Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (2024)

By Robin Gagnon | Updated on

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Italian Tuna Salad loaded with fresh vegetables, garlic, parsley and olives. The no mayo tuna salad is perfect for those who are not a fan of mayonnaise in their tuna salad. This low carb tuna recipe is not only delicious and nutritious, the delicious Mediterranean tuna is also Keto friendly.

Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (1)

Italian Tuna Salad

I had been planning to make an Italian Tuna Salad recipe for awhile, and knew Yellowfin Tuna would be a perfect choice. In case you are not familiar, Italian Tuna has no mayo, rather it is dressed in oil and and lemon. The tuna salad also features plenty of Italian vegetables and seasoning.Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (2)

Italian Tuna: Origin

I was first introduced to Italian Tuna Salad many years ago. I was working at a small Italian owned diner in Providence, RI at the time. The area in general has a strong Italian culinary heritage, but this particular dish was new to me. I am monumentally fussy about tuna and it's preparation. While the diner's was a little too fishy for my taste, I would eat it on occasion. This Mediterranean tuna salad was hugely popular with the local clientele.

The restaurant closed several years ago. While I never did get his Italian tuna recipe, I started making my own "fussy-girl" version recently. I like mine better 😉

Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (3)

Mediterranean Tuna a Low Carb Lunch

The tuna salad features fresh chopped vegetables, olives, parsley, lemon juice and olive oil. The salad can easily stand on it's own as a lunch. That is most often how I eat it.

The oil packed tuna has just the right amount of olive oil to dress the salad. No mayonnaise is used and the vegetables used are not high in carbohydrates. Net carbs for a serving are just 4 grams.

Italian Tuna Sandwich

The recipe also makes a great Italian Tuna sandwich. Whether on crusty ciabatta or nice sliced multi-grain bread, it is a tasty and nutritious lunch.

Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (4)

The choice of Yellowfin Tuna was terrific in this no mayo tuna salad. While you could make it with Albacore tuna as well, this oil packed tuna is perfect for the Mediterranean salad. It's a great way to boost Omega-3 oil and protein in your diet, without additives or preservatives. One of my very favorite tuna recipes.

Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (5)

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Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (6)

Italian Tuna Salad Recipe

Great low carb lunch recipe. Italian tuna dressed in olive oil and lemon juice with fresh chopped vegetables is a delicious and healthy way to make a mayo tuna salad.

4.86 from 42 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 4

Calories: 125kcal

Author: Robin Gagnon

Ingredients

  • 2 cans of Yellowfin Tuna in Pure Olive Oil not drained (I used Genova brand)
  • 1-1 ¼ cups diced tomato drained
  • ½ cup chopped parsley leaves
  • 3 ounces black olives sliced
  • ½ of a large sweet yellow pepper diced
  • ¼ cup red onion fine diced
  • ¼ cup green olives without pimento, chopped
  • 1 clove of garlic minced
  • 1 tbs fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Open cans into a large mixing bowl and gently break up the tuna a little.

  • Add all the remaining ingredients. Do not mix until all are in thereto avoid breaking the tuna up too much.

  • Serve immediately as a salad plate or on a sandwich, or refrigerate for up to two days.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 557mg | Potassium: 289mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 780IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1.6mg

Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (7)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brenda says

    That sounds really good! I haven't tried tuna with olive oil yet, but your salad might make me change my mind.

    Reply

  2. Nellie Tracy says

    This salad is just like one from my favorite little lunch spot so being able to make it at home is amazing! It is so fresh and light and delicious!

    Reply

  3. Richa Gupta says

    That sounds fantastic! I love that you don't use mayonnaise and I'm sure this must be really light and fresh.

    Reply

  4. Neeraj Soni says

    the Italian Tuna salad is amazing, delicious, and yumm….!!
    it looks soo simple but its ingrediants was superb…..

    Reply

  5. wilhelmina says

    This tuna salad is so tasty! Even the ones in my family not on keto say it's amazing!

    Reply

  6. Kelley says

    The flavors in this tuna salad are awesome! The best lunch ever.

    Reply

  7. Renee Goerger says

    This Italian tuna salad has such a fresh clean taste. My family loves it!

    Reply

  8. mobasir hassan says

    Tuna fish has a high nutritional value that make it a favorite. This keto version salad with tuna is a big winner. I am very exited to make it this week. A big thumbs up for this.

    Reply

  9. Michelle says

    Love this tuna recipe! It’s not only delicious, it’s so easy to make.

    Reply

  10. Michelle says

    This a summer favorite! Easy to make ahead and great over fresh lettuce.

    Reply

  11. Joyce Buchholtz says

    Love this!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Italian Tuna Salad Recipe - Keto Lunch Idea (2024)

FAQs

Is canned tuna ok for a keto diet? ›

Yes, tuna is both paleo- and keto-friendly. Because it contains essentially zero carbohydrates, it fits easily into any high-protein diet.

What to eat with tuna instead of bread? ›

If you're looking for non-bread options for serving tuna salad as a snack, consider using whole grain crackers, rice cakes, or even cucumber slices as a base for the tuna salad. These alternatives provide a satisfying crunch and pair well with the creamy texture of the tuna salad.

