This Low Carb Tuna Salad Recipe is a creamy and zesty recipe, which features canned tuna and crunchy celery. It’s a quick and healthy lunch, ready in about 10 minutes.
Low Carb Tuna Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 14 oz canned tuna (approx. 3-4 standard cans), drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
- ½ cup celery, finely diced (about 2 stalks)
- ¼ cup red onions, finely diced
- ¼ cup sugar-free pickles (dill pickles), finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Low Carb Tuna Salad Recipe
- Prep the base: Open the cans of tuna and drain the liquid thoroughly. If the tuna is too wet, the salad will be watery. Flake the tuna into a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped celery, red onions, sugar-free pickles, and fresh dill.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and toss: Pour the creamy dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring every flake of tuna is coated. Adjust the seasoning if necessary (add more lemon for zip or more pepper for spice). Serve immediately or chill.
Recipe Tips
- The Pickle Factor: To keep this recipe low carb, you must use sugar-free pickles or standard dill pickles. Avoid “bread and butter” pickles or sweet relish, as they are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup.
- Tuna Selection: Tuna packed in olive oil offers a richer flavor and healthy fats perfect for keto, while tuna packed in water is lighter. Whichever you choose, drain it very well.
- Texture Hack: Chop your celery and onions very finely. You want a little crunch in every bite, not large chunks of vegetable that overpower the fish.
- Make it Creamier: If you prefer a smoother salad, you can mash the tuna with the back of a fork against the side of the bowl as you mix it.
- Resting Time: While you can eat it right away, letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the dill and onion flavors to meld with the creamy dressing.
What To Serve With Low Carb Tuna Salad Recipe
Forget the high-carb sandwich bread; try these keto-friendly vessels.
- Lettuce Boats: Romaine hearts or Butter lettuce leaves.
- Stuffed Veggies: Hollowed-out tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocados.
- Cucumber Slices: Thick rounds make perfect cracker replacements.
- Keto Bread: Toasted almond flour bread.
How To Store Low Carb Tuna Salad Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as liquids may settle at the bottom.
- Freeze: This recipe is not suitable for freezing. The mayonnaise emulsion will break, and the celery will become mushy and watery upon thawing.
Low Carb Tuna Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 19.2g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 16.2g
- Net Carbs: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving (approx 1/2 cup).
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, for a lighter version, you can swap half of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. Be aware that yogurt adds a tangy flavor and a small amount of carbs compared to mayo.
Is this Keto?
Yes. With only 1g of net carbs and plenty of healthy fats and protein, this is a staple keto meal prep recipe.
Can I add eggs?
Absolutely. Chopped hard-boiled eggs are a classic addition to tuna salad that adds creaminess and extra protein.
Low Carb Tuna Salad Recipe
Description
A zesty, crunchy, and refreshing tuna salad made with sugar-free pickles and fresh herbs, perfect for a 10-minute keto lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain tuna well and flake into a bowl.
- Add celery, onion, pickles, and dill.
- Whisk mayo, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serving: Scoop this into half an avocado for a “Tuna Stuffed Avocado” lunch that boosts your healthy fat intake.
- Seasoning: Freshly cracked black pepper makes a big difference in this simple dish.
Low Carb Tuna Salad Recipe
