Mediterranean Tuna Salad Without Mayo

Tuna salad takes on a completely different character when mayonnaise is replaced with olive oil and lemon. The dressing is lighter and sharper, which leaves room for the briny olives, fresh herbs and crisp vegetables to come through.

Chickpeas give the salad enough body to stand on its own as lunch rather than feeling like a sandwich filling. Because both tuna and olives can be salty, taste the mixture before adding any extra salt.

Skipping Mayo Changes More Than the Dressing

• The lemon-Dijon dressing stays bright without mayonnaise.
• Chickpeas make the salad more filling and add a softer texture.
• Cucumber and tomato keep every bite fresh and crisp.
• It can be served in pita, over greens or simply eaten as a bowl.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Without Mayo

Mediterranean tuna salad skips mayonnaise and uses olive oil, lemon and Dijon for a bright dressing. Chickpeas and vegetables make it more substantial for lunch.

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Prep Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Servings 4 servings

Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cans tuna in water drained
• 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 cucumber diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/3 cup red onion finely diced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup sliced olives
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Black pepper

Instructions

 

• Flake drained tuna into a bowl.
• Add chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, parsley and olives.
• Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, oregano and black pepper.
• Pour over salad and toss gently.
• Taste before adding salt because tuna and olives can already be salty.

Notes

Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.

Keyword mediterranean tuna salad without mayo

A Better Result Starts Before the Timer Does

• Drain tuna well.
• Rinse chickpeas.
• Add salt only after tasting.
• Use high-quality olive oil because it is a main flavor.

A Few Good Recipes to Follow This One

If you enjoyed this recipe, try one of these next:

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Homemade Greek Yogurt Tzatziki
• High-Protein Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

How to Balance Mediterranean Tuna Salad Without Mayo

Without mayonnaise, the dressing depends on olive oil, lemon and Dijon to coat the tuna and vegetables. Drain the tuna very well before mixing. Excess packing liquid dilutes the dressing and can make the bottom of the bowl watery after the salad sits.

Salt should be the final adjustment

Tuna, olives and canned chickpeas can all contribute sodium. Rinse the chickpeas and taste the completed salad before adding extra salt. Often the lemon, oregano and black pepper provide enough contrast without much additional seasoning.

Texture is part of the appeal

• Dice cucumber and onion fairly small so every serving has a balanced mix.
• Add tomatoes gently so they do not break down into the dressing.
• If preparing ahead, keep especially juicy tomatoes separate until closer to serving.
• Tuna packed in olive oil can be used, but reduce the dressing oil to avoid an overly rich salad.

This salad works especially well when the chickpeas remain intact and the vegetables stay crisp. Toss only until coated rather than repeatedly stirring the mixture.

Useful Answers for the First Batch

Can I use tuna packed in oil?

Yes. Drain it and reduce the added olive oil.

Can I make it without chickpeas?

Yes. Add white beans or extra vegetables.

Is there any mayonnaise?

No. The dressing uses olive oil, lemon and Dijon.