What does Martha Stewart put in her tuna salad? ›

How to Make Martha's Favorite Tuna Salad. This is an extremely straightforward tuna salad. To make it, mix 2 cans of oil-packed tuna in a bowl with thinly sliced celery, a finely chopped apple (we're talking 1/4-inch pieces), mayonnaise, fresh basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Is mayonnaise ok on keto? ›

Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment for the Keto Diet because it consists of high fat, low protein, and zero carbohydrates. It also has many health benefits that can help you maintain Ketosis and achieve your weight loss goals on the Keto diet.

What foods are off limits with keto? ›

10 Foods You Can't Eat on the Keto Diet & Their Substitutes
  • Grains and Starches. ...
  • Sugary Foods and Sweets. ...
  • High-Carb Fruits. ...
  • Starchy Vegetables. ...
  • Legumes and Beans. ...
  • Processed Foods with Hidden Carbs. ...
  • Alcohol and co*cktails. ...
  • High-Carb Sauces and Condiments.

What is the healthiest way to eat canned tuna? ›

Healthy tuna recipes
  1. Tangy tuna burgers. A star rating of 4.6 out of 5. ...
  2. Spinach omelette. A star rating of 2.8 out of 5. ...
  3. Tuna & butterbean salad. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. ...
  4. Storecupboard tuna bean salad. ...
  5. Spicy tuna quinoa salad. ...
  6. Tuna Niçoise protein pot. ...
  7. Healthy tuna pasta. ...
  8. Asparagus & tuna salad.

What can I mix with a can of tuna? ›

To keep it hot, mix a can into pasta sauce as you heat it; we love tuna in a classic tomato sauce, but you can also go simple with a no-cook sauce, combing tuna with olive oil, capers, olives, and herbs for a salsa verde approach. Or you can stir it into mac-and-cheese for a creamy, tuna casserole.

What is the best substitute for mayo in tuna? ›

When you're ready to elevate your next lunch or dinner, here are 12 delicious substitutes for mayo in your tuna salad.
  • Greek yogurt. Maslova Valentina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Avocado. Irina Rostokina/Shutterstock. ...
  • Hummus. Tempura/Getty Images. ...
  • Olive oil. Maryia_K/Shutterstock. ...
  • Dijon mustard. ...
  • Ranch dressing. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Cottage cheese.
Jan 24, 2024

How do you make Paula Deen's tuna salad? ›

Directions. In a mixing bowl, combine the tuna, eggs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chives, celery, relish, and onion. Season the salad with a big pinch of salt and pepper and stir to combine. Serve on a bed of salad greens or on toasted bread, if you like.

How does Gordon Ramsay make tuna salad? ›

Gordon Ramsay: Use quail eggs and seared tuna

According to the Michelin-starred celebrity chef, his ideal high-end tuna salad involves quail eggs and seared tuna. "First of all, get some ahi tuna and lightly sear it. From there, I would get a beautiful quail egg [and] lightly poach them," Ramsay revealed.

Why does restaurant tuna salad taste better? ›

The highest-quality tuna is bought fresh from the market or fishmonger, so some restaurants process and cook fresh tuna before incorporating it into the tuna salad. Although time-consuming and expensive, many chefs prefer this approach.

How many times a week should you eat tuna salad? ›

Yes. Canned light tuna is in the “Best Choices” category and it is fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week. We recommend that you eat a variety of fish. You may wish to try other affordable fish in the “Best Choices” category such as canned salmon or sardines, frozen fish, or fresh fish that are at a reduced price.

How do you eat tuna for lunch? ›

With a little forward planning, you can turn a can or two of tuna into delicious midday meals.
  1. 1Tuna empanadas with olives and chilli. ...
  2. 2Tuna melt with green goddess peas. ...
  3. 3Tuna and pea potato patties. ...
  4. 4Tabouleh, tuna and hummus wrap. ...
  5. 5Japanese-style tuna and rice. ...
  6. 6Tuna, corn and parsley fritters.

Which vegetables go well with tuna? ›

Add the chopped vegetables (celery, cucumber, radish, green onions, and red onion), chopped mint and parsley, and pitted kalamata olives (or capers).

Is tuna in water or oil better? ›

If you'll be flavoring your tinned fish, reach for water-packed. You may believe that, nutritionally, the better choice is tuna packed in water because it contains fewer calories than tuna packed in oil. Tuna in oil, however, is higher in bone-healthy vitamin D and selenium, which helps your body fight infections.

What canned foods are keto friendly? ›

Tuna, sardines and canned salmon are all brilliant low-carb and keto emergency foods to add to your list. Why not make a stir fry, spicy prawn with cauliflower rice or a prawn co*cktail? There are some good quality canned soups out there with minimal starches and sugars.

Is StarKist tuna good for keto? ›

Try this in cool tuna salads and hot casseroles – StarKist® makes it easy to incorporate seafood into your lifestyle. With 90 calories and 20g of protein per can, this nutrient dense tuna can works well with Mediterranean, Weight Watchers, Keto, and Paleo diet plans.

Is salmon or tuna better for keto? ›

Salmon is one of the best fish for keto because it is a fatty fish that's high in omega 3 fatty acids and offers a lot of versatile fish dish options.

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