Prep15 min
Cook0 min
Total15 min
Serves2
Ingredients
- 1 can (5 oz) solid white albacore tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup canned white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, rinsed white beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and sliced kalamata olives.
- Add the baby spinach or arugula to the bowl and gently toss all the ingredients together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.
- Divide the salad into two bowls and sprinkle each portion with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
Chef tips
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts just before serving.
- If you prefer fresh herbs, substitute the dried oregano with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or basil.
- Use tuna packed in olive oil instead of water for a richer flavor, but adjust the amount of olive oil in the dressing accordingly.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead, but add the spinach/arugula and feta right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Pros
- Rich source of lean protein and fiber helpful for satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Quick and easy to assemble, ideal for meal prep or a fast lunch.
- Packed with healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, supporting heart health.
Cons / watch-outs
- Contains sodium from canned tuna, beans, and olives; rinsing and selecting low-sodium products can help reduce this.
- Not suitable for those with fish or dairy allergies; can omit feta or replace tuna with chickpeas for vegetarian adaptation.
Diet & nutrition notes
Diet notes: Gluten free, high in protein and fiber, suitable for Mediterranean or low-carb diets with slight ingredient adjustments.
Nutrition note: Each serving offers approximately 350 calories, 35g protein, 15g fat (mostly healthy fats), 20g carbohydrates, and 7g fiber, making it a balanced meal option to fuel your afternoon.
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