Dinner

Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo (Healthy) Recipe

Name: Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo (Healthy) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cans tuna, 5 ounces each (preferably Wild Planet or Safe Catch, no need to drain); 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)

Bymia larkspur February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad is a fresh and healthy option perfect for lunch or a light dinner. With no mayonnaise and plenty of vibrant ingredients, it’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare.

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a dark, textured cracker speckled with seeds and nuts, topped with a creamy white dip that has small chunks of red and green vegetables; in the blurred background, a white bowl filled with the same dip dotted with pieces of red cherry tomatoes sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cans tuna, 5 ounces each
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, but suggested especially if not using tuna packed in olive oil)

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

Use tuna packed in olive oil for extra richness; if not, add the optional olive oil for better texture and flavor.
Swap out fresh dill for fresh basil if you prefer a different herbal note.
Add a handful of chopped roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for a twist.
Serve over mixed greens or in a whole wheat pita for a satisfying meal.

Storage

Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled, and refrigeration helps the flavors meld nicely.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a light gray speckled bowl filled with a chunky salad. The salad has three main layers: pieces of pale cooked chicken, light green cucumber chunks, and halved bright red cherry tomatoes mixed evenly. There are small bits of purple onion and green herbs distributed throughout, giving texture and pops of color. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. In the background, two lemon slices and dark brown crispy crackers are partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use mayo instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise if you prefer a richer texture, but the salad is lighter and healthier with yogurt.

Do I need to drain the canned tuna?

If you use tuna packed in water, it’s best to drain it. However, with brands like Wild Planet or Safe Catch, draining is not necessary as these are low in liquid and retain more flavor.