Why I love healthy tuna salad
Just before Marc and I went to Thailand, we took the train to Almaty. It was a long ride. We needed food, but I wanted to be careful not to bring anything that would spoil.
This no mayo tuna salad was the perfect option – protein to keep us full and an oil-based dressing to bring the flavor. Plus, it stayed pretty cold in a our makeshift cooler (i.e. a tote bag with frozen water bottles in it). We’re so classy when we take the train.
There really isn’t much else to say about this. It’s just healthy tuna salad without mayo, which is very similar to my chicken salad without mayo, and it’s just as delicious.
If you like this recipe, you have to try this chicken salad with grapes, and my mediterranean chickpea salad and these tuna cakes. Or try this classic shrimp macaroni salad, it’s always a hit.
Searching for something to serve with this tuna salad? We love serving it with these recipes: Mojito fruit salad / Creamy vegetable soup / Instant pot baked beans / Rose sangria
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- Canned tuna – You can use your favorite tuna, we used light tuna for this recipe, but both will do just fine. Albacore tends to have a firmer texture and more mild flavor. Light tuna has a softer texture and stronger flavor, and typically available as chunks or flakes. If you prefer a less fishy taste then Albacore will be a good choice.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
The following is a detailed overview of the recipe steps with added tips and tricks for recipe success. For a simplified and printable version, including ingredient amounts and more formal instructions, see the recipe card below.
How to make tuna salad without mayo
Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, herbs and salt. Set aside.
Combine the ingredients. Place the tuna in a large mixing bowl and use a fok to flake apart any large chunks of tuna. Add the celery, carrots, onion, and bell pepper, giving everything a quick stir to combine.
Mix the salad. Pour the dressing into the mixing bowl and mix with a fork until the salad is well combined and dressing is distributed evenly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
FAQs and tips for making the best tuna salad
Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 5- ounce cans tuna, drained
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion, or chopped onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon, 2-3 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, flake the tuna with a fork.
- Add celery, carrot, onion and bell pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard and parsley. Pour dressing into salad and stir to combine.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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We like it, view the condition, Bravo. The clientele must have been happy you were aboard for the ride, Thumb up !!!
Sooo yummy! I was looking for a healthy option for tuna salad minus the mayo and this did the trick. I had mine with lettuce wraps for a quick lunch. Will be my go to from now on.
I legit just received this text from my husband: “The new tuna dish is amazing and tasty. Thank you!!!”
It made me LOL. Thanks for a winner! My teens took it to school too. So glad to get rid of the nasty mayo!
I am totally going to try this and I can’t wait!! I need to spice up my packed lunches a little bit and this seems like the perfectly, easy way to do that!
Made this tonight as a part of a light no-cook supper for our first 80+ degree day. Delicious salad. Even the wife (who won’t touch salad of any kind) raved about it.
I try this today and i really love t.. I’m on diet and this what exactly i need…
Thanks for the no mayo recipe, simple which is what I need as a useless cook, and the mayo is bad for the cholesterol so I’m glad it’s no there! Delicious ^_^
I made this last night and it was a huge hit. I’m a beginner cook and this was so easy to make! I didn’t add the lemon but it was still great.
I made this last night for my lunch today. I’m on day 25 of my first Whole30, and I just did not have it in me to make homemade mayonnaise last night. I also did not feel like cooking. This recipe was pretty easy to follow. I used rainbow carrots instead of the veggies you suggested, but everything else was the same. It was pretty great. 🙂
The pictures look delicious, but the recipe is ‘broken’ – the ingredients list looks like the instructions for another recipe? Would love to have the ingredients, please! 🙂
Looks like it was a very strange glitch! But, the recipe is back to it’s original now. I hope that didn’t cause too much of a problem for you!
Too many ingredients that I don’t have. I guess I’m stuck with Mayo. Only (one) ingredient besides the tuna.
I’ll be honest and say that I was a little skeptical of a no-mayo tuna salad, but I’m really trying to eat healthy, so I thought I’d give it a try. Wow! It is delicious! My husband and I agree this will be our new go-to tuna salad recipe! Thank you for an easy, healthy meal!
That’s awesome to hear! I’m so glad you liked it. It’s one of our favorite easy meals, too!