Name: No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 celery stalk, diced; 2 tbsp red onion, minced; 1 tbsp parsley or dill, chopped; Salt & black pepper, to taste

The No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe is a refreshing and nutritious take on the classic tuna salad, perfect for when you want something light yet filling. It's ideal for quick lunches, post-workout meals, or anytime you crave a protein-packed dish without the heaviness of mayo. I love how this recipe offers creamy texture and tangy flavor while keeping things healthy and simple.

No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe - Recipe Image — No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad, healthy tuna salad without mayo, high protein tuna salad, easy protein-packed tuna salad, quick healthy lunch ideas

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
Ingredient Game Plan
How to Cook No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe
Pro Moves I Swear By
Serve It Up
Make-Ahead & Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Complete Recipe

🍳

Why This Recipe Works

This tuna salad balances creamy silkiness from Greek yogurt with the fresh crunch of celery and the subtle zing of lemon and Dijon mustard, creating a vibrant, protein-rich dish that's both satisfying and easy to make. You'll notice it avoids the heaviness that mayo sometimes brings, making it lighter without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Consistent Texture: Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo keeps it creamy yet fresh, with a nice bite from celery and onion.
Deep, Balanced Flavor: Lemon juice and Dijon mustard add bright acidity and mild heat, making every bite more interesting.
Simple Ingredients: It relies on pantry staples and fresh bits you likely have handy, so no last-minute store runs.
Fast Prep, Big Payoff: You can have it ready in just 20 minutes, giving you a quick, protein-packed meal that's great throughout the week.

Ingredient Game Plan

Choosing the right ingredients really elevates your No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe. I always recommend using quality canned tuna in water-not oil-to keep the salad light while maximizing protein. Fresh herbs and crunchy veggies brighten things up and contribute layers of flavor and texture you'll love.

Canned Tuna (in water): Pick solid or chunk light tuna for firm flakes and rich protein, and always drain well to avoid sogginess.
Plain Greek Yogurt: It's thick and tangy, providing creaminess without the fat or sweetness of mayo.
Olive Oil: Adds subtle fruitiness and velvety richness that binds flavors perfectly.
Dijon Mustard: A little goes a long way to lift the flavor with gentle heat and sharpness.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best for clean acidity and brightness.
Celery: Dice finely for crunch and refreshing contrast.
Red Onion: Minced small-this gives just enough bite without overpowering the salad.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Dill): These herbs bring herbal freshness that ties everything together.

Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Cook No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe

Step 1 - Prep & Season

Start by draining your tuna very well-this step is crucial to avoid a watery salad. Flake the tuna gently with a fork so you'll get tender, bite-sized pieces rather than mush. When I first made this, I was careful not to over-flake, which keeps the texture satisfying and a bit chunky.

Step 2 - Build Flavor

Next, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk them until smooth and creamy-that glossy, silky look is what you're aiming for. This mixture is your dressing, and it's where the salad gets its vibrant, bright notes. You'll enjoy how these ingredients come together before folding in the tuna and veggies.

Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture

Add the diced celery, minced red onion, and chopped herbs into the tuna and gently fold everything together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving-this little wait lets the flavors marry and the texture mellow, resulting in the perfect bite every time. Be mindful not to overmix, or you'll lose that light, fresh crunch.

📎

Pro Moves I Swear By

From experience, a few tiny techniques make all the difference with this No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe. These tricks keep the salad bright, creamy, and satisfying without turning mushy or bland.

Doneness Cue: The salad is perfectly mixed when you see evenly coated tuna flakes with visible chunks of celery and herbs, not a uniform mush.
Temperature Trick: Always chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to let flavors deepen and aromas settle beautifully.
Make-Ahead Move: Prepare this salad a few hours ahead or the night before for tastier, well-blended layers of flavor.
Skip This Pitfall: Don't skip draining the tuna thoroughly-excess water dilutes flavor and ruins the texture.

Serve It Up

Finishing Touches

I like to keep it simple by serving this No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe straight from the fridge with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs on top. A small drizzle of olive oil or a wedge of lemon on the side adds that finishing kiss of flavor. The clean brightness of the salad means you don't need anything fancy-simple is best here.

Great Pairings

This salad pairs beautifully with crunchy whole-grain crackers, toasted sourdough slices, or nestled inside a crisp lettuce wrap for a lighter lunch. I also recommend fresh cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes on the side to balance that creamy protein punch with fresh, juicy bites.

Easy Plating Wins

You can plate this salad in a bowl for a casual meal or scoop it into hollowed-out avocados or tomato cups for a charming presentation. Even stacking it on top of toasted rye bread with a few microgreens makes an impressive, straightforward dish for weekend brunches or quick dinners.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the salad fresh and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. This salad stays best for about 3 days in the refrigerator. You'll notice the flavors intensify a bit after resting, but the texture remains pleasantly creamy and crunchy.

Freezer Notes

I don't recommend freezing this salad. The Greek yogurt and fresh veggies don't freeze well and will separate or become watery when thawed, detracting from the overall texture and flavor.

Reheating No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe Without Drying Out

This tuna salad shines cold, so I usually don't reheat it. If you prefer a warm version, gently heat it in a covered microwave-safe dish at 50% power in short bursts, stirring in a splash of lemon juice or olive oil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?

You can, but it will make the salad richer and more calorie-dense. If you use tuna in oil, drain it well, and consider reducing or skipping the olive oil in the dressing for balance.

Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad?

Absolutely. Greek yogurt provides creaminess and tang without the fat and calories of mayo, making it ideal for a lighter, protein-packed salad.

How can I make this tuna salad spicier?

Try adding a pinch of cayenne, a dash of hot sauce, or swapping Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard to add a gentle heat.

What other fresh veggies can I add to this recipe?

Finely diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or chopped cucumber work well for extra crunch and freshness without overpowering the salad.

Final Thoughts

This No Mayo High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something satisfying but quick. It's easy to improvise with what's on hand, and it always delivers balanced flavor and nourishing protein without the heaviness mayo can bring. Give it a try-you might find it becomes your new favorite twist on tuna salad, especially on busy days when you want wholesome, delicious food in a flash.

Complete Recipe