This Green Goddess Tuna Salad is a fresh and vibrant take on the classic tuna salad. The combination of basil, chives, dill, garlic, and lemon juice creates a creamy, herby mayo that infuses every bite with bright, refreshing flavors. Whether enjoyed on toast, crackers, or wrapped in crisp lettuce, this dish is a simple yet sophisticated way to elevate your lunch routine.
If you love bold flavors and nutritious meals, this recipe is a must try. With its protein packed tuna and antioxidant rich herbs, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile add it to sandwiches, meal prep it for the week, or turn it into a melty, cheesy delight for ultimate comfort food satisfaction!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cans tuna, rinsed and drained
- 6 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 oz chives
- 1 oz basil leaves
- 1.5 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1 tsp minced garlic)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Sea salt (start with 1/4 tsp and adjust to taste)
Directions:
- Rinse and drain the tuna thoroughly, pressing out all excess water. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
- In a high speed blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, chives, basil, dill, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until fully incorporated. This will create a smooth, herbaceous, light green mayo.
- If a blender isn’t available, finely chop the herbs and garlic before mixing them into the mayonnaise. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir the green goddess mayo into the tuna until well combined.
- Serve on toasted bread, crackers, or in lettuce wraps.
- Optional: To make a tuna melt, place a scoop of the salad on a slice of bread, top with Swiss or muenster cheese, and toast in an air fryer, toaster oven, or oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes (if making a melt) | Total Time: 10-15 minutes
Kcal: 275 kcal per serving | Servings: 2-3 servings
Green Goddess Tuna Salad: A Flavorful and Nutritious Twist
Tuna salad has long been a staple in many households, known for its convenience, high protein content, and versatility. However, the traditional mayonnaise based version can sometimes feel heavy and uninspiring. Enter the Green Goddess Tuna Salad, a vibrant, herb infused take on this classic dish that brings a fresh, gourmet twist to your lunch routine. With its creamy texture, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon juice, this recipe transforms everyday tuna salad into a culinary delight that is both nutritious and satisfying.
This recipe is inspired by the beloved Green Goddess dressing, a famous dressing that originated in the 1920s. Traditionally, it includes tarragon, chives, parsley, and a blend of creamy ingredients like mayonnaise or sour cream. Over the years, the dressing has been reinvented with various fresh herbs, and in this recipe, it takes center stage in an unexpected way blended into a smooth, luscious mayonnaise that coats tender, flaky tuna.
A Healthier, More Flavorful Tuna Salad
One of the standout features of this Green Goddess Tuna Salad is its health benefits. Unlike the standard tuna salad, which often relies heavily on plain mayonnaise, this version incorporates a blend of fresh basil, chives, and dill, adding an abundance of flavor without the need for excess salt or artificial additives. Basil, for instance, is known for its anti inflammatory properties and is packed with antioxidants. Chives contribute a mild onion flavor while also providing essential vitamins like Vitamin K. Dill, with its subtle licorice like taste, enhances digestion and supports overall gut health.
The inclusion of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and adds a citrusy zing that complements the creamy mayo beautifully. Not only does lemon juice enhance the flavor, but it also helps preserve the bright green color of the herbs, making the salad as visually appealing as it is delicious. Additionally, the use of garlic in the dressing brings a pungent depth of flavor while offering powerful immune boosting properties.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of this Green Goddess Tuna Salad is its versatility. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch or a light dinner, there are endless ways to serve it. Some delicious options include:
- On Toasted Bread: A classic way to enjoy tuna salad, but with a gourmet twist. Use whole grain, sourdough, or a rustic baguette for added texture.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a low carb, keto friendly option, wrap the tuna salad in crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
- With Crackers or Veggies: Serve as a dip with whole grain crackers, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks for a refreshing snack.
- As a Tuna Melt: Top a slice of bread with the salad, add Swiss or muenster cheese, and toast it until the cheese is melty and golden.
- Stuffed in Avocado Halves: For an extra boost of healthy fats, scoop the tuna salad into ripe avocado halves.
Another great feature of this recipe is that it can be modified based on dietary needs. If you’re looking to reduce calories or cut back on fat, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This alternative still provides a creamy texture but adds an extra punch of protein and probiotics for gut health.
For those who dislike celery in their tuna salad, this recipe provides options to replace it with ingredients like finely chopped cucumbers, carrots, pickles, or even nuts for added crunch. The flexibility of the recipe makes it an excellent choice for meal prep, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences while still enjoying a nutrient dense meal.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Beyond its delicious taste and versatility, this Green Goddess Tuna Salad shines because it elevates a simple dish into something truly special. Traditional tuna salad can sometimes feel repetitive, but by infusing it with garden fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus, this version feels sophisticated and indulgent while still being incredibly easy to make.
Moreover, the balance of flavors in this dish is impeccable. The richness of the mayonnaise is perfectly offset by the brightness of the lemon, the slight pungency of the garlic, and the fresh, aromatic notes from the herbs. Every bite is creamy, tangy, and herbaceous, making it a dish you’ll want to prepare again and again.
If you’ve ever been a fan of Trader Joe’s Green Goddess Dip, you’ll appreciate how this tuna salad mirrors those flavors while offering a homemade, customizable approach. Instead of relying on store bought options with added preservatives, you can control the quality of ingredients and ensure a healthier, fresher experience.
The Nutritional Benefits of Tuna
Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, making this salad a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. In addition to being low in calories, tuna is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart healthy benefits. These essential fatty acids help reduce inflammation, support brain function, and promote healthy skin.
Additionally, tuna contains key nutrients such as:
- Vitamin B12, which aids in red blood cell formation and neurological function.
- Iron, essential for oxygen transport in the body.
- Selenium, an important antioxidant that supports the immune system.
When combined with fresh herbs and lemon juice, tuna becomes a powerhouse ingredient that not only satisfies hunger but also fuels the body with essential vitamins and minerals.
Meal Prep-Friendly and Perfect for Any Occasion
Another advantage of this Green Goddess Tuna Salad is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can make a batch at the beginning of the week and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop over time, making it an ideal make ahead meal.
It’s also an excellent choice for picnics, potlucks, and office lunches, as it doesn’t require heating and can be enjoyed cold. Whether served as a sandwich, in a salad, or as a dip, it’s a reliable go to meal that is both filling and flavorful.
Conclusion:
The Green Goddess Tuna Salad is a delightful, herbaceous twist on a classic recipe, offering both freshness and nutrition in every bite. With its creamy, garlicky, and citrusy dressing, it transforms ordinary tuna salad into something extraordinary.
Not only does this recipe pack in the health benefits of omega 3 rich tuna and antioxidant filled herbs, but it also provides versatile serving options that cater to different dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a nutritious snack, this dish is an easy and satisfying choice.
If you’ve been searching for a more flavorful and vibrant take on tuna salad, this Green Goddess version is one you’ll love. Try it today, and enjoy a meal that is both simple to prepare and bursting with fresh, delicious flavors!