Tuna Quinoa Salad
A fresh, protein-packed salad that combines nutty quinoa with flaky tuna, crunchy cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Tossed in a bright lemon-herb dressing, it comes together in 25 minutes and works equally well as a light lunch or a quick dinner.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~15 min
Cook the quinoa.
1.Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.2.Combine quinoa with 2 cups water and 1 pinch of the salt in a medium saucepan.3.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes.4.Remove from heat and let stand covered for 3 minutes, then fluff with a fork.TIPKeep the lid on during the rest — the trapped steam finishes the quinoa perfectly. - prep · ~5 min
Prep the vegetables and tuna.
1.Dice the cucumber into small cubes.2.Halve the cherry tomatoes.3.Finely dice the red onion.4.Drain the canned tuna and flake it into a large mixing bowl with a fork. - mix · ~2 min
Make the lemon-herb dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and minced garlic.2.Season with the remaining salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk until the dressing is smooth and slightly emulsified.TIPWhisking the mustard with the acid first helps the oil blend in smoothly. - assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the salad.
1.Add the cooled quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the bowl with the tuna.2.Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until evenly coated.3.Fold in the chopped parsley. - rest · ~10 min
Chill briefly before serving.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
TIPThis salad tastes even better after 30 minutes — make it ahead if you can. - serve
Serve the tuna quinoa salad.
Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Spoon into bowls and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating (saponin) before cooking.
- 2Let the quinoa rest covered for 3 minutes after simmering, then fluff with a fork for perfect texture.
- 3Drain tuna well and flake it with a fork so it disperses evenly without clumping.
- 4Dice cucumber and tomatoes into similar small sizes for a uniform bite in every forkful.
- 5Chill the assembled salad for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- 6Make the dressing first and let it sit while you prep — the garlic infuses the oil and lemon.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-Protein
Swap canned tuna for grilled chicken breast or chickpeas for a different protein source. Great for meal-prep variety.
Low OilLow-Oil
Replace half the olive oil with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, lower-fat dressing that still tastes bright.
VeganVegan
Omit the tuna and add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or diced firm tofu. Use maple syrup instead of honey if your Dijon has honey.
Herb ForwardHerb-Forward
Add 2 tablespoons each of fresh chopped mint and dill alongside the parsley for a more aromatic, summery salad.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant-Based Protein
Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids, making this salad a smart choice for vegetarians and athletes.
Rich in Omega-3s
Canned tuna, especially light skipjack, provides a convenient source of omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health.
Packed with Vitamins C and K
Cherry tomatoes and fresh parsley deliver a hefty dose of vitamin C for immunity and vitamin K for bone health.
Good Source of Potassium
Cucumber and cherry tomatoes contribute potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cooked farro, bulgur, or couscous work well — just adjust cooking times and fluff before mixing.



