Keto Tuna Salad is a low-calorie, high-protein dish that’s both good and easy to make, making it a perfect lunch recipe for people on a low-carb diet. Prepared with canned tuna as the base, it gets stirred together with mayonnaise, celery, onions, and seasonings for a creamy, flavorful salad that’s as healthy as it is filling. That kind of ingredient simplicity translates to a budget-friendly, versatile dish that’s still full of nutrition.
Mayonnaise offers healthy fats that may help stave off hunger, and additional crunchy ingredients, such as celery or pickles, provide texture. The addition of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives lifts the taste, and a squirt of lemon juice mildly accents that richness with bitter acid. To mix it up, stir in some avocado, hard-boiled eggs or shredded cheese to make it an even heartier option.
The salad in lettuce wraps, cucumber boats, in avocados, and over a bed of leafy greens. It is also great for meal prep, as it keeps well in the refrigerator and can be made in advance for easy lunches and snacking.
Keto Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain canned tuna well and flake it in a bowl with a fork.
- Chop celery, onion, and pickles, if using.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the tuna and vegetables.
- Garnish with optional extras such as chopped boiled egg or parsley to your taste.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes before drinking.
Notes
Flavour Profile of Keto Tuna Salad
- Savory & Meaty– All with a clean, mild, slightly briny seafood flavor you love.
- Creamy & Tangy- Mayonnaise or sour cream lends rich and creamy, offsetting tang.
- Fresh & Crisp– Contrasting crunch may come from things like celery, cucumber, onion or pickles.
- Tangy & Bright – Lemon juice or mustard brings a zing to the taste.
- Personal Notes– Add dill, parsley, paprika, or a bit of garlic for flavor.
Keto Tuna Salad With Mayo
- I make this all the time because it takes like two minutes and I don’t have to think about it.
- I just dump the tuna in a bowl, throw in some mayo, and mix it like I’m in a rush (because I usually am).
- I like adding chopped pickles or celery so it’s not just mush.
- A squeeze of lemon or a tiny bit of mustard somehow makes it taste way better.
- It sits in the fridge really well, so I kind of snack on it randomly throughout the day.
- Sometimes I put it in lettuce cups, but honestly… most days I just eat it straight with a fork.
- It’s one of those lazy meals that weirdly feels comforting.
Keto Tuna Salad Nutrition and Calories
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 280–320 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22–24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3–4 g |
| Protein | 20–22 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2–3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0–1 g |
| Net Carbs | 2 g |
| Sugar | <1 g |
| Cholesterol | 35–40 mg |
| Sodium | 400–450 mg |
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FAQs
Q1. Is tuna salad keto-friendly?
A1. Yes — tuna, mayo, and low-carb veggies? These do make it right for keto.
Q2. Is there carbs in keto tuna salad?
A2. Roughly 2 net carbs per serving.
Q3. Can I substitute fresh tuna for canned?
A3. Yes — you can use grilled or baked salmon as well; just flake it before stirring.
Q4. How long can you keep tuna salad in the refrigerator?
A4. 3 to 4 days in a sealed container.
Q5. Can I freeze tuna salad?
A5. Do not freeze–mayo will break when frozen and thawed.
Q6.Can you eat tuna salad on a keto diet?
A6. Yeah, you’re totally fine. Tuna salad is basically keto by default unless you toss in weird sugary stuff.
Q7.What can you use instead of mayonnaise in tuna salad?
A7. If you don’t want mayo, just mash in some avocado or use a spoon of Greek yogurt. Both work and still taste good.
Q8.Is canned tuna ok on keto?
A8. Yep, canned tuna is like the easiest keto food ever—zero carbs and you don’t even have to cook anything.
Q9.Is mayonnaise ok on keto?
A9. Yeah, mayo’s basically a keto staple. Just make sure the brand isn’t sneaking sugar into it.
Hi, I’m Candice Knauer!
I’m passionate about creating delicious, healthy meals that make the keto lifestyle simple and enjoyable. What started as my personal journey into low-carb cooking has grown into a collection of recipes that I love sharing with others who want to feel their best while still enjoying great food.