Paleo Tuna Salad
A creamy, crunchy, and refreshing tuna salad made with paleo-friendly avocado oil mayonnaise, crisp celery, and fresh dill. It's a high-protein, low-carb classic perfect for light lunches or snacks.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the tuna and vegetables.
Open the cans of tuna and drain them thoroughly to remove as much water as possible. Finely chop the celery and red onion, and chop the fresh dill.
TIPFor a less watery salad, gently press the drained tuna with the back of a fork to squeeze out any remaining liquid. - mix
Combine all ingredients.
1.In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork.2.Add the paleo mayonnaise, chopped celery, red onion, fresh dill, lemon juice, and dijon mustard.3.Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.TIPStart with a little less mayonnaise and add more as needed to reach your desired creaminess. - mix
Mix and chill the salad.
Gently stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the tuna mushy. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- serve
Serve and enjoy.
Serve the paleo tuna salad in lettuce cups, stuffed into bell peppers, with cucumber slices, or as part of cucumber boats.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality canned tuna packed in water or olive oil for the best flavor and texture.
- 2For extra crunch, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- 3If you don't have fresh dill, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill, but fresh is highly recommended.
- 4This tuna salad can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add one chopped hard-boiled egg to the salad for an extra boost of protein and a creamier texture.
quickQuick
Use a mini food processor to quickly chop the celery and onion, saving on prep time.
kid friendlyKid friendly
For a sweeter crunch that kids love, replace the celery with finely chopped apple or jicama.
healthyHealthy
For a different flavor profile and more healthy fats, mash half an avocado and use it to replace half of the mayonnaise.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Tuna is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Tuna provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support brain health, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy heart.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
With virtually no sugar and very few carbs, this recipe is perfect for anyone following a low-carb, ketogenic, or paleo lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is very healthy. It's packed with lean protein, healthy fats from the avocado oil mayonnaise, and is very low in carbohydrates. It's an excellent choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
