• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Goodness Avenue
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Shop
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Shop
  • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Shop
    • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Tuna Caper Salad

    Published: Nov 20, 2024 by Caitlin Rule · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    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!

    Tuna salad in lettuce cups.

    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.

    Tuna caper salad in a bowl with a spoon.

    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.

    Ingredients shown to make the recipe.

    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.

    Tuna caper salad ingredients in mixing bowl.

    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.
    Tuna salad on two pieces of bread.

    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

    What can I substitute for capers?

    If you don’t have capers, try using chopped green olives or pickles for a similar briny flavor.

    Can I make this salad dairy-free?

    Absolutely! Substitute the greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or use mashed avocado for a creamy texture.

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    Yes, this salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Perfect for meal prep!

    Tuna caper salad in a bowl.

    More Tuna Recipes

    Avocado Tuna Egg Salad

    Tuna Corn Salad

    Tuna Cabbage Salad

    Buffalo Tuna Salad

    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.

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Tuna salad in lettuce cups.

    Tuna Caper Salad


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Caitlin Rule
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 4
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    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

    Scale
    • 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

    1. Finely dice the cucumber, tomato and onion.
    2. Use a fork to break apart the tuna chunks in a mixing bowl.
    3. Add the diced veggies, capers, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until everything is well combined.
    4. Serve immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
    5. 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

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @goodnessavenue on Instagram and hashtag it #goodnessavenue

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    About Caitlin

    Welcome! I’m Caitlin

    I'm a nutritionist, foodie, and mum, here to help you add more goodness to your everyday life! You'll find plenty of delicious, simple, and nutritious recipes to satisfy your cravings and nourish your family.

    More About Me →

    Latest Recipes

    • Close up side shot of Nutella cheesecake on plate.
      Healthier Mini Nutella Cheesecakes
    • Teriyaki beef bowl with a fork.
      Teriyaki Beef Bowls
    • Salmon poke bowl with smoked salmon, soy sauce and furikake seasoning on this side.
      Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl
    • Ground chicken chili in a bowl with tortilla chips.
      Ground Chicken Chili

    Footer

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    ©2024 Goodness Avenue. All rights reserved.