Deliciously satisfying Apple Tuna Salad made with Greek yogurt, crisp apple, toasted pecans, and no mayo. Perfect on bread, in a lettuce wrap, scooped with a spoon, or on crackers — a healthy, filling lunch ready in 10 minutes.
This is the bright, crunchy lunch that fits crisp-weather vibes — quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
Tuna is a pantry-friendly protein that’s easy to prepare and versatile. This Apple Tuna Salad balances creamy Greek yogurt, crisp apple, crunchy pecans, and a pop of Dijon and lemon for brightness.
The low down on ingredients
- Canned tuna: I used pole-and-line skipjack in water (lower mercury), but albacore or tuna packed in oil work too if you prefer more richness.
- Apple: A crisp sweet variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji adds crunch and sweetness; tart apples like Granny Smith also work if you prefer contrast.
- Greek yogurt: Unsweetened Greek yogurt replaces mayo for a creamy tang and extra protein. Use 2% or whole milk yogurt for best flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute mayonnaise (start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste).
- Pecans, onion, and celery: These add essential texture and bite. Use red or white onion, and toast the nuts for more depth.
- Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil helps achieve the familiar tuna-salad texture when skipping mayonnaise.
- Lemon juice and Dijon: Key for brightness and balance — don’t skip them.
Let’s make it!
Place drained tuna, apples, onion, celery, and pecans in a mixing bowl. Toss gently to combine.
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground pepper until smooth.
Pour the yogurt dressing over the tuna mixture.
Mix until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, a splash more lemon, or extra yogurt or oil if you prefer a looser texture. Serve immediately or chill briefly and enjoy.
If you make this, please leave a rating and comment — I appreciate your feedback!
Healthy Apple Tuna Salad (with Greek yogurt!)
- Author: Alexis Joseph
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Meals
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious Apple Tuna Salad featuring Greek yogurt, crisp apple, and toasted pecans for a creamy, crunchy, and tangy combination. Ready in about 10 minutes and great for quick lunches or snacks.
Ingredients
- 2 5oz cans tuna, drained
- ⅓ cup celery, diced (about 1 small stalk)
- ⅓ cup finely chopped onion
- ⅓ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup chopped sweet-tart apple (about 1 small Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tbsp Dijon mustard (whole grain if preferred)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Drain the tuna and flake it into a medium mixing bowl with a fork.
- Add the diced celery, chopped onion, apple, and toasted pecans. Stir to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture.
- Mix until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning or moisture with more salt, pepper, yogurt, or a drizzle of oil. Serve on crackers, cucumber slices, or whole-grain bread. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
