Classic Tuna Salad
A creamy, protein-packed tuna salad with crunchy celery and a bright hit of lemon. Ready in 10 minutes and endlessly useful for quick keto lunches and dinners.
The five-minute keto lunch that never gets old
Tuna salad is the workhorse of a low-carb kitchen. It costs almost nothing, keeps in the fridge for days, and turns a can from the pantry into a genuinely satisfying meal built on protein and healthy fat. On keto, it is one of the easiest wins there is.
The difference between forgettable tuna salad and the kind you actually crave comes down to texture and acid. Crunchy celery and onion keep it from turning to mush, and a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of pickle brine cuts the richness of the mayo so every bite tastes fresh.
- Drain the tuna well so the salad is not watery
- Use good full-fat mayo for the best texture on keto
- Let it chill 15 minutes so the flavors come together
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Ingredients
- 3 cans tuna in water or oil, well drained (about 15 ounces total) (net carbs →)
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise (net carbs →)
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced (net carbs →)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (net carbs →)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (net carbs →)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (net carbs →)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (net carbs →)
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickle (optional) (net carbs →)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- 1Drain the tuna thoroughly, pressing out as much liquid as you can, and flake it into a large bowl.
- 2Add the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- 3Stir in the chopped pickle if using, then season with the salt and pepper.
- 4Mix until everything is evenly combined and creamy, mashing any large chunks of tuna.
- 5Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon or salt as needed.
- 6Serve right away or chill for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Scoop into lettuce cups, over greens, or with cucumber slices.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
Is canned tuna keto?
Yes. Canned tuna has zero carbs whether it is packed in water or oil, and it is an excellent source of lean protein. The carbs in tuna salad come only from the vegetables and any add-ins, which keeps this recipe at about 2 grams of net carbs per serving.
How long does tuna salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, tuna salad stays good for 3 to 4 days. Give it a stir before serving, and drain off any liquid that separates. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
How can I serve tuna salad without bread?
Spoon it into crisp lettuce cups, pile it onto cucumber rounds or bell pepper strips, stuff it into an avocado half, or serve it over a bed of greens. All of these keep the meal low-carb and satisfying.
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What should I eat today?
Turn the ingredients you like or already have into a keto breakfast, lunch & dinner — net carbs counted.