High Protein, Gluten & Dairy Free –

The Best Tuna Salad Recipe: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free

This is the most delicious tuna salad recipe, high in protein, completely gluten-free, and dairy-free! It combines wild-caught tuna with crunchy celery, tangy banana peppers, sweet cranberries, and buttery pecans, all mixed in a creamy avocado oil mayo. This tuna salad recipe is easy to make and perfect for a light meal, whether on bread, crackers or in a lettuce wrap.
We set out on a little road trip yesterday, and before we left, I packed a big batch of tuna salad for our travels. I prefer packing healthy and light options rather than stopping for fast food. Plus, it was more affordable, and we had plenty left in the hotel fridge to enjoy with crackers or on bread! Last night, we turned on a movie and made a big cracker tray with the tuna salad—delicious!

Best Healthy Recipes for Road Trips:
Hidden Veggie Muffins
Sourdough Bagels
Kale & Chickpea Pasta Salad
Chicken & Bacon Low Carb Wraps
Breakfast Sandwiches To Go
Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Protein Balls

I love this tuna salad recipe because it’s packed with crunchy seasonal vegetables, sweet and tangy cranberries, and buttery pecans. Instead of pickle juice, I use sweet and spicy banana pepper juice, which is a complete game changer for making a delicious tuna salad.

Can I make ingredient swaps?

You can customize this tuna salad recipe with various ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a sweeter or more savory salad, plenty of options are possible. Add more cranberries or a splash of honey for sweetness. I particularly like using banana pepper juice instead of pickle juice because it adds a sweeter flavor with less saltiness. Add more garlic, chives, and chopped red onion if you want an extra savory taste. 

Here are some ingredient swaps you can make:

• Wild Caught Tuna –  Substitute with chicken, hard boiled eggs, or chickpeas.
• 100% Avocado Oil Mayo –  Use regular mayo if preferred.
• Tahini –  Swap with crunchy sunflower seeds.
• Sweet and Spicy Banana Peppers –  Jalapenos can provide a fun kick! Add a lemon juice splash if you like a sour and tangy kick.
• Pecans –  Any nut will work in place of pecans.
• Cranberries – Cranberries can be replaced with raisins or grapes.

Using up seasonal produce! 

This tuna salad recipe is perfect for summer because it allows you to use fresh peppers, heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and homemade banana peppers if you’ve canned them yourself. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal ingredients into a light, refreshing meal. As fall approaches, you can make ingredient swaps for a seasonal twist, such as adding roasted pumpkin or butternut squash for a cozy, autumnal flavor. A hint of cinnamon and nutmeg in your tuna or chicken salad can also be surprisingly delicious! If you’d like me to share my fall tuna salad recipe, please let me know in the comments!

What is the best way to eat tuna salad?

1. On top of Crackers: Perfect for a quick, crunchy snack or appetizer. The crackers add a nice texture that contrasts with the creamy tuna salad.
2. Over a Bed of Lettuce: This is great for a light, fresh meal. It’s a healthy choice that makes the tuna salad shine without filling.
3. In a Fresh Croissant with Arugula: The arugula adds a touch of indulgence and a peppery bite. The croissant has a buttery, flaky texture that pairs well with the creamy salad.
4. Multigrain Bread Sandwiches are a classic choice that’s hearty and satisfying. The multigrain bread adds a bit of extra flavor and texture.
5. On a Toasted Bagel: It adds a bit of crunch and chewiness. It’s a great option if you like more substance in your meal.
6. In a Warm Pita with Honey Mustard: The warm pita makes it cozy, and the honey mustard adds a sweet and tangy twist.
7. On Top of a Heirloom Tomato with a Drizzle of Balsamic: This is a fresh and flavorful option. The balsamic glaze adds a sweetness and acidity that complements the tuna salad nicely.

Watch the Video below to see how easy it is to make this delicious tuna salad recipe!

The Best Tuna Salad Recipe

Taralynn

This is the perfect tuna salad that’s high in protein, completely gluten-free, and dairy-free! This delicious salad combines juicy tuna with crunchy celery, tangy banana peppers, and fresh vegetables, all mixed in a creamy avocado oil mayo. This tuna salad recipe is easy to make and perfect for a light meal, whether on bread, crackers, or in a lettuce wrap!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course dinner, lunch,, Snack

Cuisine American

• 4 Cans Wild-Caught Tuna in water – no salt added
• 1 1/2 Cups Mayo I used avocado oil mayo
• 1 Tbsps Tahini optional
• 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 Tsp Sea Salt
• 1 Tsp Dill Weed fresh or dried
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Chives or dried
• 2 Tbsps Banana Pepper Juice I used sweet & spicy flavor
• 1/2 Small Red Onion
• 1 Medium Red Bell Pepper
• 3 Tbsps Finely Chopped Celery
• 3 Tbsps Chopped Banana Peppers
• 3/4 Cup Chopped Pecans
• 3/4 Cup Dried Cranberries

• Drain tuna and add it to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to break apart the larger pieces. Add the mayo, tahini, and banana pepper juice, and coat the tuna well. You can add more mayo if you would like a creamier tuna salad.

• Mix in the garlic powder, black pepper, sea salt, dillweed, and chives.

• Fold in the red onion, bell pepper, celery, banana peppers, pecans, and cranberries. Give the tuna salad a little taste test to see if it needs more seasoning, banana pepper juice, or extra cranberries. You can flavor it to your preference!

• Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Keyword gluten free, dairy free, tuna salad recipe, healthy lunch, healthy dinner, easy recipes, high protein recipes, fresh sandwiches, snacks, tuna salad, easy recipes for the week

The Best Way to Store Tuna Salad

I packed a cooler for our road trip and kept the tuna salad in a container over ice. I also wrapped the sandwiches in tin foil and stored them in the cooler. If you’re at home, place the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days!

This is the perfect tuna salad wrap to serve on crackers at a brunch party because the vegetables’ colors make it such a pretty dish!
Reasons Why Tuna Salad is a Healthy Choice

High in Protein: Tuna packs a punch with lean protein.

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: This fish is loaded with omega-3s, which are fantastic for heart health, reducing inflammation, and boosting brain function.

Low in Carbohydrates: Tuna salad is a great pick if you’re watching your carb intake or following a low-carb diet, thanks to its naturally low-carb content.

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: With fresh veggies like celery, onions, and peppers, your tuna salad is not just tasty but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Customizable for Dietary Needs: Whether you’re gluten-free or dairy-free, tuna salad is easily adaptable to fit your dietary preferences and restrictions.

Healthy Fats: Using ingredients like avocado oil mayo or tahini adds a dose of healthy fats, which are crucial for overall health and help with nutrient absorption.

I hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I cannot wait for you to try it 🙂 Even though I’m craving those cooler months, nothing beats produce in the summertime, and this tuna salad recipe is a great way to incorporate those into our diet!

Questions for you!

1. What seasonal produce are you enjoying most right now?
2. Do you prefer tuna salad or chicken salad?
3. Do you like sweet or savory tuna salad?

Welcome!

I’m Taralynn

Lifestyle & Food Blogger

Hi, and welcome! I’m glad you’re here. Simply Taralynn is my lifestyle blog where I share bits of everyday life as a mom, favorite recipes, travel guides, and more. I’ve been blogging for fifteen years! 

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