Every time I whip up this healthy tuna salad, I’m pleasantly surprised by its simple yet vibrant flavors. I mix tuna with creamy Greek yogurt, crisp celery, and zesty red onion, all brightened by a squeeze of lemon and Dijon mustard. It’s my favorite nutritious twist on a classic dish.

Jump to Recipe

I love experimenting with healthy twists on classic dishes, and this Healthy Tuna Salad totally blew my mind. I swapped out heavy mayonnaise for plain low‐fat Greek yogurt, which cuts down the calories and fat while still bringing all those yummy flavors you crave.

I started off with two cans of tuna in water, drained just right, then mixed in a crisp celery stalk and finely chopped red onion for extra crunch. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a dollop of Dijon mustard gave it a zesty kick, and I tossed in a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill to tie everything together.

It’s just one of those recipes that works for everything from clean eating to the occasional light lunch, even if you’re into whole foods or bariatric options. Give it a try and tell me what you think—it might just become your new healthy tuna go-to!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for a few reasons. First, using greek yogurt instead of mayo means it’s much healthier with fewer calories and less fat, but it still keeps all the good flavor. Second, I love the mix of crunchy celery and sharp red onion with the tangy lemon juice and mustard; it gives the dish a unique kick that’s really refreshing. Third, it’s so easy to make – I just mix everything up, let it chill in the fridge for a bit, and even if I mess up the measurements sometimes, it still tastes awesome every time.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Tuna: Packed with protein, its light taste makes the salad hearty and satisfying
Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess, loads of protein, and a tangy twist thats healthy
Celery: Crunchy, fibery veggie that boosts the salad with natural freshness
Red Onion: Offers a slight sharp flavor and antioxidants that lift the dish
Lemon Juice: Provides a zesty sour kick along with vitamin C benefits
Dijon Mustard: Brings a spicy tang to blend flavors perfectly
Fresh Dill: Infuses a bright, herbaceous note that makes it extra refreshing

Ingredient Quantities

2 cans (5 oz each) of tuna in water, drained

1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt

1 celery stalk, chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or parsley if you prefer)

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Drain the tuna and put it in a big bowl.

2. Chop up the celery and red onion then add them to the tuna.

3. Stir in the Greek yogurt, lemon juice and Dijon mustard making sure everything mixes well.

4. Throw in the chopped fresh dill then give the mixture another good stir.

5. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste then mix again.

6. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavours can blend a bit.

7. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed.

8. Serve it on crackers, in a sandwich, or on a bed of greens.

9. Enjoy the light and tasty meal with a side of your choice.

10. Remember that simple ingredients done right always makes for a great dish!

Equipment Needed

1. Can opener (if needed) for the tuna cans
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Measuring cup
4. Measuring spoons
5. Cutting board
6. Chef knife
7. Spoon or spatula for stirring
8. Refrigerator for the chilling step
9. Serving plate or bowl for serving the salad

FAQ

What exactly is healthy tuna salad? Its a simple mix of tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Its a light and filling meal.

Can I swap out any of the ingredients? Yeah you can use parsley instead of dill, or even try different types of mustard if you really want a twist.

Is this salad good for a protein boost? Absolutely, both the tuna and Greek yogurt pack a lot of protein, making it a great food choice if you're looking for a healthy boost.

How long does it take to prepare? You can put it together in about 10-15 minutes, which makes it perfect if you're in a rush.

How should I store any leftovers? Just make sure its in an airtight container in the fridge for about 1-2 days for the best taste and safety.

Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of plain low-fat Greek yogurt, you can try using a mix of nonfat yogurt and a dab of light mayo for a creamier texture. Sometimes I use sour cream if I feel like a tangy twist.
If you dont have red onion, you can chop up some green onions or even a mild shallot. They give a similar crunch and flavor but are a bit milder.
Not a fan of celery? Try using diced cucumber or bell pepper, they add a fresh crunch while mixing it up a bit.
You can swap Dijon mustard with regular yellow mustard if youve run out. Just keep in mind it might lack a bit of that extra kick.
If fresh lemon juice isnt available, a splash of lime juice works just fine. It still gives the salad a bright, tangy flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Let the mixture chill in the fridge for a good hour if you can, cuz that really helps the flavours mix and makes it even tastier.
2. Play around with the herbs; try swapping out dill for some parsley or even a bit of basil if you’re feelin experimental.
3. Remember to taste it after its been chilling and adjust the salt and pepper – sometimes a little extra lemon juice can brighten everything up.
4. If you like a bit of crunch in your tuna salad, consider tossing in some finely chopped apples or a handful of walnuts for an extra twist.