A Spanish Tuna Tomato Salad Recipe for the Summer

(Picadillo de Atun)

By Edu Valor / Author - Spanish Chef

The picadillo de atun is sometimes called a super salad for its high nutrient content. This Spanish tuna tomato salad recipe is a well known side dish in Andalusia, but I very well imagine vegetarians might have it as a main dish too.

Replace the fish with tofu (or similar) if you're vegan. You will miss the tuna taste but then again, vegans don't have anything (including by-products) with a face.


Spanish picadillo de atun salad. A tuna salad.Spanish picadillo de atun salad.

Western Europe has a looooong tradition of salad making. This salad version is part of that tradition and is known for its nutrient dense quality.

If you're going to use only compact veggies (tomato, onion, broccoli, etc...), you're going to increase the salad's nutrient content.

Lettuce, rucola and other leafy vegetables are less dense but not less important to our diet. So don't let that stop you from being creative.

Ingredients for 4 Servings

Preparation: 15 minutes
*Measurements in metric and USA Imperial system. For British/Canadian measurements please use the metric conversion calculator.

Refrigerate for at least one hour. To speed up the cooling process keep the ingredients in the refrigerator overnight.

  • 200g canned tuna (no oil)
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 large tomato
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 2 tbsp vinegar
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 chive strings cut (optional garnish)
  • sea salt and pepper

Let's Make a Tuna Tomato Salad Recipe!

  1. Strain the tuna to remove its own juice, and crumble into smaller pieces. 
  2. Rinse the bell pepper, tomato and cut both into dice sized pieces. Finely chop onion.
  3. Combine all with the tuna in a bowl. Pour in the oil and vinegar. Mix well!
  4. Make sure everything is well covered with the olive oil. 
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste. 
  6. Garnish with chopped chives. This is optional.
  7. Keep the salad in a refrigerator for at least 1 hour.


TIPS: 

  • If you enjoy olive oil, get the tuna cans with olive oil.
  • Keep the main ingredients in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Use red or sweet onions. They're less overpowering.

Spanish picadillo de atun salad on a plate.Andalusian picadillo de atun salad.

What You Will Need

  1. Bowl
  2. Strainer
  3. Paring knife
  4. Tablespoon
  5. Cutting board
  6. Spatula to combine ingredients


Edu's Authentic Spanish Salads

San Isidro salad from MadridEnsaladilla San Isidro (San Isidro salad)
Spanish ptoato salad without mayonaisse.Patatas Aliña (Spanish potato salad without mayo)