Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo (Healthy) Recipe

Introduction

This Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a fresh and healthy twist on a classic favorite, made without mayonnaise. Packed with crisp vegetables, vibrant herbs, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cans tuna, 5 ounces each
• ¼ English cucumber, chopped (½ cup chopped)
• 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered (¼ cup)
• ¼ red onion, chopped (¼ cup)
• 1 stalk celery, chopped (¼ cup)
• 10 olives (Kalamata or green Manzanilla), chopped (¼ cup)
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh dill, loosely packed, chopped
• 1 large lemon, juiced (¼ cup lemon juice)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (optional, but suggested especially if not using tuna packed in olive oil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, celery, red onion, fresh parsley, dill, and olives. Flake the tuna into a medium bowl. If using Wild Planet or Safe Catch brand tuna, there’s no need to drain it.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped vegetables, herbs, and olives to the bowl with tuna. Pour in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil if using. Stir everything well until combined.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add diced bell peppers or radishes.
• Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt to make this recipe vegan-friendly using chickpea tuna alternatives.
• If you prefer a tangier salad, add a splash of red wine vinegar or more lemon juice.
• Serve on whole grain bread, in a pita pocket, or over mixed greens for a complete meal.

Storage

Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a quick stir and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if needed. It’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to drain the tuna?

If you are using tuna packed in water from brands like Wild Planet or Safe Catch, there is no need to drain it as the flavor enhances the salad. For other brands, draining is recommended.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will meld nicely, but avoid adding delicate herbs until just before serving to keep them fresh.

Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo (Healthy) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

This Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a healthy, no-mayo alternative packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy Greek yogurt. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it combines the flavors of lemon, dill, and olives for a refreshing taste that is both satisfying and nutritious.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tuna Salad

• 2 cans tuna, 5 ounces each (preferably Wild Planet or Safe Catch, no need to drain)
• ¼ English cucumber, chopped (about ½ cup)
• 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered (about ¼ cup)
• ¼ red onion, chopped (about ¼ cup)
• 1 stalk celery, chopped (about ¼ cup)
• 10 olives (kalamata or green manzanilla), chopped (about ¼ cup)
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh dill, loosely packed, chopped
• 1 large lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup lemon juice)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (optional, especially if tuna is not packed in olive oil)

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Chop the English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, celery, red onion, fresh parsley, dill, and olives into small pieces suitable for mixing. This ensures all flavors meld together perfectly in the salad.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, flake the tuna using a fork. Add the chopped vegetables, herbs, and olives. Pour in the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the optional extra-virgin olive oil if desired.
3. Mix the salad: Stir everything together thoroughly so that the tuna is evenly coated with the yogurt and the flavors are well distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

• Use high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil for richer flavor and to potentially omit the added olive oil.
• The Greek yogurt adds creaminess without using mayonnaise, making this salad lighter and healthier.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and salt to your taste preferences.
• Can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld further.
• This salad is great as a standalone meal or served on whole grain bread or lettuce wraps.

Keywords: Mediterranean tuna salad, healthy tuna salad, no mayo tuna salad, quick lunch recipe, Greek yogurt tuna salad, low fat tuna salad