Even the best of home cooks need dinner shortcuts. This tasty tuna couscous salad recipe is one of my new favorites!
This post is brought to you in partnership with Wild Garden. All opinions are my own.
A delicious triumph of resourcefulness, that’s the best way to describe this simple tuna couscous salad recipe.
Or let’s call it a win-win-win recipe: protein-packed, budget-friendly, and quick!
Why this tuna couscous salad recipe works
Humble canned tuna takes on a vague Italian twist. Add kidney beans, fresh chopped veggies and herbs, plus a few tangy capers for good measure. And in place of mayo, fresh lemon juice and quality extra virgin olive oil.
To transform the tuna into a satisfying–hearty, even–weeknight fix, I use one of my go-to ready products: all-natural heat and serve couscous pilaf from Wild Garden. This traditional Mediterranean pilaf featuring pearled couscous and chickpeas in a zesty tomato sauce, makes the perfect bed for my tuna!
If you like, add some soft boiled eggs for even more protein!
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No-Mayo Tuna Couscous Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
Description
Easy couscous salad recipe with tuna, beans and fresh vegetables and herbs. Super healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped red onions, PLUS a few onion slices for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, PLUS more for garnish
- 1 1/2 tbsp capers
- 2 5-oz cans quality Albacore tuna, drained
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2 soft-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
- 1 8.8-oz package Wild Garden Heat and Serve Couscous Pilaf
Instructions
- In a salad bowl, combine the kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, chives, parsley and capers. Mix. Break the tuna up with a fork and add to the bean mixture.
- Add the the spices, salt and pepper, vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil. Mix everything gently to combine. Set aside for a few minutes to the flavors combine.
- Heat the Wild Garden Couscous Pilaf according to package instructions. This only takes 90 seconds in the microwave.
- Transfer the couscous pilaf from package to a serving platter. Top with the tuna salad. Add boiled eggs and onion slices. Enjoy at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 2 mins
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
This post is brought to you in partnership with Wild Garden. To learn about Wild Garden Taste of The Mediterranean Products or to locate a store near you, go here. Shop Wild Garden’s all-natural heat and serve pilafs on Amazon here.
More Recipes to Try:
Easy Persian-Style Barbecue Chicken Thighs with Wild Garden marinade
Hi. Your recepie sounds delicious. I’m wondering if I can use green lentils instead of kidney beans or any other legumes. Could you please let me know?
I’m so exited to try your recipes.
Kind regards
Sure, Katalin. That would work!
Can’t wait to eat this when Dear Hubby gets home. I didn’t have kidney beans so I used chickpeas. The olive oil I chose for this dish is Persian Lime…oh my…so good!! And actually subbed orzo and chopped spinach instead of couscous. Your recipes are amazing and can’t wait to try them all!
Thank you~ Anita from TX
Thank you so much, Anita!
Unfortunately, that brand of couscous isn’t available in my area. Could you recommend an alternative? I have pearl couscous just unsure how to spice it.
Hi Jamie, if this couscous is not available to you, I would recommend you check out this easy couscous recipe and perhaps add the tuna to it. A different flavor profile, but I think it will be great. https://www.themediterraneandish.com/israeli-couscous-recipe/
I’ve made this several times now. This is my new favorite way to have tuna salad. The flavors are fantastic and it is so filling. Thank you!!
Awesome, Amanda!
Hi I’m loving your lovely recipes & are slowly working my way through them & this no mayo tuna salad is fab, I was wondering what you have on any recipes incorporating beetroots, roasted, boiled, hot or cold, as my husband & myself are on a healthy Mediterranean food regime, thanks in anticipation Suzy
Great to hear from you, Rose! I’m honored that you’re enjoying the recipes here. One of my favorite recipes with beetroots is this simple roasted beet salad: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/roasted-beet-salad-kale/
How many servings does this provide ?
Hi Bob, this will serve 4 to 6 people. Enjoy
Hey, can u tell me what kind of ingredients are in the Persian marinate, thanks
Hi Beni, I assume you’re talking about the Wild Garden marinade in the quick Persian chicken recipe? This marinade here: http://amzn.to/2gPSUMW ? All-natural ingredients like citrus, garlic, and spices including sumac, and fennel.
Hi Suzy, how much chives?
Hey, Gerry! Thanks for catching that! It’s 1/4 cup chopped chives. Enjoy!
Amazing meal very filling
Glad you like it!
I am super excited I found you! I’m definitely making your recipes right away. Everything looks amazing! My father was Sicilian and loved to cook and feed people! Thank you for your love for food and sharing.
Welcome to TMD, Jill! Glad to have you here. Happy cooking!
Love the layers of all of those beautiful tuna and vegetable over hearty couscous. What a delicious meal!
Glad you like it Ginny! Can’t wait for you to give it a try!
This couscous salad is perfect for a weeknight fix, indeed. I love a hearty salad and this one looks satisfying – plus the addition of egg is a brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing.
Totally! Hope you’ll give this one a try!
What a great idea to serve tuna on a bed of couscous pilaf. Love it.
So good! Thanks for checking it out!
This sounds absolutely delicious and the photos are beautiful!
Thanks, Amy! We love this simple recipe!