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Keto Tuna Salad Recipe

Dom Lorenzo
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Looking for a quick, keto-friendly meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor? This Keto Tuna Salad Recipe checks all the boxes. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and low-carb ingredients, it’s perfect for lunch, snacks, or meal prep. Whether you prefer a classic tuna salad or want to experiment with bold flavors, this recipe has you covered.

keto tuna salad garnished with fresh herbs in a white ceramic bowl.
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Preparation and Cooking Overview

This keto tuna salad is a no-cook recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl, season to taste, and it’s ready to serve. You can enjoy it in lettuce wraps, low-carb tortillas, or even as a dip with crunchy veggies.

Chef's note

Elevate this dish by adding avocado for creaminess or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. If you want a unique twist, experiment with hot sauces, fresh herbs, or even a splash of pickle juice for a tangy kick. It’s versatile enough to match your cravings!

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients for this Keto Tuna Salad recipe

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Ingredient substitutions

  • Tuna: Substitute tuna with canned salmon or shredded rotisserie chicken for variety.
  • Mayonnaise: You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or try a mix of half mayo and half avocado for a creamy texture.
  • Celery: Replace with bell peppers or cucumbers for a different crunch.
  • Fresh dill: Swap with parsley or cilantro for a new flavor profile.

Cooking tools required

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Fork or spoon

How to Make Keto Tuna Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking method

  • No-cook recipe

Preparation steps

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Chop celery, red onion, and dill finely for even distribution.

Instruction steps

  1. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the bowl with the tuna. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Mix in celery, red onion, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
  3. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Chef's pro tip

To keep the tuna salad fresh and flavorful, mix the wet ingredients (mayo, mustard, lemon juice) just before serving if you're preparing it in advance. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and helps maintain its creamy texture.

For an elevated flavor, try using oil-packed tuna and a splash of the oil in place of some of the mayo—it adds depth and richness.

If you want extra crunch, use celery ribs with deep grooves and chill them before chopping for a crisp texture in every bite.

What to serve with keto tuna salad

  • Lettuce wraps: Use butter lettuce leaves to wrap the tuna salad for a refreshing, low-carb option.
  • Keto bread: Spread the salad on almond flour bread or carb-friendly crackers for a hearty meal.
  • Veggie dip: Pair the tuna salad with cucumber slices, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips for a crunchy snack.

Time-saving tips

  • Batch prep: Double the recipe for a ready-to-eat, keto-friendly lunch for 2-3 days.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Drain tuna: Drain and store the tuna in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Pre-chop veggies: Finely chop the celery, red onion, and herbs and refrigerate them in sealed containers. This helps streamline the process when assembling the salad.
  • Mix the base: Combine mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and seasonings in advance. Store it in the fridge, so you can quickly add it to the tuna.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage

  • Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Avoid freezing, as the texture of the mayo and vegetables may change once thawed.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary! Enjoy it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Tuna Salad is a winner for anyone looking to keep things simple, healthy, and delicious. The combination of creamy mayo, zesty lemon juice, and crunchy veggies creates a dish bursting with texture and flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a quick lunch, this salad delivers every time.

Try it with some avocado slices or your favorite keto bread to customize your experience. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a satisfying, low-carb option for any time of the day.

Enjoy your new go-to keto meal!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, canned tuna is an excellent keto-friendly protein source, as it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. Opt for tuna packed in water or oil without added sugars or fillers to keep it fully keto-compliant.

Use keto-friendly alternatives such as lettuce wraps, sliced cucumber, or low-carb tortillas. You can also pair it with keto crackers, celery sticks, or bell pepper slices for a crunchy and refreshing option.

Yes, mayonnaise is keto-friendly, especially when made with healthy fats like avocado oil or olive oil. It is high in fat and contains no carbohydrates, making it an ideal addition to keto recipes.

Yes, cucumber is very low in carbs, with about 3.6g of net carbs per cup. It’s a hydrating, crunchy vegetable that pairs perfectly with keto meals like tuna salad.

Canned tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel are great options for keto. These are high in healthy fats and protein while being very low in carbs. Look for varieties packed in water or oil without added sugars.

Yes, as long as they are sugar-free. Pickles made with vinegar and no added sweeteners are low in carbs, typically containing about 1g of net carbs per serving. They can add a tangy crunch to keto dishes.

You can customize your keto tuna salad by adding ingredients like avocado, hard-boiled eggs, fresh herbs, or spices. For a tangy kick, try a splash of pickle juice or hot sauce. Substitute celery with bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch.

📖 Recipe

keto tuna salad garnished with fresh herbs in a white ceramic bowl.

Keto Tuna Salad

This creamy and flavorful salad is a quick, protein-packed option that’s perfect for lettuce wraps, keto bread, or crunchy veggie dips.
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Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 139kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cans 5 oz each tuna in water, drained
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise avocado oil mayo preferred
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup celery finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoon red onion finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preparation steps

  • Drain the tuna and place it in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Chop celery, red onion, and dill finely for even distribution.

Cooking instructions

  • Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the bowl with the tuna. Mix thoroughly.
  • Mix in celery, red onion, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
  • Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Tuna Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 139 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat 9g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 8mg3%
Sodium 456mg20%
Potassium 47mg1%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 52IU1%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 9mg1%
Iron 0.2mg1%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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