Tuna salad is a classic lunchtime staple, but traditional recipes often rely heavily on mayonnaise, which can make the dish feel heavy and dense. Fortunately, there’s a better way to enjoy the delicious flavors of tuna without the added calories and fat. Introducing our mouthwatering tuna salad recipe that skips the mayo and instead uses a blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients to create a light, yet creamy texture that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meal prep option, a quick and easy lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this tuna salad recipe is sure to become a new go-to in your culinary repertoire. With its perfect balance of protein, flavor, and texture, it’s a dish that both health-conscious and flavor-seeking eaters will love.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this tuna salad recipe apart is its ability to deliver all the crave-worthy taste of a traditional version, but with a lighter, more wholesome twist. By skipping the mayo and instead relying on a combination of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, we’ve created a tuna salad that’s bursting with flavor yet still feels refreshing and energizing.
The contrast of the tender tuna, the creamy yet tangy dressing, and the crunch of celery and onion makes each bite a delightful experience. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile – you can enjoy it on its own, stuffed into a sandwich, or atop a bed of greens for a complete and satisfying meal. And the best part? It comes together in just minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weekdays or last-minute entertaining.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Tuna Salad Without Mayo ❓
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this tuna salad is that most ingredients are pantry or refrigerator staples. The combination of protein-rich tuna, tangy Greek yogurt, and aromatic herbs and spices creates the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made tuna salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Tuna Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Fold in the chopped celery, red onion, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.
• Step 3: Taste the tuna salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
• Step 4: Serve the tuna salad immediately, or refrigerate until ready to use. It’s delicious on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes
Compared to traditional tuna salad recipes that can take up to 20 minutes to prepare, this tuna salad without mayo saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 403mg
These tuna salad without mayo provide approximately 36% of your daily protein requirements and 17% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the celery and onion, and serve the tuna salad over a bed of mixed greens or stuffed in a low-carb wrap.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Greek yogurt with an equal amount of mashed avocado or cashew-based vegan yogurt.
• Added protein: Mix in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp hearts to boost the protein and fiber content.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped cucumber for extra crunch and nutrition.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the tuna salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing lunch or snack.
• Complement the tuna salad with a creamy tomato soup or a crisp, leafy green salad for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
• For a light dinner, serve the tuna salad alongside grilled or roasted salmon, steamed edamame, and a side of quinoa or brown rice.
• Create a tuna salad platter with whole-grain crackers, sliced cucumber, and cherry tomatoes for a delicious and visually appealing appetizer or snack.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Watery consistency: Draining the tuna thoroughly and using the right ratio of Greek yogurt to tuna is crucial to achieve a creamy, not runny, texture.
• Dry or crumbly tuna salad: Adding too little Greek yogurt can result in a dry, unappealing tuna salad. Adjust the amount as needed to reach the desired consistency.
• Neglecting seasoning: Skimping on the salt and pepper can lead to a bland tuna salad. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary to bring out the best flavors.
• Overchopping vegetables: Cutting the celery and onion into too-small pieces can make the tuna salad feel mushy. Aim for a nice, even dice for the perfect texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These tuna salad without mayo retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: Tuna salad can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, portion the salad into individual servings, place in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If the tuna salad has been refrigerated or frozen, give it a gentle stir before serving to restore the creamy texture. You can also add a small amount of Greek yogurt or lemon juice to revive the flavors.
❓ FAQs
How far in advance can I make this tuna salad?
The tuna salad can be prepared up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy weekdays or when you need a quick and easy lunch or snack on hand.
Can I use canned chunk light tuna instead of solid white tuna?
Absolutely! Both canned chunk light tuna and solid white tuna work well in this recipe. The chunk light tuna may have a slightly more pronounced fishy flavor, but it will still result in a delicious tuna salad. Feel free to use whichever type of tuna you prefer or have on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, this tuna salad without mayo is a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. With only 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it’s a protein-packed and nutrient-dense choice. You can further reduce the carb content by omitting the celery and onion and serving the tuna salad over a bed of greens or in a lettuce wrap.
What can I do if the tuna salad turns out too dry?
If your tuna salad ends up feeling a bit dry or crumbly, simply add a tablespoon or two of additional Greek yogurt and stir to combine. The extra moisture will help restore the creamy, cohesive texture you’re looking for. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I add any other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This tuna salad recipe is highly versatile and can be easily customized to your taste preferences. Some delicious additions could include diced avocado, chopped hard-boiled eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped dill pickles, or a sprinkle of paprika or dried herbs.
Conclusion
These tuna salad without mayo represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re serving them as a quick and easy lunch, a protein-packed snack, or the star of a light and refreshing dinner, they’re sure to impress with their fresh, zesty taste and creamy texture.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this tuna salad demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly.
So why not give this delightful tuna salad a try? It’s a nutritious and delicious option that’s sure to become a new staple in your culinary repertoire.
Print
Delicious Tuna Salad Without Mayo
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
• Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Step 2: Fold in the chopped celery, red onion, and parsley. Season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine.
• Step 3: Taste the tuna salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
• Step 4: Serve the tuna salad immediately, or refrigerate until ready to use. It’s delicious on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Delicious Tuna Salad Without Mayo
