Mediterranean Tuna Salad Pitas with Hummus
Elevate your lunch experience with these Mediterranean Tuna Salad Pitas! This unique take on a classic tuna salad features a rich blend of creamy hummus, zesty sesame oil, aromatic cumin, and fragrant cilantro, creating a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the shores of the Mediterranean. Each pita pocket is generously filled with this delightful mixture, complemented by fresh slices of juicy plum tomatoes and crisp Boston lettuce, making for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, a picnic, or simply enjoying a quick bite at home, these pitas are a delicious and wholesome option that stands out from the usual sandwich fare. (Feel free to omit the cilantro if you're not a fan—I assure you, it tastes just as delightful!)
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
hummus
1 cup (ready-to-use)
solid white tuna packed in water
1 (12 ounce) can (drained and flaked)
prepared mayonnaise
1/4 cup (ready-to-use)
dark sesame oil
2 teaspoons (ready-to-use)
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped (optional))
ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (ready-to-use)
cayenne pepper
1 pinch (ready-to-use)
salt
to taste (ready-to-use)
whole wheat pita bread
4 (cut in half to form pockets)
plum tomatoes
4 (cleaned and thinly sliced)
boston lettuce
8 leaves (cleaned and patted dry)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the hummus, flaked tuna, mayonnaise, dark sesame oil, chopped green onion, cilantro (if using), ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
2
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or cayenne pepper to suit your preference.
3
For optimal flavor, prepare the tuna salad a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
4
When you're ready to serve, take the whole wheat pita bread and cut them in half to create pockets.
5
Divide the prepared tuna salad evenly among the pita halves, mounding it generously.
6
Add a few slices of fresh plum tomatoes and a leaf of Boston or red leaf lettuce into each pocket.
7
Arrange the filled pitas on a serving plate or in a basket and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of the Mediterranean Tuna Salad Pitas?
The dish features a rich blend of creamy hummus, zesty sesame oil, aromatic cumin, and fragrant cilantro, offering a unique Mediterranean twist on classic tuna salad.
What type of tuna is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce can of solid white tuna packed in water, which should be drained and flaked.
How much hummus is needed for the tuna salad mixture?
You will need 1 cup of ready-to-use hummus.
What if I do not like cilantro?
The fresh cilantro is optional; you can omit it if you prefer, and the salad will still taste delightful.
How should I prepare the pita bread?
Take 4 whole wheat pita breads and cut them in half to create pockets for the filling.
What vegetables are used as toppings inside the pitas?
The pitas are filled with thinly sliced plum tomatoes and leaves of Boston or red leaf lettuce.
Can the tuna salad be made in advance?
Yes, for optimal flavor, you can prepare the tuna salad a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
What spices provide the aromatic flavor in this recipe?
The aromatic profile comes from 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
How much mayonnaise is included in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of prepared mayonnaise.
Is there any oil used in the tuna salad?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of dark sesame oil are added to provide a zesty flavor.
How many pita halves does this recipe produce?
The recipe uses 4 pitas cut in half, resulting in 8 filled pita pockets.
What kind of lettuce should I use?
Boston lettuce is recommended, but red leaf lettuce is a great alternative.
How should the green onions be prepared?
You should use 1/4 cup of chopped green onions.
How is the salt added to the recipe?
Salt is added to taste after the ingredients are mixed and the seasoning is adjusted.
What is the best way to serve these pitas?
Arrange the filled pitas on a serving plate or in a basket and serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Is this a high-protein meal?
Yes, with ingredients like tuna and hummus, it is tagged as a high-protein option.
How do I mix the tuna salad?
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the hummus, tuna, mayo, sesame oil, onion, cilantro, cumin, cayenne, and salt, then stir well.
Are the tomatoes specifically prepared?
Yes, use 4 plum tomatoes that have been cleaned and thinly sliced.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely, these pitas are a wholesome and delicious option for packing for work, a picnic, or a quick bite at home.
What gives the salad its heat?
A pinch of cayenne pepper provides a subtle heat, which can be adjusted to suit your preference.
What is the texture of the tuna salad?
The combination of flaked tuna, hummus, and mayonnaise creates a rich and creamy texture.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the pita bread and garnishes.
What type of pita bread is specified?
Whole wheat pita bread is used to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No cooking is required; all ingredients are either ready-to-use, canned, or fresh produce.
How should the lettuce be prepared before assembly?
The lettuce leaves should be cleaned and patted dry before being placed into the pita pockets.
What is the suggested order of assembly?
Divide the tuna salad into the pita halves, then add tomato slices and a leaf of lettuce to each.
Can I use different types of hummus?
While the recipe calls for standard ready-to-use hummus, you could experiment with flavored varieties like roasted red pepper for extra depth.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that is perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as Mediterranean, healthy lunch, snack, and a high-protein meal.
How do I ensure the best flavor?
Stir the mixture well and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or cayenne after tasting it.