High-Protein Green Bean & Tuna Salad
Crisp-tender green beans meet flaky tuna in this vibrant, protein-packed salad. Tossed with a zesty lemon-mustard dressing and finished with briny capers, it's a refreshing lunch or light dinner that comes together in 20 minutes with no cooking beyond blanching the beans.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the green beans and ice bath.
1.Trim the ends of the green beans and cut into 2-inch pieces.2.Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water; set aside.3.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. - boil · ~3 min
Blanch the green beans.
1.Add 1 tsp salt to the boiling water.2.Drop the green beans into the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.3.Immediately drain and plunge the beans into the ice bath to stop cooking.4.Let them chill for 1 minute, then drain well and pat dry.TIPDon't skip the ice bath — it locks in the vibrant green color and keeps the beans crisp. - mix
Make the lemon-mustard dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and minced garlic.2.Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.3.Whisk until emulsified and smooth. - mix
Assemble the salad.
1.In a large bowl, combine blanched green beans, drained tuna, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.2.Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.3.Scatter capers over the top and give one final gentle toss.TIPBreak the tuna into large chunks rather than shredding it — the salad looks and eats better with substantial flakes. - serve
Serve or chill.
Serve immediately at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Blanch the green beans for exactly 2-3 minutes to keep them crisp-tender and bright green.
- 2Always use an ice bath immediately after blanching to stop cooking and preserve color.
- 3Break canned tuna into large chunks rather than shredding it for better texture and presentation.
- 4Pat the blanched beans dry thoroughly to prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
- 5Let the finished salad rest for 15-20 minutes in the fridge to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mediterranean
Add 1/4 cup Kalamata olives and 50g crumbled feta cheese for a briny, creamy twist that pairs well with the tuna.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Swap canned tuna for grilled chicken breast strips or chickpeas to vary the protein source while keeping the salad filling.
Low Carb / KetoLow-Carb / Keto
Replace cherry tomatoes with sliced cucumber or avocado for fewer carbs while adding creaminess and crunch.
VeganVegan
Substitute tuna with 1 can of drained chickpeas and 1 tablespoon of flaked nori or dulse for a seafood-like umami flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Canned tuna provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle repair and satiety.
Packed with Vitamins from Green Beans
Green beans are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, which aid immunity and digestion.
Low in Saturated Fat
The olive oil-based dressing and tuna keep saturated fat low, making this a heart-friendly meal.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but skip the blanching step — just thaw and pat dry, or blanch frozen beans for only 1 minute to avoid sogginess.



