Our chickpea tuna salad with Greek yogurt is a lightened up version of a classic lunch! Through many rounds of recipe testing, we’ve successfully figured out how to eliminate the mayo from tuna salad, as well as increase the protein and fiber, without sacrificing flavor!
If you’re like us, you’re busy. Whether or not you’re a parent, you’re likely balancing all kinds of things like work, sports leagues, family, friends… life is busy! This tuna salad without mayo has been a life-saver for my husband and I over the past several years when prepping lunch for work. It’s mixed up fast and we know we’ve got something nutritious to fuel our day.
After you make this recipe, be sure to try our curry roasted chickpea salad and our kale and quinoa power salad for more good-for-you lunch yumminess! And if you’re looking for more tuna recipes, give our tuna casserole without canned soup a try too.
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Why you’ll love this Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
Made with nourishing, whole-food ingredients. Fat-free plain Greek yogurt adds protein along with live and active cultures. Chickpeas add fiber and protein, and my mayo-free tuna salad recipe calls for canned tuna packed in water (not high-fat oil).
Quick and easy 10-minute recipe. The “hardest” part of this recipe is using a can opener on the canned tuna and chickpeas! There’s hardly any chopping, no cooking, and no special kitchen equipment needed.
Super high in protein. This protein-packed tuna salad has THREE sources of protein – tuna fish, chickpeas, and Greek yogurt! A 5-ounce can of tuna has about 20 grams of protein alone!
Full of flavor. While this is a healthier tuna salad recipe without mayo, that does not mean I am sacrificing flavor! Greek yogurt keeps it creamy, while lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper add tons of flavor!
Chickpea Tuna Salad Ingredients
- Canned Tuna Fish. I recommend buying solid or chunk light white albacore tuna packed in water (not extra virgin olive oil).
- Plain Greek Yogurt. You’ll need non-fat, plain Greek yogurt. Do not use regular yogurt. The flavor, consistency, and protein content in regular yogurt is very different from Greek yogurt.
- Canned Chickpeas. The canned chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, should ideally have no salt added. You’ll drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the fresh tuna salad.
- Lemon Juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a little bit of zest and a wonderful lemony flavor to the tuna salad!
- Fresh Dill. Fresh dill adds a deliciously fresh, summery flavor. When cooking with fresh dill, you’ll want to pinch off the little fine leaves attached to the stem before adding them to your tuna salad.
- Paprika. Ground paprika can brighten the flavor of many dishes, making it a great addition to this Greek yogurt tuna salad recipe with chickpeas. Some paprikas are hot and spicy, and smoky. Others are sweet, with no heat and a mild flavor. It depends on the variety that you choose.
- Salt and Pepper. What would tuna salad be without a little salt and pepper!?
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Helpful Equipment
This is a very low-maintenance recipe that doesn’t require any special kitchen equipment. You’ll only need the basics, like a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a can opener. I also like to use kitchen scissors to remove my fresh dill from the stems and cut it up quickly.
How to make Tuna Salad without Mayo
Step 1: Add drained tuna and drained and rinsed chickpeas to a medium sized mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and spice to the bowl.
Step 3: Top with fresh dill that has been rinsed and removed from the stems. I recommend cutting it into smaller pieces with a kitchen shears.
Step 4: Mix until well combined. Taste and adjust as necessary.
Variations for No Mayo Tuna Salad
- Make it Mediterranean style. Simply add capers, Greek olives, red onion, and/or chopped red bell peppers to this tuna salad without mayo to give it a Mediterranean twist!
- Add some fat. My goal was to make a light and low-calorie tuna salad that is also low-fat. If you need more good fats in your diet though, simply mix in some extra virgin olive oil or avocado. Or use a higher fat plain Greek yogurt if you don’t want to alter the flavor too much from the recipe.
- Mix in fresh vegetables. I wanted to keep the prep time very low on this recipe. If you have extra time though, chop up some bell peppers, celery, onions, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. Fresh veggies are all delicious and nutritious additions that will also add some crunch!
- Try different white beans. Chickpea salads are my favorite, but cannellini beans or great northern beans could all be used instead.
- Experiment with different herbs. Instead of fresh dill, try using fresh parsley or fresh cilantro.
Possible Dietary Restrictions?
My light tuna salad (no mayo) recipe is gluten-free as it’s written. Since Greek yogurt is a main ingredient, this tuna salad recipe would not fit into a dairy-free diet.
Expert Tips
- For the best texture, choose a high-quality, solid, or chunk light tuna. Make sure it’s packed in water! Fully drain the tuna and flake it using a fork.
- Don’t forget that canned tuna is already cooked. You can enjoy it at room temperature, right from the can.
