Zesty Olive Oil Tuna Salad
Discover a refreshing and healthier twist on classic tuna salad with this Zesty Olive Oil Tuna Salad recipe. Packed with vibrant yellow peppers, crunchy pickles, and the subtle zing of green onions, this salad is elevated with a dash of olive oil and tangy pickle juice to create a delightful combination of flavors. Perfect as a quick lunch or snack, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body without the heaviness of mayonnaise. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a filling for a light sandwich, this tuna salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
2
Servings
145
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tuna
1 (6 ounce) can (drained)
Yellow Pepper
1/2 (finely chopped)
Pickle
1 (finely chopped)
Green Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Pickle Juice
2 tablespoons (none)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely chopped yellow pepper, pickle, and green onion.
2
Drizzle the pickle juice and olive oil over the mixture, followed by a pinch of freshly ground pepper to taste.
3
Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more pickle juice or pepper as desired.
5
Serve immediately as a refreshing salad, or scoop onto your favorite bread for a light and hearty sandwich.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
6g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Olive Oil Tuna Salad?
It is a refreshing and healthier twist on classic tuna salad that uses olive oil and pickle juice instead of mayonnaise.
Does this tuna salad contain mayonnaise?
No, this recipe is specifically designed to be mayo-free, using olive oil for a lighter finish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 2 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are canned tuna, yellow pepper, pickle, green onion, pickle juice, olive oil, and pepper.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 145 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it provides 17g of protein per serving.
What kind of pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for finely chopped yellow pepper and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How long does it take to prepare?
It is a quick recipe that only requires draining the tuna and chopping a few vegetables before mixing.
How should I serve this tuna salad?
You can serve it immediately as a refreshing salad or scoop it onto your favorite bread for a light sandwich.
Can I store leftovers of this salad?
Yes, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though it is best enjoyed fresh.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, always check the labels on your canned tuna and pickles.
What kind of tuna is best for this recipe?
One 6-ounce can of tuna, drained, is required. You can use tuna in water or oil depending on your preference.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While olive oil provides the best flavor for this zesty profile, avocado oil could be used as a neutral alternative.
What is the purpose of the pickle juice?
The pickle juice provides a tangy zing and acts as part of the dressing to keep the salad moist without mayo.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, with only 6g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a great low-carb lunch option.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Celery, cucumbers, or red onions would make excellent crunchy additions.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving, primarily coming from the heart-healthy olive oil.
What type of pickle should I use?
A standard dill pickle works well for a savory flavor, but you can use a sweet pickle if you prefer that contrast.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours ahead can allow the flavors to meld, though the vegetables may lose some crunch over time.
Is this salad spicy?
No, it is zesty and tangy. If you want spice, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Can I use red onion instead of green onion?
Yes, red onion is a fine substitute if you prefer a sharper onion flavor.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
After mixing, taste the salad and add more pickle juice for acidity or more pepper for a bit of bite.
Can I use lemon juice instead of pickle juice?
Yes, lemon juice is an excellent substitute and will maintain the zesty profile of the salad.
What is the texture of this salad?
It has a light and crunchy texture thanks to the fresh peppers, pickles, and green onions.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, because it contains no mayonnaise, it is a safer and more stable option for outdoor meals.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve more people.
How much yellow pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a yellow pepper, finely chopped.
Is there any cooking involved?
No, this is a completely no-cook recipe.
Is this tuna salad dairy-free?
Yes, it is naturally dairy-free.
What category of food is this?
This recipe is categorized as Lunch/Snacks.