Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo

Crisp, zesty, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo transforms an ordinary lunch into a vibrant seaside escape. Unlike traditional tuna salads drowning in mayonnaise, this Mediterranean-inspired version relies on tangy Greek yogurt, bright lemon, and a colorful medley of vegetables to create a protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for busy weekdays or elegant weekend gatherings, this Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo delivers authentic Mediterranean flavors in every forkful. You’ll learn how simple ingredients come together to create a nutritious, mayo-free tuna salad that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo isn’t just another tuna recipe – it’s a revelation for anyone who wants a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. The combination of protein-rich tuna and Greek yogurt delivers a creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional mayo-based salads. Each bite offers an exciting contrast of textures: the tender flaked tuna, crisp cucumber, crunchy celery, and the subtle pop of cherry tomatoes.

What makes this healthy tuna salad truly special is its vibrant flavor profile. The brightness of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness of the tuna, while aromatic herbs like dill and parsley add a garden-fresh quality that elevates the entire dish. The addition of briny olives and pungent red onion creates that authentic Mediterranean flavor that transports you straight to a seaside taverna.

Best of all, this no-mayo tuna salad comes together in minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for meal prep. It’s equally delicious stuffed into a pita, served over greens, or enjoyed straight from the bowl.

Ingredients List for the Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo

Before we dive into making this flavorful dish, let’s gather our ingredients. The beauty of this Mediterranean Tuna Salad lies in its fresh, vibrant components that work together to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures without relying on mayonnaise.

• 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)

Pro Tips

To elevate your Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo from good to exceptional, follow these professional chef tips:

Quality Tuna Matters: Opt for high-quality tuna packed in olive oil for the richest flavor. Brands like Wild Planet or Safe Catch offer sustainably caught tuna with excellent texture and taste. If using water-packed tuna, be sure to drain well and add the suggested tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture and flavor.

Texture Control: For the perfect texture, chop all vegetables to a uniform, small dice. This ensures every bite contains a balanced mix of ingredients. The cucumber and celery should be cut small enough to distribute their crunch throughout the salad, while still maintaining their distinct texture.

Develop Flavors: For the best flavor, make this salad at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the ingredients to meld together, the herbs to release their oils, and the Greek yogurt to absorb the Mediterranean seasonings. If time permits, refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving for an even more developed flavor profile.

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the vegetables and fresh herbs including the English cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, celery, red onion, fresh parsley, dill, and olives. Flake the tuna in the bottom of a bowl. *no need to drain the tuna if you’re using either Wild Planet or Safe Catch brand.

Step 2: Add the tuna, vegetables, herbs, and olives in a medium bowl. Add Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper. Give it all a good stir.

Variations

The versatility of this Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo makes it perfect for creative adaptations to suit different dietary needs or ingredient availability.

Mediterranean Chickpea Tuna Salad: For extra protein and fiber, add ½ cup of rinsed, drained chickpeas. This variation transforms the salad into an even more substantial meal and adds another layer of Mediterranean authenticity. The chickpeas also provide a pleasing textural contrast to the flaky tuna.

Dairy-Free Version: Replace the Greek yogurt with mashed avocado for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture. The avocado’s mild flavor works beautifully with the Mediterranean herbs and adds healthy fats. Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice to prevent the avocado from browning and to brighten the flavor profile.

Spicy Mediterranean Tuna Salad: For heat lovers, add a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give this salad a pleasant kick. This variation pairs exceptionally well with pita chips or as a stuffing for bell peppers.

Storage and Serving

This Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo stays fresh when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld together, though the vegetables may lose some of their crispness. If you’re meal prepping, consider setting aside some of the fresh herbs to sprinkle on just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

For serving, this versatile salad shines in multiple presentations. Stuff it into a whole wheat pita pocket with extra greens for a satisfying sandwich, or serve it over a bed of crisp romaine or arugula for a refreshing salad. For a low-carb option, hollow out tomatoes or cucumber boats and fill them with this Mediterranean Tuna Salad for an impressive appetizer. It also makes an excellent protein-rich topping for crostini or crackers when entertaining.

For a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal, serve alongside hummus, warm pita, and a simple Greek salad for a mezze-style feast that requires minimal cooking.

FAQs

Can I use water-packed tuna instead of oil-packed?
Yes, water-packed tuna works well in this Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo. If using water-packed tuna, drain thoroughly and consider adding the optional tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace the Greek yogurt with mashed avocado or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats while maintaining the salad’s texture. Add a little extra lemon juice to brighten the flavor and prevent browning.

Can I prepare this tuna salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Mediterranean Tuna Salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator. If making ahead, consider adding the fresh herbs just before serving for optimal flavor and appearance.

What can I substitute for fresh dill if I don’t have any?
Fresh basil or mint make excellent substitutions for dill in this recipe, maintaining the bright, herbaceous quality. If fresh herbs aren’t available, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill or dried basil, though the flavor will be less vibrant.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto diets. Be sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and best flavor while keeping carbs to a minimum. The recipe contains approximately 5-7 grams of net carbs per serving, depending on your portion size.

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