Imagine a dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean sunshine in just 25 minutes - a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly satisfying Tuna Couscous Salad that promises to revolutionize your lunch routine! This isn't just another salad; it's a culinary journey that combines protein-packed tuna, fluffy couscous, and a burst of colorful vegetables, all dressed in a zesty lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone craving a quick yet gourmet meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes until water is absorbed.
- Fluff couscous with a fork and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Allow to cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- While couscous cools, prepare vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice red onion and cucumber, and slice olives.
- Drain canned tuna thoroughly and break into small, bite-sized pieces using a fork.
- Add tuna, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and olives to the cooled couscous.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour dressing over the couscous mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Couscous Perfection: Always remove the couscous from heat and let it steam, covered, to achieve that light, fluffy texture.
- Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes allows the ingredients to marinate and intensifies the overall taste.
- Tuna Selection: Choose high-quality canned tuna in water for a lighter, cleaner flavor profile.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumber for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add herbs like fresh parsley or mint for an extra layer of freshness.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
- Serving Suggestion: Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
