If you’re not a tuna lover, let this salad change your mind! During Whole30, I’m always looking for easy, filling lunches that are compliant and also budget friendly. Once I started making this, it became a weekly rotation, usually with different variety of fillings depending on what I had in my fridge or pantry. It’s a simple combo of something sweet and salty that really transforms a $0.79 can of tuna into a gourmet lunch.
I like to start with the no-salt added tuna can from Trader Joe’s. Then, I doll it up with a crisp, sweet fruit like apples or grapes and toss in a different nut like pepitas, sunflower seeds, chopped walnuts or slivered almonds. The combo of Whole30-compliant mayo and mustard is a must for tang, plus some fresh squeezed lemon juice or a dash of red wine or apple cider vinegar. If you happen to have some fresh herbs around from other recipes, add in chopped dill, parsley, basil, etc. They really brighten the dish in flavor and in color. If you have bacon, crumble it up or chop into little pieces for a salty and smoky bite. Salt and pepper to taste, but if you want to sprinkle in some garlic powder, some everything bagel seasoning, chile lime powder, your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes, they would seriously elevate your regular can of tuna.
Bottom line: don’t be afraid to experiment with some new additions to your tuna salad!
I love having my tuna salad for lunch with celery, but you could easily add it over lettuce with some other produce and a light vinaigrette dressing for something different! Even as a pre-workout snack, it’s filling and light. I think the salad gets better over time, so make it on Sunday and eat throughout the week!
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- 1 teaspoon mustard or red wine/apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of your favorite nut (pepitas, sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, chopped walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon of raisins, chopped
- 1/2 apple diced or 1/4 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 a lemon, juiced
- 1 generous pinch of salt
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix!
- Refrigerate until ready to eat. Serve with celery or on a salad with other veggies and a light vinaigrette.
Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela
Thanks for the Whole30 recipe! I’m doing it again this month and am always looking for fresh ideas.
[…] been working on my ideal combo of flavors for years. For this salad, I added sweet, crisp apples, crispy, salty bacon and fresh chopped dill. […]