For a light meal that won't weigh you down too much, a traditional tuna salad sounds about perfect. Simple as it is, this protein-packed combo of canned tuna and mayo is a tasty and incredibly effective hunger blaster. It's easy to customize, too: you can wrap it in some crispy lettuce, sandwiched between slices of whole-grain bread, or on top of some pasta, depending on what you have in the pantry.

But your tuna salad will need more than just some mayo to become a flavor-fest, and that's where balsamic vinegar comes in! This rich, syrupy condiment adds a complex sweetness that perfectly balances the creamy tuna and tangy mayo. Plus, with flavors reminiscent of figs, prunes, and grapes, balsamic vinegar is a great way to add a touch of Mediterranean flair to your plate. For an even more indulgent tuna salad, though, if you have some time, try turning the balsamic vinegar into a vinaigrette to level up the dish even further! Making a balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing For the uninitiated, vinaigrette is a condiment that's made up of an oil and an acid.

In the case of our balsamic vinaigrette , the two ingredients we're using are extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. But that's not all we're adding. Other than sugar and black pepper to season, we're also adding lemon juice for a bright, citrusy zing, a dollop of Dijon mustard for a spicy kick, and a bit of minced garlic (or shallots) for depth.

Balsamic vinaigrette is also incredibly customizable. You can easily adjust .