Loaded with fresh vegetables, feta and albacore, then tossed with a light and refreshing vinaigrette, this Mediterranean Tuna Salad is brimming with the most amazing robust flavors!   

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Easy Tuna Salad Recipe
• What’s in Mediterranean Tuna Salad
• How to Make Tuna Salad without Mayonnaise
• Is Canned Tuna OK on Keto Diet?
• What is a Good Substitute for Mayonnaise in Tuna Salad?
• What Dressing Goes Well with Tuna? What Can I Add to Plain Tuna?
• Mediterranean Tuna Salad Variations and Add-ins
• What Kind of Tuna is Healthiest? Which is Healthier Albacore or Yellowfin Tuna?
• Which Brand of Tuna Has the Least Mercury?
• More Keto Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Easy Tuna Salad Recipe

• Creative way to dress up plain tuna
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Fresh and bold Mediterranean flavors
• Great for lunch or brunch

If there's any such thing as the most perfect summertime salad, this Mediterranean Tuna Salad has to be it. Unlike most tuna salad, this recipe is mayo-free, making it an ideal dish to take to all those backyard BBQs, pool parties, and summer gatherings.

It's also an awesome meal prep salad because it keeps fresh for up to several days in the fridge. I love to keep this salad on hand and serve it stuffed in an avocado for those days when I am on the run and need a quick bite for lunch.

One of the things that truly makes this one of the most amazing salads you'll ever try, is the super easy homemade lemon vinaigrette. Combined with the flakey albacore tuna, the flavors could not be any better.

The vinaigrette is so bright and lovely, I even drizzle it over Baked Salmon, Grilled Chicken and grilled veggies like this Grilled Broccolini.

What’s in Mediterranean Tuna Salad

• Albacore tuna
• English cucumber
• Red bell pepper
• Yellow bell pepper
• Kalamata olives
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Lemon Vinaigrette
• Fresh parsley

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Make Tuna Salad without Mayonnaise

Prepare the lemon vinaigrette and allow to sit at room temperature while you make the salad.

Drain and rinse the tuna, then flake it apart to break it up.  Add it to a large mixing bowl.

In the same bowl, add in the cucumber, red and yellow bell pepper, red onion, parsley and Kalamata olives.

Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the top.

Gently toss to combine.

Crumble the feta cheese over the top and serve.

Is Canned Tuna OK on Keto Diet?

Tuna is naturally low in carbohydrates and is a healthy and inexpensive source of protein with omega-3 fatty acids, making tuna a great option for those on Keto and low carb diets.  

Another thing that makes canned tuna a great option for Keto its incredible shelf life. One of the things can derail a lot of diets is the lack of having something healthy to eat on hand when hunger strikes.

It is so tempting to just grab for a bag of chips or another unhealthy item just to get by. Keeping canned tuna on hand is a great for those times.

What is a Good Substitute for Mayonnaise in Tuna Salad?

It's not a written rule that that tuna salad has to be made the traditional way with mayo. You can use a vinegar-based dressing like I used in this salad. Or if you want more of a creamy dressing you could use Greek yogurt or a homemade salad dressing.

I even love to add some Homemade Pesto to it from time to time and serve with these gluten free Tortilla Chips.

What Dressing Goes Well with Tuna? What Can I Add to Plain Tuna?

For a creamy tuna salad, you make opt for a dressing like Creamy Ranch or Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing to add extra flavor. Both are super low in carbs and are great way to add some fat to this otherwise lean fish.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad Variations and Add-ins

Peppers: Instead of using crunchy bell pepper, you can use roasted red peppers from the jar.

Lettuce: If you are feeding a crowd, you can really make this salad stretch by adding finely chopped bibb, butter or romaine lettuce. Be sure and add a little extra vinaigrette.

Other Veggies: Have fun and add any of your favorite veggies. I like to add some Marinated Mushrooms or artichoke hearts to it sometimes for a fun twist.

Dressing: Give it an Italian spin by using this Creamy Italian Dressing instead of the lemon vinaigrette.

Herbs: Have a fresh herb garden? Make it your own with any of your favorite fresh herbs. Lemon thyme and basil are two of my favorites.

What Kind of Tuna is Healthiest? Which is Healthier Albacore or Yellowfin Tuna?

Albacore is a smaller type of tuna and it taste a lot better than larger tuna. Albacore is also one of the only "white meat" tunas giving it a nice and light flavored taste.

Because albacore contains a good bit healthier fat than yellowfin, it could be considered a healthier option.

Which Brand of Tuna Has the Least Mercury?

Does tuna have mercury? That is one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to canned tuna. The answer is yes, so eating it more than a few times a week is not recommended.

However, what some people may not realize is, canned tuna, especially light or albacore tuna contains far less mercury than other brands, or even fresh tuna. So eaten in moderation is perfectly safe and quite delicious I might add!

More Keto Salad Recipes

• Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
• Grilled Shrimp Salad with Apricot Vinaigrette
• Keto " Big Mac" Cheeseburger Salad
• Asian Grilled Chicken Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Keto Taco Salad
• Classic Cobb with Ranch Dressing