This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my privacy policy for more information.

This Mediterranean Tuna and Gluten Free Orzo Salad is one that you will want to make right away. It’s a hearty salad filled with flaky tuna, gluten free orzo, tangy feta cheese and crunchy vegetables like celery, cucumber, and radishes. Top this tuna pasta salad with a delicious vinaigrette made with dijon, lime zest and olive oil and you won’t be disappointed!

You will love the mild and slightly sweet flavor of the tuna combined with the tanginess of the lemon and freshness of the parsley and crisp veggies. The gluten-free orzo absorbs all the flavors and pairs well with the other ingredients.

Not only is this salad delicious, but it will fill you up too! This is a great summer salad option for lunch or dinner and it’s perfect for meal prep too!

If you are looking for more gluten free recipes, try my: Gluten Free Orzo and Chicken Soup with Lemon, Healthy Maple Apple Crisp or Vegan and Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Brownies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

It is healthy. This easy recipe is packed full of nutrients. Tuna is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. The vegetables also contribute some great health benefits, making this a great choice to maintain a well-balanced diet.
It is easy. This is an easy salad to make and consists mostly of dumping and mixing. Besides the orzo that is cooked in a sauce pan and the vinaigrette that is shaken in a jar, the rest of the salad is made in one bowl.
It will fill you up! You will find that serving this easy orzo salad on a bed of mixed greens makes for a complete meal that will not leave you hungry. It’s a great lunch, dinner or side dish choice!

Ingredients

Here are notes about the ingredients needed to make this Mediterranean tuna salad. All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or an online retailer.

Dijon mustard
Lime: You will use both the zest of a lime and lime juice for the vinaigrette.
Olive oil: Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper
Red pepper flakes: This is an optional ingredient, but use it in the vinaigrette for a touch of added heat.
Tuna: You will need three cans of tuna packed in water.
Celery
Cucumber: Use ½ of a cucumber with the seeds removed.
Radish: Use one large or two small radishes.
Kalamata
Parsley: Fresh parsley is best for this.
Orzo: Use gluten free orzo.
Feta: Use dairy free feta cheese.
Greens: Serve the salad on top of fresh chopped greens.

Mediterranean Tuna and Gluten Free Orzo Salad Ingredients.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here is how to make this healthy tuna pasta salad recipe.

Step 1: In a large saucepan, cook the orzo according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water and set aside to cool.

Step 2: In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the mustard, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cover tightly and shake vigorously to combine. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the tuna, celery, cucumber, radishes, olives, and parsley. Using a fork, mix well.

Step 4: Pour half of the vinaigrette over the tuna mixture and stir well.

Step 5: Add the orzo and feta, stir to combine.

Step 6: Add the remaining vinaigrette and stir well.

Step 7: Serve over a bed of mixed greens.

Mediterranean Tuna and Gluten Free Orzo Salad.

Expert Tips

To remove the seeds of a cucumber, cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and gently scrape the seeds out with a spoon.
Be sure to mix the salad together in a very large bowl. This makes quite a bit and you will need the space to mix the ingredients together.
Make this ahead of time. This salad tastes even better after it has had time for the flavors to combine in the refrigerator.

Variations

Instead of orzo, feel free to use any other gluten free small cut pasta.
Use a seedless cucumber instead of removing the seeds from a regular cucumber.
Feel free to add in other ingredients you may have on hand. Some nice additions would be red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs like dill or oregano, green onion, cherry tomatoes, red peppers, fresh mint, or artichoke hearts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Mediterranean orzo pasta salad over a bed of greens with a slice of your favorite gluten-free bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use gluten free orzo?

No. This soup can be made with regular orzo containing gluten or feel free to use whichever small pasta shape you prefer.

What is the best kind of tuna to use?

You will want to be sure to use tuna that is packed in water and not in oil. This will help to keep the salad from being too oily and it also reduces the calories a bit, making it healthier.

What can I do with leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

More Easy Recipes

Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups with Strawberry Chia Jam: This chocolate treat is made with my homemade chocolate cashew butter and vegan strawberry chia jam. It’s a chocolatey, nutty and fruity treat that you are going to love!

Salmon Bowls with Mango Salsa: These salmon bowls with mango salsa are a colorful and delicious mix of tender pieces of salmon, a sweet fresh mango salsa and crunchy cucumber and carrots. All of these delicious ingredients are piled on top of warm rice, making this a filling and healthy dinner or lunch option.

Easy Gluten Free Pasta Fagioli Soup: This Easy Gluten Free Pasta Fagioli Soup is perfect on a cold or snowy day when comfort food is so needed! A quick recipe with simple ingredients that checks all the boxes for nutrition and flavor.

If you make this recipe, don't forget to come back and leave a 5-star rating and a comment below.

Many Hugs,

Cathleen

tuna salad, orzo, gluten free

entrees, salads

Yield: 8

Author: Cathleen Crobons