This no-mayo tuna salad is for days when you want something fast, high in protein, and fully satisfying without the fuss.

This is my go-to recipe for a quick, filling lunch, dinner, or midday snack. Inspired by Hailee Catalano, there’s no mayo to be seen in this salad, just tangy, bright, fresh elements.

Although very easily adaptable and fully customizable, each ingredient plays an integral part in this: the celery adds a nice crunch, the sun-dried tomatoes a chewy texture, the olives some brine, the onions a punch. Together they make a bold salad that goes perfectly on top of toasted sourdough and a bed of creamy avocado.

If you’re on a high-protein diet, this is a great meal to add to your rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t really require measuring or much planning, just a can of tuna and a handful of bold pantry ingredients. It can be easily doubled or scaled for meal prep, and it works well as a make-ahead option for a few days at a time, with everything just as easy to eyeball as you go.

Tips and Variations

If protein is important to you, add a little bit of Greek yogurt for a more traditional, creamy version
Add chopped pickles for more brine and acidity
If you can, use olive oil–packed tuna instead of vegetable or soybean oil–packed tuna for a healthier version.
Serve in lettuce cups instead of toast for a lower-carb option

FAQ

Can I make this tuna salad ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. The flavor actually settles and deepens after a few hours.

What makes this tuna salad different from classic tuna salad?
It skips mayo entirely and builds flavor from olive oil, lemon, and briny ingredients like olives and sun-dried tomatoes, giving it a fresher, sharper profile.

What type of tuna works best?
Tuna packed in olive oil gives more flavor, but tuna in water also works.

Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. It holds up well for a few days, making it a good option for quick lunches or prepped meals.

What can I serve this with?
It works on toast (especially avocado toast), with crackers, in lettuce cups, or as part of a larger meal with grains or salad.

If you make this No-Mayo Tuna Salad please be sure to leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you and I love responding to every comment.

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Balsamic Roasted Tomatoes & Tahini Toast: Roasted tomatoes concentrate into something sweet and tangy, balanced with a nutty tahini spread. Rich, minimal, and filling.

Sautéed Mushroom Breakfast Toast with Spicy Mayo: Savory mushrooms cooked down until crispy and brown, finished with a kick of spicy mayo. Warm, quick, and deeply savory.

Roasted Tomato and Avocado Toast: Roasted tomatoes and creamy avocado layered over crisp toast. Fresh, rich, and simple enough to make on repeat without thinking.