Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo (Healthy) Recipe
This Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein-rich tuna. Perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious snack, it avoids traditional mayonnaise by using Greek yogurt for creaminess, making it lower in fat and calories while maintaining a vibrant Mediterranean taste.
- 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
Protein
- 2 cans tuna, 5 ounces each (preferably Wild Planet or Safe Catch, no need to drain)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 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
Dressing & Seasoning
- 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
- Prepare the vegetables and herbs: Chop the English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, fresh parsley, dill, and olives into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure easy mixing and a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, flake the tuna with a fork (no need to drain if using Wild Planet or Safe Catch brand). Add all the chopped vegetables, herbs, and olives to the bowl.
- Add dressing and seasoning: Pour in the plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil if using. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.
- Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a chilled salad later. This tuna salad works great on its own, as a sandwich filling, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
- Use tuna packed in olive oil for extra richness; if not, adding the optional olive oil enhances flavor and texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- To make it gluten-free, verify that the canned tuna and yogurt do not contain any gluten additives.
- Substitute fresh dill with fresh basil for a different herbaceous twist.
Keywords: Mediterranean tuna salad, healthy tuna salad, no mayo tuna salad, Greek yogurt salad dressing, quick tuna salad, low-fat tuna salad, fresh herb tuna salad
