Rustic Mediterranean Tuna Salad on Grilled Herb-Infused Tomato Bread
Indulge in a delightful Mediterranean experience with this Rustic Tuna Salad served on crisp, grilled tomato herb bread. This colorful dish combines tender solid white tuna with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables, including crunchy celery, aromatic herbs, and zesty green beans. Drizzled with a tangy olive oil and vinegar dressing, it offers a burst of flavors in every bite. Ideal for warm gatherings or a light lunch, allowing the tuna salad to chill for several hours or overnight will deepen its flavors, making it an impressive yet accessible dish that your friends and family will love.
4
Servings
170
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh tomato
1 cup (finely chopped)
Olive oil
1/2 cup plus extra for drizzling
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard
2 1/2 teaspoons
Garlic cloves
3 large (finely chopped)
Dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon
Solid white tuna
2 (6 ounce) cans (drained)
Celery
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Fresh basil
1/2 cup (finely chopped, or to taste)
Fresh green beans
1/2 lb (steamed and trimmed)
Red bell pepper
1 medium (seeded and sliced thinly)
Cherry tomatoes
8 (halved)
Fresh oregano
1/2 tablespoon (finely chopped)
White vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons
Green onion
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Bread (tomato herb or your choice)
4 slices
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated (optional))
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh tomato, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, 2 cloves of chopped garlic, and dried basil. Mix well and let this mixture rest for five minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Stir in the drained tuna, finely chopped celery, and fresh basil into the tomato mixture until thoroughly combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight for optimal flavor development. Remember to stir before serving.
3
In another medium bowl, combine the remaining fresh basil, fresh oregano, and vinegar. Let this mixture stand for 10 minutes to enhance the herb flavors before adding green onion and the remaining garlic. Set this aside.
4
Prepare the green beans by rinsing them well. Snap off the ends and cook them in a medium pot of boiling water until tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Drain the beans, then mix them with sliced red bell peppers and halved cherry tomatoes in the herb vinegar mixture. Toss well and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour.
5
To prepare the grilled bread, drizzle each slice with olive oil and grill until golden brown and slightly crisp. Once ready to serve, carefully mound the chilled tuna salad on top of each slice of grilled bread.
6
Toss the green bean mixture with remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the mixture around the tuna-topped grilled bread slices. For an added touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
11g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein is two 6-ounce cans of drained solid white tuna.
How many servings does this tuna salad recipe produce?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the calorie counts for a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
How long should the tuna salad be chilled for optimal flavor?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 to 2 hours, though chilling it overnight is recommended for the best flavor development.
What type of bread is suggested for this dish?
Tomato herb bread is suggested, but you can use any bread of your choice.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
How much fat is in one serving of this Mediterranean tuna salad?
There are 11g of fat per serving.
What vegetables are included in the green bean mixture?
The mixture includes fresh green beans, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped, are used throughout the recipe.
How are the green beans prepared?
The green beans should be rinsed, ends snapped off, and then boiled for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
What are the carbohydrate and protein levels per serving?
Each serving has 11g of carbohydrates and 8g of protein.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, you can use either 2 1/2 tablespoons of white vinegar or red wine vinegar.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese as an optional topping.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil plus extra for drizzling on the bread.
Which fresh herbs are featured in this dish?
Fresh basil, fresh oregano, and green onions are the primary fresh herbs and aromatics used.
How should the fresh tomato be prepared for the tuna mixture?
The fresh tomato should be finely chopped to make 1 cup.
What are the instructions for preparing the bread?
Drizzle the bread slices with olive oil and grill them until they are golden brown and slightly crisp.
How long should the herb vinegar mixture stand before adding onions and garlic?
It should stand for 10 minutes to enhance the herb flavors.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh basil, or more to taste.
Are there any dried herbs in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil leaves is used in the initial tomato mixture.
What is the first step in the assembly process?
Mound the chilled tuna salad on top of each slice of grilled bread.
How much lemon juice is used in the tuna base?
1 tablespoon of lemon juice is used.
How many cherry tomatoes are required?
You will need 8 cherry tomatoes, halved.
Should the tuna salad be stirred after refrigeration?
Yes, you should stir the chilled tuna salad once more before serving.
What is the recommended weight for the fresh green beans?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of fresh green beans.
How is the red bell pepper prepared?
The red bell pepper should be seeded and sliced thinly.
Is there celery in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of finely chopped celery is added to the tuna mixture.
When should salt and pepper be added?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste when tossing the green bean mixture with olive oil at the end.
How much fresh oregano is needed?
1/2 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh oregano is required.
What is the purpose of letting the tomato and oil mixture rest for five minutes?
Resting the mixture allows the flavors of the tomato, oil, lemon, mustard, garlic, and dried basil to meld.