- If you can’t find fresh dill at the grocery store, you can use dried dill instead. The general rule of thumb when substituting dried dill in place of fresh dill, is to use 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh dill called for in the recipe.
- My tuna without mayo salad can be eaten as soon as it’s made. If you’d like the flavors to meld and develop for a bit first, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Serving Chickpea Tuna Salad
I usually make this recipe in advance during my weekly meal prep session. Throughout the week I’ll use my tuna salad with Greek yogurt to make sandwiches, lettuce wraps, grain bowls, and over salads! Here are some more creative ways to use tuna salad without mayo!
- Sandwiches and Wraps. Use this no mayo tuna salad in sandwiches, wraps, in a pita pocket, on a croissant, on a sandwich roll, or make it into a tuna melt.
- Crackers and Veggies. Tuna salad can easily be used as a dip on a veggie platter or a charcuterie board (like my Game Day Charcuterie Board). Scoop up bites of tuna using crackers, celery sticks, mini bell peppers, and sliced cucumber.
- Over Greens. Add a big scoop of creamy tuna salad to a bowl full of greens, use in romaine lettuce boats, or as the filling for lettuce wraps.
- Grain Bowls and Pasta. You can quickly turn this lunch recipe into a warm dinner by mixing tuna salad into warm pasta (bowtie and macaroni shells are my favorite) or adding it to a grain bowl. My favorite grains for this are quinoa, brown rice, and couscous.
Storing Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
No mayo tuna salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I highly recommend making this recipe ahead of time and eating it as a light lunch or meal prep option for the week! It holds up well and will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Can You Freeze Tuna Salad?
Yes, tuna salad can be frozen. Traditional tuna salad with mayo should be frozen without the mayonnaise added because the taste and texture of mayo will change during defrosting.
Since this tuna salad without mayo is made with Greek yogurt, it should hold up to freezing and defrosting very well. Unlike other dairy-based creamy ingredients, Greek yogurt actually freezes and defrosts very well, with minimal changes to taste and texture. For best results, freeze for up to 2 months and slowly defrost in the refrigerator.
Recipe FAQs
Greek yogurt is my favorite substitute for mayo in tuna salad. Other mayo alternatives people enjoy include sour cream, olive oil, avocado, cottage cheese, and Dijon mustard.
The healthiest way to eat canned tuna would be to be mindful of the amount of extra fat and calories you are adding to the tuna. Avoid high-fat ingredients like mayonnaise and olive oil, and instead, opt for low-fat and low-calorie ingredients like fat-free Greek yogurt.
Canned tuna is a lean source of protein that is high in essential fatty acids and vitamin B12. It’s shelf-stable, budget-friendly, and easy to have on hand when you need a quick and easy protein.
Love This Lunch Recipe? You May Also Enjoy
No Mayo Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 1 , 12oz can of chunk light tuna in water (drained)
- 1 , 15oz can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- ½ C non-fat, plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ C fresh dill (rinsed, destemmed)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a medium sized mixing bowl, and gentry mix to combine.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Sandwiches and Wraps. Use no mayo tuna salad in sandwiches, wraps, in a pita pocket, on a croissant, on a sandwich roll, or make it into a tuna melt.
- Crackers and Veggies. Tuna salad can easily be used as a dip on a veggie platter or a charcuterie board. Scoop up bites of tuna using crackers, celery sticks, mini bell peppers, and sliced cucumber.
- Over Greens. Add a big scoop of creamy tuna salad to a bowl full of greens, use in romaine lettuce boats, or as the filling for lettuce wraps.
- Grain Bowls and Pasta. You can quickly turn this lunch recipe into a warm dinner by mixing tuna salad into warm pasta (bowtie and macaroni shells are my favorite) or adding it to a grain bowl.
- Make it Mediterranean style. Simply add capers, Greek olives, red onion, and/or chopped red bell peppers to this tuna salad without mayo to give it a Mediterranean twist!
- Add some fat. If you need more good fats in your diet though, simply mix in some extra virgin olive oil or avocado. Or use a higher fat plain Greek yogurt if you don’t want to alter the flavor too much from the recipe.
- Mix in fresh vegetables. Option to mix in chopped up some bell peppers, celery, onions, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes.
- Try different white beans. Alternatives include cannellini beans or great northern beans.
- Experiment with different herbs. Instead of fresh dill, try using fresh parsley or fresh cilantro.
Kurt Mueller says
This Tuna Salad was so good! The greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayo.
Meredith says
Happy to hear that you loved this recipe too Kurt! Thanks for giving it a try!
David says
Great stuff. I’m a powerlifter, and these sandwiches are great for my macro tracking goals.
Meredith says
I’m so happy to hear that this healthy tuna salad recipe is helping you with your goals David!