Grilled Veg Salad with Tuna, Mint and Pistachio

🥗 Grilled Veg Salad with Tuna, Mint & Pistachio

This vibrant salad is the perfect marriage of smoky grilled vegetables, rich protein, and bright herbal notes—all tossed in a zesty lemon and garlic dressing with crunchy pistachios for that perfect finish. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that captures everything primal cuisine is about: seasonal veggies, healthy fats, and ancestral protein sources like oily fish. Whether you’re looking for a nutrient-packed lunch, a portable meal prep option, or a refreshing summer dinner, this salad delivers on flavor, fuel, and function.

🍋 Lemon (Zest & Juice)

Lemon brings tangy brightness while supplying vitamin C, a key antioxidant that supports immune defense, collagen production, and iron absorption from plant-based foods. The zest also offers limonene, a compound with anti-inflammatory and detox-supporting properties.

🐟 Canned Tuna in Olive Oil

A fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, especially when packed in olive oil, which adds extra heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Tuna also contains selenium, B vitamins, and iodine, supporting thyroid function, brain health, and metabolism.

✅ Pro tip: Opt for pole-and-line caught or sustainably sourced tuna for better environmental and health outcomes.

🌿 Fresh Mint Leaves

Mint isn’t just refreshing—it aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and may help soothe bloating. It’s also rich in rosemary acid and menthol, which can calm the gut and uplift the senses—ideal for warm-weather meals.

🧄 Garlic

Garlic adds depth and pungency, but more importantly, it’s a powerhouse of allicin, a sulfur compound known for antibacterial, antiviral, and heart-protective effects. It also supports detoxification and immune resilience—a true primal pantry staple.

🥒 Zucchini

Low in carbs but high in water and fiber, zucchini brings bulk without weight. It’s a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin that protect eye and skin health—especially beneficial when grilled to bring out its natural sweetness.

🌿 Asparagus

Asparagus is rich in folate, vitamin K, and prebiotic fiber like inulin, which supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria. It’s also a natural diuretic, helping with bloating and fluid balance.

🌰 Pistachios

These little green gems are a perfect primal-friendly fat: high in monounsaturated fats, plant protein, and antioxidantslike lutein and polyphenols. Pistachios also support blood sugar balance and promote a sense of satiety thanks to their fiber-fat-protein trio.

This salad is all about freshness, texture, and clean energy—with no grains, no sugar spikes, and big nutritional payoff.