Tuna Salad

4.58

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The best healthy tuna salad recipe made with canned tuna, red onion, celery, chopped pickles and Greek yogurt. Perfect as a snack with crackers or on a sandwich.

I wasn’t always a fan of tuna salad (ahem, it felt like it was punishment in my childhood years) but as I’ve gotten older, I’m practically obsessed. It’s flavorful, protein-packed and the perfect meal prep recipe.

Tuna salad on an open face sandwich with lettuce. On a plate with chips and cucumbers.

For this recipe I used the same ingredients my mom has always used to make tuna salad but with a few simple changes. I swapped most of the mayo for Greek yogurt, used savory dill pickles instead of pickled relish and added in some fresh parsley.

I know tuna salad get’s a bad rap, but trust me… this version is delicious and something I could eat every week.

Mixing bowl with ingredients to make tuna salad.

Ingredients in Tuna Salad

  • canned tuna – I typically buy Albacore tuna because you get bigger chunks of meat that aren’t mushy. I really like the Wild Planet brand!
  • plain Greek yogurt – I like using full-fat, but you can use fat-free if you’d like. It will be more tangy though!
  • a little mayonnaise – I added in 1 Tablespoon of mayo for a bit of creaminess, but you can skip this or use more Greek yogurt if you’d like
  • chopped celery 
  • red onion
  • dill pickle
  • mustard
  • chopped parsley
  • sea salt and pepper
Spoon mixing up tuna salad in a mixing bowl.

Substitutions & Notes

Dairy-free – I made this with Greek yogurt and mayo for an added protein boost, but you can either use dairy-free yogurt or omit the yogurt and just use mayo. I know it’s counterintuitive, but mayo is dairy-free!

Additional mix-ins – This is my baseline recipe, but honestly you can always switch it up… I often do! Sometimes I use green onion instead of red onion. Sometimes I add extra herbs like fresh dill (so good). Feel free to get creative and make this your own!

Tuna salad on an open face sandwich with lettuce.

How to Make Tuna Salad

Drain tuna – Most tuna comes packed in water or oil and even if it’s not, there will likely be a bit of liquid in the can. If this is the case, you’ll just want to drain it off. I have this little can colander that works like a charm for draining tuna!

Chop vegetables – Start by chopping the celery, onion and pickles if you haven’t already.

Combine ingredients – Add the drained tuna, yogurt, chopped celery, diced onion, chopped pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, salt and pepper into a large bowl. Toss to combine, breaking up any large chunks of tuna.

Serve – Enjoy right away or chill before serving.

Bowl with tuna salad served over lettuce and served with crackers.

How to Eat Tuna Salad

One of my favorite things about tuna salad is how versatile it is!

  • Eat as is – it’s definitely a complete meal on it’s own.
  • Over a bed of greens – I am a volume eater so I love starting with a base of greens and topping it with this salad.
  • Lettuce cups – scoop into a lettuce leaf for a crunchy and fresh wrap. Romaine, butter or iceberg lettuce works great for this.
  • In a wrap – scoop into a whole grain wrap and add some greens for a little extra crunch and you have a satisfying wrap!
  • On toast/as a sandwich – I love this as both an open faced sandwich on toasted bread or a more traditional sandwich with un-toasted bread. You can also use this salad to make a delicious tuna melt!
  • With crackers or tortilla chips – This is a great snack or appetizer when eaten like a dip with crackers or chips. I’ve been loving it paired with my almond flour crackers.

How Long Will Tuna Salad Last?

When stored in an airtight container, tuna salad will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Because it doesn’t last super long, I usually make small batches and eat it in a variety of different ways (listed above!) to keep it exciting.

More Tuna Recipes to Try:

More Protein Salad Recipes to Try:

Be sure to check out all of the tuna recipes as well as the full collection of salad recipes on EBF!

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4.58 from 47 votes

Tuna Salad

The best healthy tuna salad recipe made with canned tuna, red onion, celery, chopped pickles and Greek yogurt. Perfect as a snack with crackers or on a sandwich.
Servings: 2

Ingredients  

  • 2 5 oz cans of tuna, drained
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 stalk, 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup diced dill pickles
  • 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise, optional
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon or German mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions 

  • Combine ingredients: Add drained tuna, yogurt, chopped celery, diced onion, chopped pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, parsley, pepper and salt into a large bowl. Toss to combine, breaking up any large chunks of tuna meat. 
  • Serve: Enjoy right away or chill before serving. Serve with crackers for a snack or appetizer, on bread or a wrap for a sandwich or over a bed of greens. 
  • To store: Place salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will keep for 3-5 days.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1/2 of recipe | Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 636mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: tuna salad
Did you make this recipe?Mention @eatingbirdfood and tag #eatingbirdfood!

About Brittany

Hey there, I’m Brittany, the creator of Eating Bird Food, cookbook author, health coach and mama of two littles. Here you’ll find quick and easy recipes that make healthy fun and enjoyable for you and your family!

More about Brittany
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Recipe Rating




45 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    So good! Quick, easy, and had everything on hand. And serving size is perfect for myself, husband, and two kids!

    1. Thank you so much, Kelly. I’m so happy that you enjoyed the tuna salad recipe and I really appreciate you coming back to leave a comment and star rating!

  2. 5 stars
    I haven’t made tuna in years. Me and my family enjoyed this recipe very much. My husband asked if we can have this more often. Really liked not having all the mayo in there.

