This healthy tuna salad recipe that I will share with you today, has been a staple in my family for years. I’ve never been much of a mayo fan, so I lean on fresh, crunchy salads like this one instead, especially for lunch in the office.
It’s one of my most popular salad recipes, and it saves my office lunch almost every week.
Why You’ll Love Canned Tuna Salad
This canned tuna salad is genuinely one of the easiest things you can make. Here is why it works so well:
- You need only few ingredients and most of them you probably already have at home.
- Fresh, crunchy, and protein rich and vitamins in one bowl.
- The salad comes together in just few minutes once the veggies are prepared.
- No mayo, so it stays light and it doesn’t feel heavy at all.
- Endlessly flexible with whatever dressing you have on hand.
What You’ll Need For This Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe
Green salad mix – I like using a mix of arugula and baby lettuce, but use whatever greens you have on hand. Simple lettuce works just as well. Be generous on the greens – we want this salad as healthy and nutritious as possible.
Fresh green onions – Clean, wash and finely chop the green onions. I love their subtle taste. Bit purple onion works just as well if that’s what’s in your fridge. I often mix and add what I have. No strict rule here.
Bell pepper – I like using a mix of red, yellow, and green pepper for colour, but any combination works. If you want some heat, just add jalapeño or chilli pepper.
Vinaigrette or salad dressing – I like useing homemade honey mustard vinaigrette, made with balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. A lemon vinaigrette or simple balsamic salad dressing works great too. I won’t recommend using store-bought salad dressing as they are loaded with sugar and preservatives. Trust me, homemade salad dressing is the easiest thing to do – try these recipes and you’ll never buy salad dressing again.
Canned tuna – This is the star of this salad recipe. I like using chunk tuna in a can, from a brand I trust. Some off brands have odd texture, so it is totally worth it paying a bit extra.
Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe (No Mayo)
Course: SaladsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy2
servings5
minutes300
kcal5
minutesThis healthy tuna salad recipe (no mayo) comes together in minutes and makes the best office lunch ever.
Ingredients
- For tuna salad
2-3 cups green salad mix (arugula and lettuce blend)
3-4 green onions, finely chopped
1 cup chopped bell pepper
1 can chunk tuna, drained
- For honey mustard vinaigrette
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make Tuna Salad
- Clean and finely chop the green onions.
- Wash and chop a bell pepper. If you have few peppers in different colours, even better. Chop like a 1/4 of each. The salad will look amazing with all those rainbow colours.
- In a large salad bowl, add the salad mix and chopped veggies.
- Next, open the can of tuna and drain, before transferring into the salad bowl.
- Prepare the honey mustard dressing
- Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients or shake them well in a small jar.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Do this right before serving the salad, for best results.
- Serve the salad on its own as a perfect nutritious lunch.
Notes
- If you like some extra heat, chop some red chilli pepper or jalapeño.
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Useful Tips for Canned Tuna Salad Recipe
I recommend to prepare the veggies ahead and store them in the fridge. That way you can build the salad in minutes the next day, and everything stays crisp.
Open the tuna can right before serving. It keeps the salad tasting fresh and prevents extra moisture from softening the greens.
How to Serve The Tuna Salad (No Mayo)
I like eating this on its own as a full, filling meal. It has everything you need in one bowl, so no sides required. It’s is one of my favourite office lunch, I often rely on.
How to Store The Salad
Once the salad is dressed, eat it right away, since it softens and gets soggy over time. I recommend chopping and prepping the veggies ahead, then assembling and dressing everything just before eating. Once dressed, eat the salad within few hours for the best texture.
Healthy Tuna Salad FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the veggies ahead, but wait to dress the salad until right before eating.
What dressing works best for tuna salad no mayo?
Honey mustard vinaigrette is my favourite, but a lemon vinaigrette or simple balsamic dressing works just as well.
Is this canned tuna salad kid-friendly?
Yes, just avoid using hot peppers like jalapeño or chili if you’re serving it to little ones.
Can I use a different type of tuna?
Chunk tuna gives the best texture. Use good brand tuna makes a big difference.
I’d love to hear how you make this healthy tuna salad recipe your own. Drop a comment below and let me know your favorite dressing for this salad.
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
