When you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and nourishing meal, this Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo delivers on all fronts. It’s brimming with vibrant vegetables, briny olives, fresh herbs, and protein-rich tuna — all brought together with a lemony Greek yogurt dressing that’s light yet creamy.
This recipe is a sunshine-filled twist on traditional tuna salad. No heavy mayonnaise here — just clean, Mediterranean flavors and a prep time of under 10 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weekday lunch or a lazy weekend snack, this tuna salad is bound to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo
- No mayo, no compromise – Creamy and satisfying thanks to Greek yogurt and fresh lemon juice.
- Ready in 10 minutes – Quick prep makes it ideal for lunch or meal-prep.
- Mediterranean goodness – Cucumber, tomato, olives, and herbs make every bite bright and flavorful.
- Versatile – Serve it in a pita, on crackers, or over greens.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 cans tuna (5 ounces each / 283g), drained
- ¼ English cucumber or 1 Persian cucumber, chopped (about ½ cup / 80g)
- 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered (about ¼ cup / 80g)
- ¼ red onion, finely chopped (about ¼ cup / 40g)
- 1 stalk celery, chopped (about ¼ cup / 35g)
- 10 olives (Kalamata or green Manzanilla), chopped (about ¼ cup / 30g)
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (30g)
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (4g)
- 1 large lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (113g)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (optional but recommended)
Instructions
1. Prep the Ingredients
Start by draining your canned tuna thoroughly and flaking it with a fork in a medium mixing bowl. Chop all the vegetables and herbs — cucumber, tomatoes, onion, celery, parsley, dill, and olives. The more finely you chop, the better the salad texture.
2. Combine the Base
Add the flaked tuna, chopped vegetables, and herbs into the mixing bowl. This mix already smells like the Mediterranean!
3. Make It Creamy
Add in the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the optional olive oil. Stir everything together until it’s evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a colder salad. Enjoy with crackers, in a pita with feta cheese, or on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb meal.
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Tuna Salad
- Use high-quality tuna – Tuna packed in olive oil adds extra flavor and richness.
- Finely chop ingredients – Smaller pieces mean more consistent bites.
- Chill before serving – Even a few minutes in the fridge can help the flavors meld.
- Boost the flavor – Add crumbled feta, capers, or even a touch of za’atar.
Variations and Add-Ins
This Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo is endlessly adaptable:
- Add protein: Toss in chickpeas or white beans.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Go green: Serve over arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens.
- Add grains: Mix in quinoa or farro for a heartier meal.
What to Serve With It
This salad pairs beautifully with:
- Whole grain pita or flatbread
- Lettuce cups for a low-carb option
- A slice of sourdough toast or crackers
- A simple lentil soup or tomato soup on the side
Storage and Meal Prep
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Meal prep tip: You can prep all the veggies and herbs ahead of time. Just mix in the tuna, yogurt, and lemon juice when ready to serve.
- Avoid sogginess: If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and stir in just before eating.
Health Benefits
Not only is this tuna salad quick and easy, but it’s also packed with nutrients:
- High protein – Tuna and Greek yogurt deliver a protein punch.
- Heart-healthy fats – From olive oil and olives.
- Low-carb and gluten-free – Naturally fits a range of diets.
- Rich in fiber and antioxidants – Thanks to fresh veggies and herbs.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo is the kind of recipe that proves healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated or bland. With every bite, you’ll taste a mix of bright lemon, creamy yogurt, crunchy veggies, and savory tuna. It’s one of those simple dishes that feel gourmet — and it’s ready in minutes.
Whether you’re packing lunch for work, looking for a no-fuss dinner, or prepping a picnic spread, this salad brings freshness and satisfaction in one wholesome bowl.
Quick Mediterranean Tuna Salad with No Mayo
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna 5 ounces each / 283g, drained
- ¼ English cucumber or 1 Persian cucumber chopped (about ½ cup / 80g)
- 10 cherry tomatoes quartered (about ¼ cup / 80g)
- ¼ red onion finely chopped (about ¼ cup / 40g)
- 1 stalk celery chopped (about ¼ cup / 35g)
- 10 olives Kalamata or green Manzanilla, chopped (about ¼ cup / 30g)
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped (30g)
- ¼ cup fresh dill chopped (4g)
- 1 large lemon juiced (about ¼ cup)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt 113g
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1.5g
- ¼ teaspoon salt more to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper more to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil optional but recommended
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients
- Start by draining your canned tuna thoroughly and flaking it with a fork in a medium mixing bowl. Chop all the vegetables and herbs — cucumber, tomatoes, onion, celery, parsley, dill, and olives. The more finely you chop, the better the salad texture.
Combine the Base
- Add the flaked tuna, chopped vegetables, and herbs into the mixing bowl. This mix already smells like the Mediterranean!
Make It Creamy
- Add in the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the optional olive oil. Stir everything together until it’s evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a colder salad. Enjoy with crackers, in a pita with feta cheese, or on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb meal.
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