Healthy tuna caper salad is a fresh twist on a lunchtime classic. A simple mix of tuna, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and creamy Greek yogurt. Perfect to meal prep for sandwiches or lettuce wraps!
Have you ever added capers to tuna salad? It’s absolutely DELISH! Since trying this combination a few months ago, I’ve been hooked. Unlike the traditional version, this tuna caper salad is incredibly satisfying—packed with crunchy vegetables and made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a protein boost.
It’s quickly become my go-to recipe for a quick, delicious meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack, you can enjoy it anytime. I love preparing a batch for a speedy lunch at home. Serve it as a salad, wrap it up, or pair it with crackers for a light meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just 9 key ingredients come together to make this healthy tuna salad with capers:
- Tuna: Choose a good-quality skipjack tuna that is pole and line caught (ie no nets, best) in spring water for the best flavour.
- Veggies: Cucumber, tomato, and red onion add crunch and freshness. Mince the onion finely to avoid it overpowering the dish.
- Greek Yogurt: Low-fat Greek yogurt replaces mayo, making the salad creamy and protein-packed.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens and freshens the flavors.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of sharpness and a little kick.
- Capers: Briny and tangy, capers elevate the salad with their bold, savory flavor.
- Basil: Finely chopped basil adds a fresh, aromatic finish. You can also substitute parsley or dill for variety.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Tuna Caper Salad
Prep Ingredients: Finely dice the cucumber, tomato and onion.
Flake the Tuna: Use a fork to break apart the tuna chunks in a mixing bowl.
Combine: Add the diced veggies, capers, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is well combined.
Chill or Serve: Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Garnish: Top with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap Greek yogurt for natural yogurt or plain non-dairy yogurt.
- Boost Protein: Add white beans or replace the yogurt with cottage cheese.
- Herbs: Try parsley, dill, or basil for a fresh flavor twist.
- Healthy Fats: Top with sliced avocado, olives, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in diced celery, bell peppers, white onion instead of red, or finely chopped spinach.
- Tangy Kick: Substitute lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of caper brine for extra zing.
Ways to Serve
- Sandwich: Use it as a filling between slices of sourdough, a bagel, or your favorite bread.
- Lettuce Wraps: Scoop the salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
- Wrap: Fill a large flatbread, tortilla, or pita pocket for a portable meal.
- Snack Plate: Serve as a dip with veggie sticks, greens, and crackers for a fun, shareable snack.
How to store
Store any leftover tuna caper salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Recipe FAQ
If you don’t have capers, try using chopped green olives or pickles for a similar briny flavor.
Absolutely! Substitute the greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or use mashed avocado for a creamy texture.
Yes, this salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Perfect for meal prep!
More Tuna Recipes
If you try this tuna caper salad recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
PrintTuna Caper Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Healthy tuna caper salad is a fresh twist on a lunchtime classic. A simple mix of tuna, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and creamy Greek yogurt. Perfect to meal prep for sandwiches or lettuce wraps!
Ingredients
- 425g (15 oz) can tuna in spring water, drained
- 1 cucumber, finely diced
- 1 large tomato, finely diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup capers, finely chopped
- ¾ cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Finely dice the cucumber, tomato and onion.
- Use a fork to break apart the tuna chunks in a mixing bowl.
- Add the diced veggies, capers, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is well combined.
- Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Top with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 133
- Fat: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Carbohydrates: 8.2g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 23.5g
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