Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
If you love a good tuna salad but want to give it a healthy upgrade, then Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad is the way to go. This variation swaps out the traditional mayo for thick and tangy Greek yogurt, cutting back on calories and unhealthy fats while keeping that creamy, delicious texture you crave. Plus, Greek yogurt brings in a slight tang that pairs beautifully with the natural richness of the tuna.
By making this swap, you also add extra protein and probiotics to your meal, turning a simple salad into a powerhouse of nutrition. Whether you're packing a lunch for work, prepping meals for the week, or just looking for a quick and healthy dinner, this salad is versatile, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Why Make Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad?
The combination of Greek yogurt and tuna might sound unconventional, but it's a match made in food heaven. While classic tuna salad recipes often rely on mayonnaise for creaminess, Greek yogurt steps in as a healthier substitute without sacrificing taste.
Here are a few reasons to love Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad:
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Protein-Packed: Both tuna and Greek yogurt are excellent sources of lean protein. Protein helps keep you full longer and supports muscle recovery, making this salad not only tasty but also nutritious.
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Lighter on Calories and Fat: Traditional tuna salads made with mayo can be high in calories and saturated fat. By swapping in Greek yogurt, you significantly reduce the calorie count while keeping the creamy texture and flavor you love.
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Probiotic-Rich: Greek yogurt is full of probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Adding yogurt to your tuna salad gives it a probiotic boost, which can aid digestion and support your immune system.
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Highly Adaptable: This tuna salad is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it in a sandwich, spread it on crackers, or serve it over a fresh bed of greens. You can also add other ingredients like veggies or herbs to suit your taste.
The Benefits of Eating Tuna
Tuna is a lean, nutrient-rich fish that’s known for its health benefits. It’s especially valued for being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and even benefit brain function.
Here are a few reasons why tuna is a great addition to your diet:
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Tuna is loaded with omega-3s, which are essential for heart and brain health. These fatty acids can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
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High-Quality Protein: Tuna is low in fat but high in protein, making it a great option for anyone looking to build muscle, maintain a healthy weight, or simply enjoy a nutritious meal.
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Low-Calorie but Nutrient-Dense: Despite being low in calories, tuna is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and B12, which support everything from bone health to brain function.
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Supports Mental Clarity: The omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients found in tuna can help boost cognitive function and improve overall mental clarity.
The Ingredients That Make This Salad Shine
One of the best things about Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad is how simple and straightforward it is. The ingredients are fresh, wholesome, and easy to find, and you can easily adjust them to fit your taste or nutritional goals. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this tasty dish:
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Tuna: Choose a high-quality canned tuna, preferably one that's sustainably sourced. Tuna packed in water is a lighter option, while tuna packed in olive oil gives a richer taste. Either works well, depending on your preference.
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Greek Yogurt: For the base of the salad, plain Greek yogurt is key. It’s rich, tangy, and gives the salad its creamy texture. You can opt for full-fat, low-fat, or fat-free Greek yogurt based on your dietary needs.
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Celery: Adding chopped celery gives the salad a satisfying crunch, balancing out the creamy yogurt and soft tuna. It also adds fiber, which helps with digestion.
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Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion brings a sharp, slightly sweet flavor to the salad, making the overall dish more dynamic. It also adds a beautiful pop of color.
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Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the entire salad with a refreshing citrus note. The acidity cuts through the richness of the tuna and yogurt, making the dish taste lighter.
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Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley are perfect additions to this salad. They bring an herbal freshness that elevates the flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.
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Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle of salt and a few cracks of black pepper are all you need to season this dish to perfection. These simple seasonings enhance the flavors and bring the dish together.
Optional ingredients like chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, or even avocado can be added for extra flavor, texture, and nutrients.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
The versatility of this dish is what makes it so great. Here are a few creative ways to serve Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad:
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Classic Sandwich: Spread the salad between two slices of whole-grain bread for a protein-packed sandwich. Add some leafy greens or sliced avocado for extra nutrition.
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Salad Bowl: Skip the carbs and serve the tuna salad over a bed of fresh greens. Spinach, arugula, or mixed greens work beautifully. Top with cucumber, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
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With Crackers: For a quick snack, scoop the salad onto whole-grain crackers or rice cakes. It’s an easy and healthy way to enjoy tuna salad without too much prep.
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Stuffed Veggies: For a colorful, nutrient-dense option, stuff the tuna salad into halved bell peppers or hollowed-out tomatoes. It’s a creative and tasty way to serve the salad.
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Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb alternative, serve the salad in large lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce, for a refreshing and light wrap.
Storing Your Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
This tuna salad is ideal for meal prep, as it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container, and before serving, give it a good stir in case any liquid separates. It makes for a great make-ahead lunch or snack throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad is a delicious, nutrient-packed twist on the traditional tuna salad. By swapping mayo for Greek yogurt, you not only make the dish healthier but also give it a fresh, tangy flavor that’s sure to please. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich filling, salad topper, or snack, this versatile dish is easy to make, full of protein, and perfect for meal prepping. It’s a lighter, healthier way to enjoy a classic favorite.
Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare Ingredients: Drain the tuna and place it in a large bowl. Dice the bell pepper, cucumber, and onion.
Mix Salad: Add the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, capers (if using), and herbs to the bowl with the tuna. Stir to combine.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Scoop the tuna salad into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or enjoy it on whole-grain crackers. Divide the salad into two portions.
2 servings
200g
- Amount per serving
- Calories200
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3g4%
- Total Carbohydrate 7g3%
- Protein 34g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad is one of many healthy recipe ideas that you can find on our recipe page.
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Ingredients
Directions
Prepare Ingredients: Drain the tuna and place it in a large bowl. Dice the bell pepper, cucumber, and onion.
Mix Salad: Add the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, capers (if using), and herbs to the bowl with the tuna. Stir to combine.
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Scoop the tuna salad into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or enjoy it on whole-grain crackers. Divide the salad into two portions.