Mediterranean Brown Rice and Tuna Bowls Recipe
Introduction
This Mediterranean Brown Rice and Tuna Bowl is a fresh, healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining wholesome brown rice, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful tuna, it’s a satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and full of texture and taste.

Ingredients
- Greek Ladolemono dressing (see the recipe)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ English cucumber, cubed
- 1 shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (starting with 1 dry cup, cook according to package instructions)
- 2 jars (6.7 ounces each) Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil
- Feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Greek ladolemono dressing according to its recipe.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, shallots, and parsley. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then drizzle about ¼ cup of the ladolemono dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 3: Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among 4 bowls. Add the cucumber and tomato salad on top, then place the tuna fillets over each bowl.
- Step 4: Drizzle a little more ladolemono dressing on each bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finish with crumbled feta cheese, if desired, before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use quinoa or couscous instead of brown rice for a different texture and flavor.
- Add olives or roasted red peppers for an extra Mediterranean twist.
- To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
- Make sure to drain the tuna well to avoid excess oil in the bowls.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the salad contains fresh vegetables and dressing, the texture may soften over time. Reheat brown rice separately if desired, then assemble the bowls fresh before eating for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned for this recipe?
While fresh tuna can be used, the recipe is designed for ready-to-eat canned tuna fillets in olive oil, which add flavor and convenience. If using fresh tuna, cook it lightly and season well, then add it to the bowls.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply omit the tuna and feta cheese. You can replace the tuna with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, for added protein and flavor.
Print
Mediterranean Brown Rice and Tuna Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mediterranean Brown Rice and Tuna Bowls combine wholesome brown rice, protein-rich tuna, fresh vegetables, and a tangy Greek ladolemono dressing for a nutritious and flavorful meal. This easy-to-assemble dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Ladolemono Dressing
- Greek Ladolemono dressing (see the recipe)
Salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ English cucumber, cubed
- 1 shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Base and Protein
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (from approximately 1 dry cup, cooked as per package instructions)
- 2 jars (6.7 ounces each) Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil
Optional Topping
- Feta cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ladolemono Dressing: Make the ladolemono dressing following the specified recipe to ensure authentic Mediterranean flavors.
- Make the Salad: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, cubed cucumber, drained chickpeas, thinly sliced shallot, and chopped fresh parsley. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then drizzle about ¼ cup of the prepared ladolemono dressing over the salad. Toss gently to fully combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Tuna Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each portion with an equal amount of the fresh vegetable and chickpea salad. Add yellowfin tuna fillets from the jars on top of the salad. Drizzle a bit more ladolemono dressing over everything to enhance the flavors. Optionally, finish each bowl with a sprinkle of feta cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Notes
- Use good quality yellowfin tuna packed in olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
- Brown rice should be cooked ahead of time according to package instructions and cooled slightly before assembling bowls.
- The ladolemono dressing adds a bright, tangy citrus flavor that complements the fresh salad ingredients.
- If feta cheese is not preferred, it can be omitted or substituted with a vegan cheese alternative.
- These bowls can be served immediately or chilled for a refreshing meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes (for cooking brown rice)
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean, brown rice, tuna bowl, healthy lunch, chickpea salad, ladolemono dressing, yellowfin tuna, gluten free, quick meal