    1. Yay!! So glad this tuna salad was a hit. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it, Laurie.

  3. 5 stars
    Been trying to fulfill my tuna salad cravings without the mayonnaise, and this recipe is ingenious!!! I used all Greek yogurt, no mayo and it was so delicious 🙂 Adding the mustard and onions also adds so much flavor, and this is now my go-to quick tuna salad lunch recipe! I also add diced carrots for extra crunch.

    1. Yay!! I’m glad this tuna salad was a hit!! I appreciate you coming back to leave a review, Corin. It’s super helpful for other readers. 🙂

  4. 5 stars
    I tried this and it tastes amazing!! I didn’t have the parsley it called for, but still 10/10. My new favorite tuna salad.

    1. Ahh yay!! That makes me so happy to hear. I’m so glad you loved this salad. Thanks for coming back to leave a review, Anna. I so appreciate it. 🙂

  5. 5 stars
    I am such a skeptic when it comes to using yogurt, instead of mayo, but I took a chance by using it for this recipe and was pleasantly surprised. This recipe is simple but flavorful and best of all, it’s healthy! I really love the use of Dijon; it adds such great flavor.

    I have enjoyed this toasted on grain-free bread, as well as inside a Folio’s cheese wrap. I have made a few of your recipes, so far, and they’ve all been hits! Keep the recipes coming.

    1. Yay!! So glad you liked this recipe, Sara. Thanks for giving it a chance and for coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it. 🙂

  6. I have been making this recipe every Sunday for the last 3 weeks as part of my meal prep for the week. I have it for lunch during the week on crackers or in a sandwich and just love it. It’s sooo good… I can’t get enough! 🤗

  7. 5 stars
    Whoa. This simple is recipe is something else! I never eat tuna salad (or anything tuna) usually but I saw how you said you were the same way so I decided to try it out and YUM. This has totally changed my mind! It’s so good and I can’t stop eating it. You have the tuna touch.:)

    1. Ahh yay!! That makes me so happy to hear, Ashley. I’m so glad you loved this recipe!! Thanks so much for tryin it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!

  8. 5 stars
    Just made this and then ate it for lunch – it’s so good! I’ve always wanted to like tuna salad, but just couldn’t find a recipe that didn’t totally gross me out with its “gloopiness”. This is perfect – just moist enough to keep everything together. Next time, I’ll try it with dill and just a tad less black pepper. Thanks Brittany!

    1. So glad you loved this recipe, Kara!! Thanks so much for giving it a try and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!

  9. How do you think avocado oil mayonnaise would taste in replace of the Greek yogurt? Unfortunately I am lactose intolerant.

  10. 5 stars
    I made this as part of the Salad Challenge. I absolutely loved it, as did my husband. Thank you for posting these great looking recipes. I’m looking forward to trying them all!

    1. Woo!! That makes me so happy to hear, Nancy. So glad this recipe was a hit. Thanks for the review. 🙂

  11. 5 stars
    I was looking for something new for work lunches and the new diet I have committed to. I filled up a low carb wrap with your tuna recipe and arugula. So delicious and filling. Looking forward to eating the other half tomorrow. Love your recipies.
    Debora K

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed this tuna salad, Debora! Thanks so much for making it and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!

  12. 5 stars
    Oh my! This is soooo good. I used Grillo’s Pickles (the superior pickle imo) and it added a lovely addition of garlic and dill. I could even trick a picky eater with this as you would never know it’s greek yogurt. 10/10 will be adding this into my rotation for summer lunches – so much protein too!

    1. I’m so glad you enjoyed this tuna salad, Emily! Thanks for trying it and coming back to leave a review 🙂

  13. 5 stars
    I made this last night for some company my husband and I was a huge hit! Definitely recommend making this! Would it be possible to make a double batch and preserve half in the freezer until ready to eat? Thank you!

  14. 5 stars
    I’ve been trying to get my kids to like tuna and this recipe finally did the trick! Definitely will be making again. Thank you!

    1. Oh yay!! So happy to hear this tuna salad was a hit, Heather. Thanks so much for trying it out and coming back to leave a review. It means the world to me!

    1. Woo!! So pumped to hear you loved this recipe, Becky. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!

  15. 5 stars
    Love this simple tuna salad recipe! I am making it almost every week. Love it on crackers or toasted with a bit of cheese for a tuna salad melt. I forgo the mayonnaise and it is delicious!

    1. Oh yay! So pumped you’ve been enjoying this tuna salad recipe, Kate. Thanks so much for trying it out and coming back to leave a review. I really appreciate it!

  16. 5 stars
    So tasty! I made it with no mayo and it’s so tasty – it’s as if it’s got mayo in but healthier!!
    Thanks!

    1. Yay! I’m glad you’re loving this recipe, Louise. Thank you for sharing your review, it means so much to me.

  17. 5 stars
    Made this for tea 05/08/2022 I changed the celery for cucumber as I don’t like celery and also added some red bell pepper the dressing was lovely both me and my son enjoyed it and will definitely be making again thanks for sharing your recipe.

    1. So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Bev. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!

    1. Yay! I am glad you are enjoying this recipe and it is a hit, Kat. Thank you so much for coming back and sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!

    1. So glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, I truly appreciate it!

  18. 5 stars
    So fresh and flavourful! This will definitely be on repeat in our house!

    Thank you for sharing such a delicious and healthy recipe!

    1. YUM! I am so excited to hear that you are loving this recipe, Laura. Thanks so much for sharing your reivew & star rating, it means so much to me!