Dairy-Free Tuna Salad with Lemon and Dill Recipe
This Tuna Salad Without Mayo is a light, dairy-free, and flavorful dish featuring fresh herbs, arugula, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a quick snack, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional tuna salad without using any mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy Free
Ingredients
Salad
- 145 g tuna, drained
- 1 red onion, chopped finely
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- ½ cup arugula, chopped
Dressing
- ½ lemon, juice only
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Drain 145 g of tuna thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Finely chop one red onion and approximately ¼ cup of fresh dill. Chop ½ cup of fresh arugula into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the juice of half a lemon with one tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well emulsified to create a zesty, flavorful dressing.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: In a larger mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, chopped red onion, dill, and arugula. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until the tuna and greens are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the tuna salad immediately for the freshest taste or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This salad pairs wonderfully with whole grain bread, crackers, or as a topping for leafy greens.
Notes
- Ensure the tuna is well drained to prevent a watery salad.
- Fresh dill adds a bright, herbal flavor, but you can substitute with fresh parsley if preferred.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and lemon juice levels.
- Optional additions include chopped celery or capers for extra crunch and tang.
