Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad Recipe

Bright, creamy, and loaded with satisfying crunch, Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad is your ticket to a fresher, lighter take on the classic lunch favorite. Swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt amps up the protein, keeps things deliciously tangy, and transforms a humble can of tuna into a healthy meal that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re piling it onto crisp lettuce, sandwiching it between bread, or eating it straight from the bowl, this salad delivers big flavor and so much versatility—plus, it just might be the easiest lunch you’ll make all week.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You probably already have everything you need to whip up this tuna salad in your fridge and pantry! Each ingredient here brings its own touch—creamy, crunchy, zesty, or savory—creating a perfectly balanced and vibrant bowl that never feels heavy or boring.

• Tuna: Use high-quality canned tuna in water for the freshest taste; drain it well so your salad stays thick and creamy.
• Greek Yogurt: Plain, whole milk Greek yogurt gives the salad tang, creaminess, and extra protein, without the heaviness of mayo.
• Celery: Adds crisp freshness and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Red Onion: Just a bit delivers gentle bite and beautiful color—soak in water for a minute for extra mildness.
• Dijon Mustard: Lights up the flavors with a pop of gentle heat and depth.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens up everything and balances the richness beautifully.
• Fresh Dill: Brings herby vibrance that’s classically perfect with both fish and yogurt.
• Salt and Pepper: Taste as you go—these basics bring all the seasoning into focus.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by draining your canned tuna thoroughly so your final salad has the ideal texture. Dice the celery and red onion nice and small so you get a perfect bit of crunch and flavor in every bite. Chop the dill, squeeze your lemon, and get all the ingredients set up—it makes the mixing step a total breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, add the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk them together until smooth and creamy. This creamy base is what sets the Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad apart—it’s lighter than classic mayo, but packs just as much flavor and richness.

Step 3: Combine Tuna and Veggies

Add the drained tuna, diced celery, red onion, and fresh dill to your yogurt mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula to coat each bit of tuna and veg, breaking the tuna up slightly but leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Now, give your salad a taste and season generously with salt and cracked black pepper. If you like a little extra zing, splash in an extra squeeze of lemon. Adjust the flavors so it’s perfectly balanced for your liking—don’t be shy here!

Step 5: Chill (Optional, but Amazing!)

If you have a bit of time, let the Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad chill covered in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This quick rest helps the flavors meld and gives you a super-refreshing, satisfying salad, but if you’re hungry, it’s ready to eat right away.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad

Garnishes

Take your presentation up a notch by topping your salad with a flourish of extra fresh dill, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, or a pop of cracked black pepper. If you love heat, a little dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes is amazing, too.

Side Dishes

Pairing Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad with crunchy veggies like cucumber slices or baby carrots makes for an easy, fresh, and colorful lunch. For something more filling, try serving it alongside a bowl of vegetable soup or tucked inside a whole wheat pita with leafy greens for the ultimate balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the sandwich and spoon the Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad into avocado halves for a luscious, healthy twist, or use it to top baked sweet potatoes—absolutely irresistible! It also makes a great protein-packed filling for lettuce wraps or stuffed tomatoes for a playful, eye-catching appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to three days. The salad stays creamy and the flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s just as delicious the next day (or the day after!).

Freezing

Freezing this Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad isn’t recommended—the yogurt tends to separate and lose its creamy texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge, and luckily, it’s so quick to make, you won’t mind!

Reheating

This salad is designed to be eaten cold or at cool room temperature, so no reheating necessary. In fact, the crisp veggies and creamy yogurt absolutely shine straight from the fridge. If you’re using it as a sandwich filling, let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off—easy.

FAQs

Can I use flavored Greek yogurt for the tuna salad?

Stick with plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad. The flavor of vanilla or fruit would clash with the savory, bright notes of the salad, so reach for classic plain every time.

What kind of tuna works best?

Solid white albacore or skipjack tuna packed in water makes for a clean, meaty flavor, but if you love a richer taste, tuna in olive oil is a great choice—just drain excess oil before mixing.

Can I make Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a good-quality plain plant-based yogurt for the Greek yogurt. The result is just as creamy and tangy, but completely dairy-free.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It’s fantastic for meal prep. You can make a big batch, portion into containers, and grab throughout the week for quick, protein-filled lunches or snacks.

What veggies can I add in?

Feel free to get creative—diced bell pepper, shredded carrot, chopped pickles, or sliced radish all add punchy flavor and extra crunch. Mix and match based on what you love or have handy.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad truly transforms a pantry staple into a vibrant, crave-worthy lunch—light, creamy, and endlessly versatile. I hope it becomes a new go-to in your kitchen, and that you have as much fun customizing and enjoying it as I do. Give it a try and let the flavors speak for themselves!

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