Zesty Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad Recipe for Summer Lunches
Crafting a delightful fresh herbed tuna salad can revolutionize your lunch routine with minimal effort.
Mediterranean flavors dance through each crisp bite, promising a light and satisfying meal.
Herbs picked straight from the garden infuse remarkable depth into this simple dish.
Protein-packed tuna becomes a canvas for zesty green notes and vibrant ingredients.
Coastal inspirations merge with kitchen creativity to produce something truly extraordinary.
Quick to assemble and deeply nourishing, this recipe offers a perfect balance of freshness and flavor.
You’ll find yourself returning to this combination again and again, eager to savor every delectable spoonful.
Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad That Refreshes the Palate
Ingredients to Brighten Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad
Protein Base:Creamy Binders:Aromatic and Crunchy Additions:Seasoning:Steps to Toss Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad Perfectly
Step 1: Drain and Prep Tuna
Open the tuna can and thoroughly drain the liquid. Transfer the tuna into a spacious mixing bowl, breaking it into smaller flakes using a fork.
Step 2: Create Creamy Base
Whisk together mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined. This will help create a light and tangy foundation for your salad.
Step 3: Add Crisp Vegetables
Finely chop the following ingredients:Gently mix these vegetables into the tuna mixture, ensuring even distribution.
Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Herbs
Chop a combination of fresh herbs like:Fold the herbs into the tuna salad, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Season and Enhance Flavor
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well seasoned.
Step 6: Chill and Develop Flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the tuna salad chilled.
Tips to Make Light and Tasty Herbed Tuna Salad
Creative Twists on Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad
Pairings That Enhance Herbed Tuna Salad Experience
Storage Ideas to Keep Herbed Tuna Salad Crisp
FAQs
Fresh dill, chives, parsley, and basil are excellent choices that add bright, vibrant flavor to the tuna salad. Each herb brings a unique taste profile that enhances the overall dish.
Both work well, but drain the tuna completely before mixing. Water-packed tuna is lighter, while oil-packed tuna tends to be richer and more flavorful.
Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce calories and increase protein. You can also add more chopped vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
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Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Mediterranean-inspired fresh herbed tuna salad combines zesty herbs with rich, flaky tuna. Crisp vegetables and tangy dressing elevate this light, protein-packed dish you’ll crave for quick, refreshing meals.
Ingredients
- 2 (5 oz/140 g) cans chunk light tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped celery
- 1/4 cup (40 g) finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain tuna thoroughly and transfer to a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring no excess liquid remains.
- Whisk mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the tuna, creating a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Finely dice red onion and celery, ensuring uniform small pieces for balanced texture.
- Chop selected fresh herbs into delicate fragments, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Incorporate diced vegetables and chopped herbs into the creamy tuna mixture, gently folding to distribute evenly.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
- Seal container and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
- Prior to serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute ingredients.
- Present chilled on crisp lettuce leaves or atop golden, lightly toasted artisan bread slices.
Notes
- Customize your tuna salad by experimenting with different fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon for unique flavor profiles.
- Choose high-quality canned tuna packed in water for a lighter, healthier version that keeps the salad from becoming too greasy.
- For a low-carb option, serve the salad in crisp lettuce wraps or cucumber boats instead of bread for a refreshing alternative.
- Make the salad extra creamy by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt alongside mayonnaise, which boosts protein and reduces overall fat content.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Clara Bennett
Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists
Education
Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.
Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.
Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography
Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.
Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.