper: 1 medium, sliced into rings
• Kalamata olives: ½ cup, pitted
• Feta cheese: 200 grams (approximately 7 oz), cut into chunks
• Tuna: 1 can (approximately 5-7 oz) or 1 cooked tuna steak, broken into chunks
• Extra virgin olive oil: 4 tablespoons
• Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: to taste
• Black pepper: to taste
• Lemon wedges: for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna

1. If using canned tuna, drain it well and flake into medium-sized pieces. If you prefer fresh tuna, cook a tuna steak to your preferred doneness, then let it cool slightly before breaking it into chunks.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash and dry the cucumber, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
2. Slice the cucumber into rounds, cut the tomatoes into wedges, and thinly slice the red onion.
3. Cut the green bell pepper into rings, removing the seeds.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, tomato wedges, red onion rings, and bell pepper rings.
2. Add the Kalamata olives and feta cheese chunks.
3. Top the salad with the tuna pieces, spreading them evenly over the salad.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

1. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
2. Sprinkle with dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine the ingredients, or leave it layered for a classic presentation.
4. Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh citrus touch, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Salad with Tuna is versatile and satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or pita. Serve it with a side of hummus or tzatziki for an authentic Mediterranean experience.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Salad with Tuna

Choosing Your Tuna

• Canned Tuna: Opt for tuna packed in olive oil for richer flavor, or choose water-packed for a lighter option.
• Fresh Tuna Steak: If you prefer fresh, cook the steak to medium-rare or as desired, then flake it into pieces. This adds a fresh and slightly elevated flavor to the salad.

Enhancements and Variations

1. Herbed Olive Oil: Infuse your olive oil with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a subtle hint of extra flavor.
2. Add Capers: A few capers bring a tangy burst that complements the tuna and olives.
3. Crunchy Toppings: For extra texture, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.

Making Ahead and Storage Tips

• Vegetables: You can slice the vegetables up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge in separate airtight containers.
• Tuna: Canned tuna can be prepped ahead, and grilled or pan-seared tuna can be made a day in advance, allowing it to chill before adding it to the salad.
• Olive Oil Dressing: Pre-mix the olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper, storing it at room temperature until ready to use.

Additional Serving Ideas

• Stuffed Pita: For a quick and portable meal, stuff the salad into a pita pocket for a delicious wrap.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use large romaine leaves as wraps, filling each with a scoop of the Greek salad for a fun, finger-food presentation.
• Quinoa Addition: Mix in a half cup of cooked quinoa for extra protein and texture, turning the salad into a heartier meal.

Creative Variations for Greek Salad with Tuna

Greek Salad with Tuna is a wonderfully adaptable dish, and there are several creative ways to add even more flavor and variety:

1. Roasted Red Peppers: Add roasted red pepper strips for a slightly sweet and smoky flavor. You can either buy them pre-roasted or make your own by charring fresh red peppers in the oven.

2. Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill for a burst of herbal freshness. Dill pairs particularly well with tuna and adds an aromatic quality to the salad.

3. Greek Yogurt Dressing: For a creamy twist, mix a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt with olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of garlic powder, and oregano. This creamy dressing complements the tuna and creates a velvety texture that coats the vegetables beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Greek Salad with Tuna is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish, packed with classic Mediterranean flavors and healthy ingredients. It’s perfect for any meal, whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or looking for a light dinner option. The combination of creamy feta, savory olives, and succulent tuna creates a satisfying and flavorful salad that’s sure to impress. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and variations to make this Greek Salad with Tuna your own!