Low Carb Keto High Protein Tuna Salad

I’m not gonna lie: most keto tuna salads are either too mushy, too dry, or weirdly sweet (why do people add sugar to tuna?!).
This version is the one I actually batch-make when I’m in grind mode: high in protein, low in carbs, crazy easy to portion—and it doesn’t taste like sad diet food.
I had a few flops getting here (RIP, overly wet mayo soup and aggressively crunchy celery bombs), but this method works.

💡 Why This Recipe Actually Works (Low-Carb Edition)

• Dressing first = no clumpy tuna mess.
• Pickles + Dijon = real flavor without adding carbs.
• Eggs folded last = keeps texture chunky, not baby food.
• Smart ratios = high protein, without turning into a fat bomb that wrecks your macros.

🧾 What I Used (And Why It Worked)

• Mayonnaise (120g / ½ cup) – Fat carrier, but also key for texture. I used Primal Kitchen mayo—no sugar, clean oils.
• Dijon mustard (1 tbsp) – Cuts the richness and punches up flavor. No weird aftertaste like yellow mustard sometimes gives.
• Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped) – Fresh pop. Dried works if desperate, but it loses that “bright” thing.
• Paprika (½ tsp) – Adds warmth and depth without carbs.
• Sea salt & black pepper (⅛ tsp each, or to taste) – Obvious, but season it after mixing because tuna and mayo brands vary.
• Tuna (3 cans, 140g/5 oz each, drained) – I mix one can of solid white albacore and two chunk light—best combo of flavor and moisture.
• Celery (30g / ¼ cup, finely chopped) – Crunch without many carbs.
• Pickles (2 tbsp, chopped) – Dill pickles, not sweet. Sweet ones will quietly destroy your carb count.
• White onion (2 tbsp, minced) – Tiny amount for sharpness without overpowering.
• Hard-boiled eggs (4 large, diced) – Protein boost and makes it heartier.

🔁 Low-Carb Swaps That Still Work

Want to Switch?	Here’s the Deal
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt	Technically works, but bumps carbs slightly and changes flavor (more tangy). Good for high-protein goals though.
Use red onion instead of white	Works fine—red onions are slightly higher in carbs but way prettier for presentation.
Add avocado	Awesome texture and fat boost. Mash in ½ an avocado per batch.

⚠️ Keto Missteps and How I Fixed Them

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Tuna salad got watery	Poor draining	Press tuna firmly in a mesh strainer or squeeze gently in a paper towel.
Salad tasted flat	Under-seasoned dressing	Salt and acid (mustard/pickles) are your friends—adjust after mixing.
Eggs turned mushy	Overmixed	Fold eggs in last, gently. Treat it like folding whipped cream.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step How To Make It

1. Mix the Dressing:
   Whisk mayo, mustard, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. It should be creamy and slightly tangy.
2. Add the Tuna and Veggies:
   Flake tuna into the dressing. Stir in celery, pickles, and onion. Break up large clumps without turning it into mush.
3. Fold in the Eggs:
   Gently mix in diced eggs. You’re looking for chunks, not a paste.
4. Taste and Adjust:
   Now’s the time. More salt? More mustard? Tweak it now while it’s easy.
5. Chill if You Can:
   Fridge it for 30 minutes if you have time—it gets WAY better.

🧠 Keto Cooking Tricks That Help

• Bulk Prep Tip: Hard boil a dozen eggs at once. Tuna salad today = egg salad tomorrow.
• Tracking Hack: Divide the full batch into 4 containers right away. No mental math needed later.
• Speed Saver: Pre-mince your onion and celery and freeze small portions for grab-and-go use.

🧊 Keeping It Keto-Friendly All Week

• Fridge: Airtight container, up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving.
• Freezer: Honestly, don’t freeze it. Mayo and eggs do weird, sad things when frozen.
• Meal Prep Bonus: Make a double batch, then stuff it in lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas for fast meals.

❓ Real Keto Questions, Real Answers

Will this spike blood sugar?
Nope—basically zero effective carbs per serving. Just double-check your pickle brand for hidden sugars.

Can I use canned chicken instead of tuna?
Yep! Same texture, just slightly milder flavor. Works great if you’re tuna-ed out.

Is all mayo keto?
Short answer: NO. Check labels—some sneaky brands add sugar or garbage oils. Look for avocado oil-based or make your own.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 Serving (1/4th of total recipe)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	398 kcal
Total Fat	27 g
Saturated Fat	8.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	8.5 g (estimated)
Polyunsaturated Fat	3.2 g (estimated)
Cholesterol	744 mg
Sodium	1180 mg
Potassium	~300 mg (depends slightly on tuna and celery brands)
Total Carbohydrates	1 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Net Carbs	1 g
Sugars	1 g (from onion and pickles)
Protein	34 g

Check out More Recipes:

• Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh
• Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad
• Low Carb Keto Avocado Tuna Salad