Tuna Salad Without Mayo made with olive oil-packed tuna, cucumbers, creamy avocado, and chives in a grainy mustard vinaigrette. Fresh, vibrant, and you won’t miss the mayo!
Author’s Note
So Good, You’ll Forget About the Mayo!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of mayo. And honestly, It is satisfying to a good mayo-filled tuna salad. But sometimes, I’m craving something a little lighter and fresher. That’s where this Tuna Salad Without Mayo comes in, and I can’t get enough of it!
It has all the right textures and the best lemon Dijon vinaigrette that ties everything together. My husband loves it in a sandwich on toasted sourdough with mayo (ha!), greens, and tomatoes. My kids go for it with crackers, and I like it best straight out of the bowl!
Tuna Salad Without Mayo Ingredients
A few ingredients worth talking about:
| Star Ingredient | Quick Tip |
|---|---|
| Olive-Oil Tuna | Drain the can over a bowl and save a spoonful of that flavorful oil—it whisks right into the vinaigrette. |
| Ripe Avocado | Press near the stem; a slight give means it’s reliable. Dice, then splash with lemon to keep that bright green. |
| English/Persian Cucumbers | Thin skin and tiny seeds mean no peeling and less water. Pat dry after dicing for extra crunch. |
| Stone-Ground Mustard | Start with 1 tsp, taste, and add more if you love it. |
Why I Skip The Mayo In This:
This lemon-Dijon dressing holds this Tuna Salad Without Mayo together like mayo and adds flavor, but it’s lighter and lets the tuna stand out.
What’s Inside the Vinaigrette:
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Red-wine vinegar
- Dijon & stone-ground mustard
- Pinch of celery seed, salt, and pepper
| 2 Tbsp Regular Mayo | 2 Tbsp Lemon-Dijon Vinaigrette | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal | ~110 kcal |
Variations
Tuna Salad, Your Way!
- Mediterranean: Swap chives for parsley, add olives & capers.
- Spicy Southwest: Add roasted corn, black beans, lime juice, chipotle flakes.
- Greek Yogurt Creamy: Stir 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt into half the batch for a creamier effect without the mayo.
Storage
Tuna Salad Without Mayo Meal Prep
- Pack in 8-ounce glass jars, layer vinaigrette at the bottom, tuna on top.
- Keep avocado half intact until morning of serving. Best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
More Tuna Recipes:
Seafood
Tuna Patties
Salads
Tuna Macaroni Salad Recipe
Lunch
Avocado Tuna Salad
Salads
Tuna And White Bean Salad
