Name: Mackerel Olive Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: serves 2 people
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cucumber; 2 tomatoes; 1/2 red onion; 6 radishes; 1 lettuce heart; 1 tbsp capers; 8 black olives, pitted; green olives, pitted; 1 canned Mackerel (125g / 4.4 oz); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Mackerel Olive Salad

Mackerel and olive salad is one of those dishes that beautifully combines simplicity, nourishment, and rich Mediterranean flavor in a single bowl. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy lunch, light dinner, or even a convenient meal on the go. Mackerel is one of the most nutritious fish choices, packed with omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. Paired with briny olives, crisp fresh vegetables, crunchy cucumbers, and a light dressing made with premium extra virgin olive oil, it creates a perfectly balanced meal that is satisfying without feeling heavy—while also supporting a wholesome, healthy lifestyle.

Light Mediterranean Salad

Here are the top reasons why this mackerel salad is so delicious:

Perfect for a quick lunch, feeding a crowd, picnics, or celebrations
Made with easily accessible ingredients and fresh vegetables that are often abundant in summer gardens
Finished with a homemade dressing made from high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice for the perfect flavor boost
Suitable for those avoiding gluten or lactose
Best enjoyed fresh, but also great for meal prep

Top 5 tips and tricks for this summer salad

Follow these five tips for guaranteed success:

Use high-quality mackerel – Great protein means fantastic flavor. You can use canned mackerel (as we did), but grilled or baked fresh mackerel works beautifully too.
Don’t overdo the dressing – Extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice are all you need. Too many additions can overpower the natural flavors of the fish and vegetables.
Add crunchy elements – Cucumbers and radishes provide freshness, texture, and a satisfying crisp bite.
Choose quality olives – We used premium pitted green and black olives for their rich, full flavor.
Feel free to swap the protein – Tuna or other fish work well, chicken is another great option, or for a vegetarian version, use grilled cheese or feta instead.

How to serve this salad

This salad is extremely versatile and can be served in many ways:

As a standalone light meal
As a side dish with roasted potatoes
Perfect with toasted bread or focaccia
Great for picnics, gatherings, or as an appetizer

Storing

For maximum freshness, it’s best to prepare this salad just before serving, but it also works well as a meal-prep option for the next day. If there are leftovers, they can be stored easily by following these guidelines:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
Consume within 24 hours for the best flavor and texture
Before serving, give it a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed

How to make Mackerel Olive Salad at home (video)

Check this short video to master this recipe at home.

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Ingredients

salad

1 cucumber

2 tomatoes

1/2 red onion

6 radishes

1 lettuce heart

1 tbsp capers

8 black olives, pitted

green olives, pitted

1 canned Mackerel (125g / 4.4 oz)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

Tools and equipment

bowl

cutting board

kitchen knife

METHOD

prepare the veggies

Dice the cucumber and tomatoes into 2 cm x 2 cm (about ¾ inch x ¾ inch) cubes. Peel the onion and slice it into thin strips. Cut the radishes into quarters. Tear or chop the lettuce into larger pieces. Place all the prepared vegetables into a large bowl.
serve

Add the capers, olives, and mackerel. Season with salt, extra virgin olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss everything together gently and serve.

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Mackerel Olive Salad