Tuna Salad without Mayo (2024)

The best classic light and healthy tuna salad made without mayo. It calls for a few simple ingredients, is packed with fresh veggies, and is tossed in Greek yogurt, not mayonnaise. Enjoy it in a lettuce wrap, with crackers, or on a tuna melt.

Best tuna salad without mayo

I love tuna salad, but it can be very heavy sometimes since classic recipes are loaded up with mayonnaise. Don’t worry, I have you covered! This tuna salad recipe is made without mayo. Instead, we use a combination of Greek yogurt, lemon, and Dijon mustard to mimic the tangy flavor of mayo with half the amount of calories.

This healthy tuna salad is light, simple, and easy to make. You can serve it on its own as a dip with crackers, in romaine lettuce boats, in a pasta salad, or on open-face tuna melts. I love this no-mayo tuna salad recipe.

The best part is that this tuna salad is that it’s perfect meal prep recipe! You can make a batch or two on a Sunday, store it in the fridge, and enjoy it all week long. You will feel healthy and full.

I cannot wait to hear what you think about this greek yogurt tuna salad recipe. It is my friend’s favorite as of late! Plus, my youngest brother, the pickiest eater, loves it!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• There is NO mayo in this tuna salad.
• It’s healthy and light.
• Perfect side dish, appetizer, lunch, and meal prep.
• One serving has over 20 grams of protein.
• Very flavorful.
• We use Greek yogurt, not mayonnaise.
• Made in one bowl.
• Kids will love it.
• Make these delicious open-face tuna melts next!

Ingredients and substitutions

This no-mayo tuna salad is seriously the perfect snack, lunch, or side dish! It’s everything you look for in a classic tuna salad without the taste of mayonnaise. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:

• Canned Tuna: I use canned tuna stored in water. However, any variety will work.
• Greek Yogurt: Instead of mayonnaise, we use plain Greek yogurt. You can use 0%, 2%, or 5%.
• Onion: Red onion adds the best sharpness and crunch to tuna salad. You can use any variety of onions (yellow, white, or sweet).
• Carrots: I used baby carrots which are packed with Vitamin A and also adds the best fresh crunch to tuna salad. However, any type of carrot works.
• Celery: Another classic addition to tuna salad. You can also use cucumber.
• Parsley: Fresh is best for the yummiest herb flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy flavor to mimic mayo, even though there is no mayonnaise in this tuna salad recipe. You can’t taste it (I promise), but it’s super important.
• Salt & Pepper: for a bit of seasoning.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is always best! This adds the best acidity to this tuna salad without mayo. Trust me, don’t skip it. You can also use lime juice.

How to make tuna salad without mayo

This is the best healthy tuna salad ever; instead of mayo, we use Greek yogurt to lighten it up. Don’t worry it tastes so delicious, and it’s impossible to tell! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.

Step 1:

First, drain the liquid from the tuna cans.

Step 2:

Then, combine the tuna, yogurt, celery, red onion, carrots, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3:

Gently stir together until well combined.

Step 4:

Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Then, taste and add more if desired.

Enjoy your tuna salad without mayo in a lettuce wrap, on its own, on an open-face piece of toast, or in a sandwich.

How is the tuna salad with Greek yogurt healthy?

This tuna salad without mayo is healthy for a ton of reasons. Here are four:

1. No Mayo. We use Greek yogurt instead of heavy mayonnaise. This lightens up the salad, adds protein, and removes a ton of saturated fats.
2. A Lot of Veggies. We add carrots, celery, and onion to this tuna salad. You can also add more or change up what’s called for.
3. High Protein. There are over 20 grams of protein per serving of this tuna salad made with Greek yogurt.
4. Low Calorie. This tuna salad is not only high-protein, but it only has 83 calories per 1 cup serving.

Recipe tips and variations

1. Don’t skip the Dijon mustard. Mayo has a very tangy, distinct flavor, and since we don’t use it in this tuna salad, the Dijon mustard helps mimic that. Don’t worry if you don’t like mustard, you cannot taste it!
2. If you’d like a creamier tuna salad, add more Greek yogurt. I recommend tasting the tuna salad with 1/3 cup and then go from there.
3. Double or triple the recipe for meal prep. I love that this healthy tuna salad is the best meal prep recipe. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days for quick lunches.
4. My favorite tuna is albacore tuna stored in water. This Wild Planet brand is the best!
5. Add Mix-Ins:The sky is the limit with tuna salad recipe variations! Add sliced cherry tomatoes, pickles, capers, cucumbers, chopped-up Granny smith apples, or sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Lettuce Wraps: Tuna salad is delicious when served in lettuce wraps or boats. A low-carb meal!
7. Tuna Melts: Feel free to serve it on an open-face sandwich with cheese. This is my favorite tuna melt recipe!
8. Tuna Pasta Salad: Turn your healthy tuna salad into a light tuna pasta salad by adding cooked and cooled small-shell pasta to it. So easy and delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tuna?

I highly reccomend only using canned tuna for this tuna salad recipe. Try this spicy tuna crispy rice recipe if you want to use fresh ahi tuna.

Can I use canned tuna stored in oil, not water?

Yes, you can certainly use oil-based tuna; however, this will add more fat and calories to this lighter tuna salad recipe.

How long does tuna salad last?

Tuna salad lasts up to 5 days if stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Is it low-calorie?

Yes, this tuna salad without mayo is lower in calories than classic tuna salad recipes since we use Greek yogurt and not mayonnaise. There are only 83 calories per 1 cup serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this healthy tuna salad recipe is gluten-free.

Is it low carb and keto?

Yes, this tuna salad is low-carb and keto friendly. There is only 1g of net carbs per serving.

Can I make it dairy-free?

To make this tuna salad dairy-free, use a dairy-free alternative to greek yogurt. You can use dairy-free mayo, or you can use Kite Hill Greek Style Plant-Based Yogurt.

What to serve with tuna salad?

Tuna salad goes well with so many things! I love serving it with rosemary crackers, in lettuce boats, in tuna pasta salad, or on an open-face tuna melt.

How to store leftovers:

Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. DO NOT heat it, enjoy it cold.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

• Open-Face Tuna Melts
• Healthy Mediterranean Tuna Melt Sandwich
• Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
• Orzo Pesto Salad
• Healthy Greek Pasta Salad

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie onInstagram and use the hashtag#healthfulblondieso I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

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