Tuna Salad
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This healthy tuna salad is creamy, flavorful and packed with protein, made with Greek yogurt, crunchy veggies and simple pantry ingredients.
I’ve become completely hooked on tuna salad over the years. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple, packed with protein (about 39g per serving) and perfect for meal prep.
This version is inspired by the one I grew up eating, but with a few upgrades. I swap most of the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up, add crunchy celery and red onion for texture and use dill pickles for that tangy flavor.
If you think tuna salad is boring, this one might change your mind. It’s creamy, flavorful and something I find myself making on repeat.
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“Whoa. This simple 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.”
Why I Love This Tuna Salad
- Creamy but lighter: Greek yogurt adds creaminess while keeping things lighter than traditional versions.
- Packed with protein: A super satisfying option for lunch, snacks or meal prep.
- Great texture: Crunchy celery, onion and pickles balance the creamy base.
- Quick and easy: Comes together in minutes with no cooking required.
Ingredients Needed
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this tuna salad. Here’s what you need:
- 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 – adds creaminess while keeping the salad lighter and higher in protein.
- mayonnaise – just a small amount adds richness and classic flavor.
- chopped celery – for a satisfying crunch and freshness.
- red onion – brings a sharp, zesty flavor that complements the tuna.
- mustard – adds depth and a slight tang.
- dill pickle – instead of using sweet pickle relish like my mom’s recipe, I went with savory dill pickles, which is the perfect addition to this salad.
Find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Tuna Salad
Step 1: Drain your tuna then add it to a mixing bowl along with the Greek yogurt, celery, onion, pickles, mayonnaise (optional), mustard, parsley, pepper and salt.
Step 2: Break up tuna chunks with a fork and stir until everything is well combined. Adjust flavor with extra salt, pepper, or mustard if needed.
Step 3: Serve immediately or chill in the fridge. Enjoy with crackers, as a sandwich, or on a salad. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days in an airtight container.
Brittany’s Tips
- Drain the tuna well: Excess liquid can make the salad watery, so press out as much as possible before mixing.
- Chop ingredients small: Smaller pieces give you a better mix of flavors in every bite.
- Let it chill for best flavor: Even 30–60 minutes in the fridge helps everything come together.
How to Serve
One of my favorite things about tuna salad is how versatile it is. You can keep it simple or turn it into a full meal depending on what you’re in the mood for.
- As is: Enjoy it straight from the bowl for a quick, protein-packed snack or lunch.
- Over greens: I love serving it over a bed of greens for an easy salad-style meal. It’s especially good with something simple like my easy spinach salad.
- In lettuce cups: Scoop it into romaine, butter or iceberg leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.
- In a wrap or sandwich: Add it to a wrap or sandwich with greens for something more filling. You can even use it to make a classic tuna melt.
- With crackers or chips: Serve it as a dip with crackers or chips. I love pairing it with my almond flour crackers.
How to Store Tuna Salad
Store tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as some liquid may separate.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greek yogurt is a great substitute and keeps the salad lighter while still creamy. You can also use all mayo, a mix of both or a dairy-free yogurt if needed.
You can eat it right away, but letting it sit in the fridge for 30–60 minutes helps the flavors develop and taste even better.
Albacore tuna is a great choice because it has larger, firmer pieces that hold their texture well. Chunk light tuna also works if that’s what you have on hand.
More Tuna Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Healthy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 2 5 oz cans tuna, drained
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 stalk celery, chopped, about ¼ cup
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup dill pickles, diced
- 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise, optional
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon or German mustard
- 1 Tablespoon parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- 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.2 5 oz cans tuna, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 stalk celery, ¼ cup red onion, ¼ cup dill pickles, 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 Tablespoon Dijon or German mustard, 1 Tablespoon parsley, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 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.
- Place salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will keep for 3-5 days.
Video
Notes
- Storage: Store tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as some liquid may separate.
- Make it dairy-free: Skip the Greek yogurt and use all mayo or a dairy-free yogurt alternative instead.
- Add extra flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh dill can really brighten up the salad.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like This Recipe? Rate & Comment Below!
Great recpie for Tuna Salad. Easy to make I love this site..Thanks for sharing ❤️
So glad this one worked out for you, Annie! It makes me happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipes here. Thanks so much for making it and for coming back to leave a review.
Loved it, I didn’t have a red onion but did have a jar of pickled red onions to substitute. I also diced up a couple of cherry tomatoes to add a bit of colour.
Definitely a do again dish
So glad you loved this one, Sharon! Pickled red onions sound like a great swap, and I love the idea of adding cherry tomatoes for a little extra color. Thanks so much for making the recipe and for coming back to leave a review.
Absolutely loved this!! I’m always worried whether “healthy” substitutions will affect the taste but this is the best tuna salad I’ve eaten and am excited to add it to my lunch rotation for a higher protein option!
Yay! That makes me so happy to hear. So glad you loved this recipe. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
Delicious!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Cathy! Thanks for coming back to leave a review. 🙂
The best tuna salad I’ve tried
So happy you loved it, Les! Thanks so much for making it and for leaving a review. I really appreciate it.
This is the best tuna salad I have ever eaten I cannot stop eating it. Years ago I discovered how yummy dill pickles are with tuna salad but I never thought to add it to the mix. I also love the addition of Greek yogurt for less fat and more protein.
YAY! I am so glad to hear you are loving this tuna salad, Lindsey. Thank you for taking the time to share your review & star rating, it means so much to me!
This recipe is SO good. I’m a weirdo and LOVE the Jimmy John’s tuna salad and this is the only one I’ve found that tastes just like it! So much healthier and more packed with protein though-win win!!
Ah YAY!!! This is so great to hear, Megan. I am so glad you are loving this recipe and it turned out great for you. Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
This has been on repeat lately, it is so good!
YUM! I am so glad you are loving this tuna salad recipe, Lauren. Thank you so much for sharing your review + star rating, I truly appreciate it!
So fresh and flavourful! This will definitely be on repeat in our house!
Thank you for sharing such a delicious and healthy recipe!
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!
Simple and delicious !
So glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, I truly appreciate it!
Best Tuna Salad! so satisfying 😋
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!
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.
So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Bev. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a review. I so appreciate it!
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!
Yay! I’m glad you’re loving this recipe, Louise. Thank you for sharing your review, it means so much to me.
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!
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!
Hi there! Does this tuna salad have an entry for MFP?
Yes! I figured out how to add it and it’s up. 🙂
Surprisingly delicious! Can’t wait to have the 2nd serving for lunch tomorrow!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this tuna salad, Emily! Thanks for trying it and coming back to leave a review 🙂
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
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!
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!
Woo!! That makes me so happy to hear, Nancy. So glad this recipe was a hit. Thanks for the review. 🙂
How do you think avocado oil mayonnaise would taste in replace of the Greek yogurt? Unfortunately I am lactose intolerant.
You can totally use avo mayo instead of the Greek yogurt!
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!
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!
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.:)
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!
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! 🤗
Ahh yay!! That makes me so happy to hear, Nathalie. So glad you love this salad. 🙂
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.
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. 🙂
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.
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. 🙂
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.
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. 🙂
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.
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.
Than you for posting this recipe. I love tuna. I will definitely prepare this again and again
Yay!! You’re so welcome, Barb.
So good! Quick, easy, and had everything on hand. And serving size is perfect for myself, husband, and two kids!
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!