Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Quinoa Tabbouleh

• 1 cup quinoa⇄
• 2 cups water⇄

Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil over high heat, add quinoa, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the grains are tender and have absorbed the water, showing small white spirals. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.

💡 Spread quinoa on a tray to cool faster and avoid clumping.

• 8 cups mixed greens⇄
• 2 medium cucumber⇄
• 40 pieces black olives⇄
• 4 cans (150g each) tuna in olive oil⇄

In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens with thinly sliced cucumber and pitted black olives. Drain the tuna, flake it with a fork into bite-sized chunks, and gently mix it into the salad base for even distribution.

💡 Use a mandoline for quick, uniform cucumber slices.

• 1 cup fresh parsley⇄
• 0.5 cup fresh mint⇄
• 2 medium tomato⇄
• 1 small red onion⇄

Finely chop parsley and mint leaves, discarding tough stems. Dice tomatoes into small cubes and finely chop the red onion. Combine these in a large bowl with the cooled quinoa, mixing gently to preserve the texture of the herbs.

💡 Use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the herbs while chopping.

• 8 tablespoons olive oil⇄
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice⇄
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard⇄
• 1 pinch salt⇄
• 1 pinch black pepper⇄

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting for balance.

💡 Taste the dressing with a leaf of greens to ensure the acidity is balanced.

• 4 tablespoons olive oil⇄
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice⇄
• 1 pinch salt⇄

Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the quinoa mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly. Season with a pinch of salt, tasting to ensure the flavors are bright and balanced without overpowering the herbs.

💡 Add dressing gradually to avoid making the tabbouleh soggy.

Pour the prepared dressing over the tuna salad mixture and toss gently with tongs or clean hands to coat all ingredients evenly without crushing the greens. Ensure the tuna is well distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

💡 Toss just before serving to keep the greens crisp.