Tuna salad is one of those classic dishes that I get a crazy craving for now and then, and as soon as that craving hits I have to make it.
I tend to have this meal for lunch, either on a piece of toasted bread or over a salad. It’s light and refreshing, and doesn’t leave me feeling like I ate too heavily. I am standard lunch kind of girl; salads, sandwiches and light fare, so tuna salad fits into that category quite perfectly.
While I am a big fan of tuna salad, I don’t usually like the kinds you can get at the grocery store and most restaurants because they are so loaded with mayonnaise that you can hardly taste anything else. They’re goopy, a bit unhealthy and sit like a brick in my stomach. This version does use mayo, but a pretty small amount as compared to most other recipes you’ll find online.
To help with the texture and moisture because of the lack of mayo, I’ve subbed in a little relish which offers a slight zest that melds really nicely with the rest of the ingredients. I got the idea because I use it in my egg salad; it may sound weird but trust me, it’s delicious if you don’t got overboard! If you aren’t a fan of mayonnaise or if you want to make this even healthier, you can use plain, low-fat Greek yogurt in its place. The flavor will be different but the texture will be a close match.
In addition to the celery and red onions, which are pretty typical of a good tuna salad (I am not a fan of tuna salad made with just tuna and mayo – must have vegetables!), I’ve added broccoli. This makes it a bit more filling because of the extra volume, healthier and adds an extra crunch.
This is a super easy and fast recipe. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill!
If you’re looking for other fish recipes, try my Island-style Mahi Mahi Ceviche or my Baked Honey Dijon and Garlic Salmon!
Classic Tuna Salad Lightened Up & With A Twist
Ingredients
1 12oz can Tuna solid white Albacore in water
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, diced
1/2 cup broccoli, chopped into small pieces
1 tbsp relish
3 tbsp olive oil mayo
Lemon juice
Garlic salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Drain tuna and put in a large bowl. Lightly shred the tuna with a fork.
- Add the red onion, celery, broccoli, relish, mayonnaise, garlic salt and pepper to the bowl and mix.
- Chill and serve on bread or on top of a bed of lettuce, with a small drizzle of lemon juice.
I love tuna salad, but I never have done it in that way, it is on my to do list. Thank you for sharing the twist :)
Ok now I’m craving for tuna salad! And yeah, I know the ones you’re referring to, swimming in mayo. So when we make it at home we cut back on the mayo but still want it not dry though. Your recipe looks like the perfect balance!
This looks so light and refreshing! Will definitely be trying :)
That sounds so good! I never though to combine tuna with broccoli! I have to try it asap!
What a great suggestion, never thought of adding broccoli. Looking forward to the extra crunch!
This is amazing! I love tuna and I always look for recipes like this. Thanks for the share. xx
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I like the api n you added to tuna salad. I am no usually a fan but this sounds good.
Yum!! My boyfriend and I just started a SUPER healthy regimen this week, and I think this recipe is going to be perfect to include in our options for lunch or dinner. This looks awesome, and I love that you didn’t use mayo. Plus, your pictures make me drool! So glad you shared this! <3
It really is clutch when you’re trying to clean up your diet! I love it because you can prep it ahead of time and have it as a quick and easy meal without much fuss! Good luck with your health kick!
I think adding broccoli to a sandwich like this is sheer genius. Bravo!
This looks delish! Gotta make this at home!
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This looks so yummy! Love the twist! ;)
Sincerely Miss J
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Mmm… I don’t normally eat tuna, but I’d certainly make an exception for this! This looks so good!
Virtuous Mama
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Looks yummy. I love the idea of relish and all the veggies. :)
Yummy! I like quick easy lunch ideas. I had never though to add relish to tuna salas.
Looks delicious! I can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing!
What a unique twist that you use broccoli in this tuna salad! I’ve never thought to do that. I make a tuna pasta salad and use celery, carrots, asparagus and peas. Don’t you love olive oil mayo?! I haven’t looked back since I discovered it a couple of years ago
I do love olive oil mayo and I haven’t purchased regular since I found it either! And your tuna pasta salad sounds super delicious! Do you have a special sauce that you mix it all in?
I love tuna salad! Saving this for when I’m no longer breastfeeding and can enjoy all my favorite seafood dishes again!
I love tuna salad! I am in total agreement regarding store bought salads. I feel the same way with mac salad and potato salad as well. Any type of store bought pasta salad actually…lol Love that you added broccoli! Yummy!