One thing I’ve learned about Italians is that they love tuna. In Italy tuna is used in countless ways – in pasta, pizza, piadini, panini and much more. I still haven’t warmed up to the idea of tuna on pizza. I haven’t tried it so maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Unlike the U.S. where there are different kinds of canned tuna, here it is only available packed in olive oil. I love the taste of Italian tuna but I prefer to use a brand that packs their tuna in less oil.
A few years ago, an Italian friend made a version of this salad for me and we enjoyed it together on a hot summer day. I have seen many versions of tuna salad here in Italy. This version is definitely a veggie packed, healthy option. As summer approaches and temperatures rise, this is a perfect low carb meal to enjoy with a crisp white wine.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can change it according to your taste. If you don’t like chickpeas or prefer to use less red onion, by all means, change it and make it your own. This salad can be served on a bed of lettuce tossed with olive oil, or by itself. Buon appetito!
Italian tuna salad recipe – serves 4
Ingredients:
- 10 oz drained canned tuna (preferably packed in olive oil)
- 14 oz of chickpeas (drained)
- 2 stalks of celery (chopped)
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- ½ a medium red onion (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons of flat leaf parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard
- 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
HOw to Make Italian Tuna Salad:
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard and lemon juice. Add vegetables and tuna and mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve on a bed of lettuce tossed with olive oil, or all by itself. Enjoy!
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
Chicken Involtini Stuffed with Mortadella, Grana Padano & Sage
Chianti, Radicchio & Gorgonzola Risotto aka Purple Risotto
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