Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad is a light, refreshing dish packed with flavor, combining the creamy richness of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with the bright freshness of lemon, dill, and crunchy ingredients like celery and shallots. This salad not only offers a refreshing and satisfying taste but also provides a great source of protein and omega-3s from the tuna, along with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and lemon.
With its simple preparation, taking just a few minutes to make, it’s the perfect meal that’s both nutritious and easy to eat. The Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad is ideal for lunch or a light dinner, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy, low-carb meal that’s packed with nutrients. You can enjoy it with whole-grain bread, lettuce, celery sticks, or even as a snack to satisfy your cravings while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
With its tangy lemon flavor, fragrant dill, and the tender texture of the tuna, this salad will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients!
✔ Light & Refreshing – The fresh lemon zest and dill give it a bright, tangy flavor.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with lean protein, omega-3s, and vitamins, plus a low-carb option!
✔ Versatile – Enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap, salad, or dip with crackers or veggies.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep, stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
✔ Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to fit your taste—add avocado, pickles, or spices for a twist!
This Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad is the perfect go-to meal for a quick lunch, light dinner, or healthy snack. Give it a try! 🥗✨
Tips for the Best Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad
✔ Use High-Quality Tuna – Opt for solid white albacore for a firmer texture and milder taste. If using tuna in oil, drain it well to avoid an oily salad.
✔ Balance the Creaminess – Adjust the ratio of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to your liking. For a richer taste, add more mayo; for a lighter version, increase the yogurt.
✔ Chill for Better Flavor – Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
✔ Add More Crunch – Mix in chopped pickles, bell peppers, or almonds for extra texture.
✔ Make It Spicy – Add a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or Dijon mustard for a little kick.
✔ Serve It Your Way – Enjoy it in a sandwich, wrap, lettuce cup, or with crackers for different textures and flavors.
✔ Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving for the best consistency.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a fresh, flavorful tuna salad every time! 🥗😋
How to Eat Tuna Salad 🍽️
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As a Sandwich
- Spread tuna salad on whole-grain or sourdough bread for a satisfying sandwich. Add leafy greens, tomatoes, or cheese for extra flavor!
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In a Wrap
- Use tortillas (whole-wheat or low-carb for a healthier option) to wrap the tuna salad with your favorite veggies or avocado for added creaminess.
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On a Bed of Lettuce
- For a light, low-carb meal, serve the tuna salad on top of fresh lettuce or greens like Bibb lettuce, spinach, or arugula.
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With Crackers or Veggies
- Scoop the tuna salad with crackers, cucumber slices, or celery sticks for a crunchy, satisfying snack.
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Stuffed Avocado
- Scoop out an avocado and fill the halves with tuna salad for a low-carb, protein-packed bite.
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Topped on a Salad
- Use it as a protein-rich topping for mixed greens, adding extra veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives.
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As a Dip
- Enjoy it as a dip with vegetable sticks (carrots, celery, or bell peppers) for a fresh, healthy snack!
Nutrition Notes for Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad
This Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad is a nutritious and well-balanced dish, offering a great mix of protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients.
Key Nutritional Benefits:
✔ High in Protein – Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, helping with muscle growth and keeping you full longer.
✔ Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Tuna provides heart-healthy omega-3s, which support brain function and reduce inflammation.
✔ Low in Carbs – This salad is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for low-carb or keto diets.
✔ Good Source of Vitamins & Minerals – Lemon zest, celery, and dill add vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants for overall health.
✔ Probiotic Boost – Greek yogurt adds probiotics that promote gut health.
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (without bread):
- Calories: ~150-200 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Fat: ~8-10g (depending on mayo & yogurt amount)
- Carbs: ~3-5g
- Fiber: ~1g
For a healthier twist, use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo or serve it over lettuce instead of bread. A simple, delicious, and nutrient-packed meal! 🥗💪
Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can 5 oz white tuna in water, drained
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped celery
- 2 tbsp finely chopped shallot
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp ground sumac optional
- ¼ tsp sugar
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Drain the canned tuna well by pressing it gently with a spoon to remove excess water.
- Finely chop the celery, shallot, and fresh dill.
- Grate the lemon zest using a fine grater.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice and set it aside.
Step 2: Mash the Tuna
- Place the drained tuna in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Use a fork to mash the tuna into small, flaky pieces to help it mix evenly with other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
- Add 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, ½ tsp Dijon mustard, ¼ tsp sugar, ⅛ tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the tuna.
- Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Ingredients
- Stir in the 2 tbsp chopped celery, 2 tbsp chopped shallot, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill.
- If you have sumac, add ¼ tsp for a hint of tangy flavor.
- Mix gently so the ingredients stay fresh and crisp.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
- Take a small taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add more salt, lemon juice, or mayonnaise depending on your preference.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer the salad to a plate and sprinkle extra dill on top for garnish.
- Serve with whole-wheat bread for a sandwich, over Bibb lettuce for a light salad, or with celery sticks as a healthy dip.
Notes
Tips for the Best Tuna Salad:
- For extra creaminess – Add a little more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- For a zesty kick – Add more lemon juice or a pinch of lemon zest.
- For more texture – Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds.
- For a spicy touch – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad
1. Can I use a different type of tuna?
Yes! You can use chunk light tuna or albacore tuna, either in water or oil. If using tuna in oil, drain it well before mixing.
2. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use more Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. Avocado or hummus also work as creamy, healthy alternatives.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving for the best texture.
4. What can I serve this with?
Enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap, or on top of lettuce, crackers, or cucumber slices for a low-carb option.
5. Is this salad keto or low-carb?
Yes! Without bread, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, thanks to its high protein and healthy fat content.
6. Can I add more ingredients?
Of course! Try adding chopped pickles, capers, avocado, or a boiled egg for extra flavor and texture.
7. What if I don’t have sumac?
No problem! Sumac adds a tangy touch, but you can skip it or replace it with a pinch of paprika or extra lemon zest.