Tuna on Olive and Tomato Salad: A Flavorful Dish with Historical Roots

The "Tuna on Olive and Tomato Salad" is a dish that combines simplicity, adaptability, and a compelling history. Its principal ingredient, tuna, has been a staple in Mediterranean diets for centuries, particularly in regions such as Italy and Greece.

In the contemporary culinary world, Tuna Salad is often a go-to option for a healthy, light lunch or dinner with an excellent source of protein. Our Tuna on Olive and Tomato Salad harmoniously blends the flavors of the sea via the tuna, with rich flavors of the Mediterranean, expressed through the olives and tomatoes. This dish is an iconic representation of warm, sunny climates and vibrant flavors.

Bringing the Culinary Delights of Tuna to Your Kitchen

Our Tuna on Olive and Tomato Salad is a refreshing dish that highlights the best of Mediterranean cuisine. Typically, it incorporates ingredients found in any Mediterranean pantry, such as ripe cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, tangy capers, and fresh basil leaves. Combined with high-quality canned tuna preserved in olive oil and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing, these ingredients create a burst of flavors that's sure to delight your palate. It's an excellent way to bring a touch of the sea and Mediterranean vibrancy to your dining table without needing extensive preparation or cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tuna on Olive and Tomato Salad:

Can the canned tuna be replaced with fresh tuna?

Absolutely. While canned tuna offers the benefits of convenience and a unique flavor profile, you can definitely substitute fresh tuna for a different texture and flavor. If you decide to go this route, we suggest grilling seasoned tuna steaks, letting them cool, and then flaking them into the salad for a gourmet twist.

How long can the salad be stored?

This salad is best served fresh, but it can be refrigerated and consumed within 2 to 3 days. Be sure to cover it properly to retain its freshness and flavor.

Can other vegetables be used in this salad?

While the classic ingredients in this salad contribute to its distinct Mediterranean flavor, feel free to experiment with other options based on preference or what you have on hand. Just remember that adding too many wet ingredients without properly draining them could lead to a soggy salad.

Should the dressing be made separately?

Making a separate dressing helps create a uniform flavor profile when it's drizzled over the salad, as it ensures that the lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings are well-emulsified. However, you could also just sprinkle the seasonings, squeeze the lemon juice, and drizzle the olive oil directly over the salad if that’s more convenient for you.

Tuna on Olive and Tomato Salad

Selo Olive Oil

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Category

Salad

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Servings

4

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

0 minutes

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Ingredients

• 2 cans of tuna in olive oil (5 ounces each), drained
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of capers, rinsed
• 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn

• 1/4 cup of Selo Croatian extra virgin olive oil

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• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Directions

1. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, capers, and basil leaves.
2. Prepare the Tuna: Drain the tuna from the can, but leave it slightly moist from the olive oil. Break it into large chunks and add it to the salad mix.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, taking care to not break up the tuna chunks too much. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve: The salad can be served immediately, but for best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

Recipe Note

If you prefer, you can replace canned tuna with fresh, grilled tuna steaks for a more gourmet version of this salad. Simply season the steaks with salt and pepper, grill them to your preferred doneness, let them cool and then flake them into large chunks to add to the salad.

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