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Quick Tuna Salad With Olives and Peppers (No Cook, 20 minutes, One Dish)

I love meals that are quick to prepare but taste amazing. This recipe is perfect for when I want something light yet filling. It serves one as a meal or can be prepared for many as a tasty side dish. The combination of tuna, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing really wakes up my taste buds.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 1 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic
  • 4 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian herbs
  • 1.5 inch red pepper
  • 2 inches cucumber
  • 185 g tuna
  • 12 olives
  • 3/4 ice berg lettuce chopped thinly
  • 1 small spring onion chopped thinly
  • optional a cheese of your choice I added blue cheese

Instructions
 

  • First, grab a bowl. I like to mix the dressing in here. Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and Italian herbs. Then, whisk it all together until it’s smooth.
  • Next, chop the red pepper and cucumber into small pieces. This adds great crunch and flavour.
  • Drain the tuna and place it in the bowl with the dressing. Toss in the chopped red pepper, cucumber, and olives.
  • Now, take the chopped iceberg lettuce and spring onion. Mix them right into the bowl too.
  • If you’re using cheese, crumble it on top of the salad. Blue cheese adds a lovely tang.
  • Give everything a good toss to coat it well with the dressing.
  • Your salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it as a refreshing meal for one or as a light side dish for many.

Notes

Allergy-Friendly Options

For anyone with allergies, it’s easy to adjust this recipe. If you have a fish allergy, you can skip the tuna and use grilled chicken or roasted vegetables instead. This keeps my meal filling and satisfying.
Instead of olive oil, you could choose avocado oil, which has a similar taste and is great for cooking.
If you're allergic to dairy, you can leave out the cheese or opt for a lactose-free option. These alternatives still make the dish enjoyable without sacrificing flavour.

Complementary Dishes

This tuna salad works well with many other dishes. I love pairing it with something light and refreshing. Here are a few ideas you might enjoy.
Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh bread makes a good side. It’s perfect for scooping up the salad.
Roasted Vegetables: I often serve it with some tasty roasted veggies. Carrots and zucchini add a nice touch.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges can be a great side. They add some crunch and fill you up.
Quinoa Salad: A simple quinoa salad complements it nicely. I like adding cherry tomatoes and parsley for flavour.
Pasta: Cold pasta salad works too. Just toss in some olives and bell peppers for a fun twist.
Feel free to mix and match these sides. They all bring a bit of extra flavour to the meal. Experiment and find what you like best!
Keyword fish, one dish, salad