Appetizers & Starters > Dips & Spreads > Meat & Seafood Spreads > Tuna Spread
Mediterranean Tuna Spread
This Mediterranean Tuna Spread is a healthy and delicious appetizer that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. It's packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh herbs, making it a guilt-free and satisfying choice for any occasion. Enjoy it with pita bread, crackers, or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) Canned tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Prepare the Tuna
Begin by draining the canned tuna in olive oil thoroughly. Flake the tuna into a medium-sized mixing bowl with a fork. Ensure that the tuna is broken down into small pieces without being overly mushy.
Combine Mediterranean Ingredients
Add the chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, fresh oregano, minced garlic, and lemon juice to the bowl with the flaked tuna. The combination of these ingredients provides a rich Mediterranean flavor profile.
Mix and Season
Gently mix all the ingredients together, being careful not to overmix. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to bind the ingredients and enhance the flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be mindful of the saltiness of the olives and feta cheese when adding salt.
Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tuna spread for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the spread to firm up slightly. Serve the chilled tuna spread with pita bread, crusty bread, crackers, or cucumber slices. Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
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Can I use regular black olives instead of Kalamata olives?
Kalamata olives provide a distinct flavor that complements the Mediterranean theme, but you can use regular black olives if you prefer. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. -
Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this spread up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop more over time. -
What other herbs can I add to the spread?
Fresh basil or mint would also be great additions to the spread, complementing the other Mediterranean flavors.