If you’re anything like me, you get totally burned out on those heavy, soggy lunches that just leave you wanting a nap. I originally came up with this recipe when I was scrambling to bring something fresh to a family potluck. I wanted something filling but light, and let me tell you, it disappeared in minutes. My family couldn’t believe there wasn’t a single drop of mayonnaise in it!
This No Mayo Tuna Salad has honestly become my weekly staple. It completely relies on a bright, zesty lemon and olive oil dressing packed with fresh mint and parsley. When you mix that with the salty bite of garlic-herb feta, crisp romaine, and cool cucumbers, it completely transforms a basic can of tuna into something you’d actually pay for at a nice cafe.
Here is exactly how I make it.
No Mayo Tuna Salad
What You’ll Need for this No Mayo Tuna Salad
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1 (5 oz) can tuna in water, drained well and flaked
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1 (6 oz) package crumbled garlic and herb feta cheese
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3 hearts of romaine lettuce, torn up by hand
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1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
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4 green onions, chopped up
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¼ cup olive oil
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
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¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Cans of tuna
Lettuce
Feta cheese
Olive oil
How I Make It
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Shake up the dressing: I like to use a small mason jar for this, but a bowl works too. Throw in your olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, mint, a pinch of salt, and some cracked pepper. Put the lid on and shake it up really well. Let it sit for a few minutes so the garlic and herbs infuse the oil.
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Build the salad: Grab your favorite large serving bowl. Toss in the torn romaine, chopped cucumber, and green onions.
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Add the good stuff: Flake your drained tuna right over the greens, then sprinkle that entire package of garlic and herb feta over the top.
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Toss and serve: Pour your homemade herb dressing all over the bowl. Use some tongs to gently toss it until every single leaf is coated and the feta is mixed throughout. You’ll want to serve your No Mayo Tuna Salad right away while the lettuce is perfectly crisp!
Recipe Details
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving) about this No Mayo Tuna Salad
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Calories: 290 kcal
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Protein: 15 g
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Fat: 22 g
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Carbs: 8 g
FAQ
Can I meal-prep this ahead of time? Yes and no! You can absolutely chop the veggies and make the dressing in advance. But do not mix it all together until you are ready to eat. The romaine will get sad and soggy if it sits in the dressing too long.
Does it have to be tuna in water? Not at all. I use water-packed to keep it light, but tuna packed in olive oil is amazing here. If you use oil-packed, just drain it well, and maybe use a little less olive oil in the dressing so it isn’t overly greasy.
How long do leftovers last? Honestly, once you put the dressing on, this No Mayo Tuna Salad is best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a day, but expect the lettuce to lose its crunch
Source: www.allrecipes.com
