By: Chef Laura Bonicelli

There’s something incredibly satisfying about opening the fridge and seeing four colorful jars lined up, ready for the week. This Layered Greek Salad with Tuna is exactly that—fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor.

 

Layered Greek salad in a mason jar with chickpeas, feta cheese, and vegetables – a healthy Mediterranean meal prep lunch idea

About the salad

Fresh cherry tomatoes in a rustic wooden crate – perfect for summer recipes and Mediterranean dishes
Italian tuna in a small bowl – high-quality olive oil-packed tuna for Mediterranean recipes
Raw chickpeas in a wooden scoop on a wooden table – a Mediterranean pantry staple for plant-based cooking

Why I love this recipe

Inspired by classic Mediterranean ingredients and designed for modern convenience, this layered-greek-salad-with-tuna is one of my favorite ways to bring bold flavors into meal prep. It’s layered with orzo, chickpeas, crisp romaine, and tangy feta, all topped off with a zippy vinaigrette and silky Italian tuna packed in oil.

If you’re looking for a lunch that actually excites you, keep reading.


🥗 Why this recipe works

This salad isn’t just photogenic—it’s balanced, bold, and deeply satisfying.

  • Meal prep perfection: Layering ingredients in mason jars keeps everything crisp and fresh.

  • Full of flavor: Between the chive vinaigrette, lemony orzo, and creamy feta, every bite sings.

  • Make-ahead magic: Assemble once, enjoy all week.

Whether you’re working from home or packing lunch for the office, this recipe is a game-changer.


The ingredients

We’re leaning into the Mediterranean pantry staples here—feta, olives, parsley, oregano, and that gorgeous Italian tuna. The vinaigrette alone is something I could eat with a spoon (and occasionally do).

You’ll layer:

  • A chickpea-tomato mixture

  • Herbed orzo with lemon and cucumber

  • Fresh chopped romaine

  • Italian tuna, feta, and Greek olives

All topped with a bright chive vinaigrette that brings it all together.


🐟 About the tuna

Let’s talk tuna for a second.

This isn’t your basic canned tuna. I recommend using Italian tuna packed in olive oil—the kind that comes in a jar or high-quality tin. It’s richer, more flavorful, and makes this salad feel just a bit indulgent (in the best way).

If you have a favorite brand, use it! If not, look for one labeled ventresca or line-caught. The flavor really makes a difference.

💡 Tips, swaps & variations

  • Want to switch up the grains? Quinoa, farro, or even couscous would be great stand-ins for orzo.

  • Vegetarian option: Swap the tuna for roasted chickpeas or marinated artichoke hearts.

  • For extra crunch: Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving.

And if you’re serving these to guests, layer the salads in clear glasses or mini trifle bowls for a show-stopping presentation.

🧂 A final note

You’ll find the full recipe below, but once you make this a few times, you won’t need to look it up. It’s flexible, reliable, and totally delicious.

Whether you’re prepping for the week or planning a picnic, this salad will never let you down.

Enjoy!

Buon Appetito!

Step by Step Instructions

Layered Greek Salad with Tuna Salad

© Chef Laura Bonicelli
Whether you’re packing lunch for the office or prepping meals for a weekend picnic, this Layered Greek Salad with Tuna delivers on taste, convenience, and color.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Dish - Fish and Seafood, MM-Green, Salad
Cuisine American, Greek
Servings 4
Calories 579 kcal

Equipment

  • 4 quart canning jars with lids

Ingredients
  

=====dressing=====

  • 1/3 cup chopped chives
  • 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1 small shallot minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

=====chickpea mixture=====

  • 1 cup canned chickpeas
  • 1 large tomato diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

=====orzo=====

  • 3/4 cup orzo 1 1/2 cups cooked
  • 1/2 cucumber diced (grilled peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or cauliflower are good substitutes)
  • 2 - 3 tablespoons dressing
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano

======assembly=====

  • 1 large head romaine chopped
  • 8 ounces Italian tuna packed in oil drained
  • 4 ounces feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Greek olives

Instructions
 

  • Cook the orzo according to the package directions, rinse under cold water until cool. Drain well.
  • Combine all dressing ingredients using an immersion blender or blender. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
  • In a medium sized bowl, combine the chickpeas, tomato, and parsley. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste and chill until ready to assemble.
  • In another bowl, combine the orzo, cucumber, dressing, onion, zest, juice, and oregano. Salt and pepper to taste and chill until ready to assemble.
  • Layer salad starting with the chickpea mixture. Put enough in the bottom of each jar to cover about an inch and a half up from the bottom. Top with a layer of chopped romaine and drizzle with 2 - 3 tablespoons of the dressing. Follow with a layer of orzo. Top with tuna, a little dressing, feta, and olives. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Curious about oil-free options? Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is a great low-fat alternative that mimics oil’s emulsifying properties.

Nutrition

Calories: 579kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 27gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 1173mgPotassium: 482mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1304IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Greek Salad with Tuna, Layered Greek Salad, Mediterranean Salad Recipe
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