No Mayo Tuna Salad Recipe (Healthy, High Protein & Easy)

This No Mayo Tuna Salad is fresh, flavorful and packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors from sesame oil, ginger, soy sauce and sweet chili sauce. It’s light, high protein and comes together in just minutes for the perfect quick lunch or easy meal prep option. If you enjoy fresh seafood-inspired meals, this Thai Shrimp Salad is another healthy recipe loaded with bright flavor.

Unlike traditional tuna salad recipes loaded with mayonnaise, this version keeps things light while still delivering tons of flavor and texture with Thai inspired flavors.

What is No Mayo Tuna Salad?

No Mayo Tuna Salad is a healthier version of traditional tuna salad made without mayonnaise. Instead, flavorful ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, herbs and chili sauce create a fresh, light and protein-packed tuna salad with bold flavor.

Jump to:

• What is No Mayo Tuna Salad?
• Why This Recipe Works
• Why This No Mayo Tuna Salad is Better Than Store-Bought
• What is My Take on Healthy Tuna Salad?
• Ingredients
• Key Ingredients
• Step By Step Instructions
• How to Get the Best No Mayo Tuna Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Variations
• What to Serve With No Mayo Tuna Salad
• Expert Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Storage + Reheating + Make Ahead + Meal Prep
• More Summer Salad Recipes
• More Healthy Recipes with Flavor
• Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why This Recipe Works

• Ready in minutes
• Packed with protein
• No heavy mayonnaise
• Fresh, bright flavors
• Perfect for meal prep
• Naturally dairy free
• Sweet, spicy and savory balance

Why This No Mayo Tuna Salad is Better Than Store-Bought

Store-bought tuna salad often contains preservatives, excessive mayonnaise and unnecessary fillers. This homemade version gives you:

• Fresh ingredients
• Better texture
• Bold Asian-inspired flavor
• More protein
• A lighter healthier option

The sesame, ginger and sweet chili sauce combination creates a flavor-packed tuna salad that tastes anything but boring.

What is My Take on Healthy Tuna Salad?

I love healthy tuna salad recipes that still feel satisfying and flavorful. This version skips the mayo entirely and replaces it with ingredients that add freshness, texture and tons of umami flavor.

If you enjoy easy seafood recipes with bold flavor, this Hibachi Shrimp is another quick dinner option packed with savory goodness.

Ingredients

Don't balk at the list of ingredients. It's not as many as it looks like. More than traditional mayonnaise based tuna salad? Maybe. But totally worth the few extra ingredients? Definitely. You should be able to find all the ingredients at your local grocery store. I've also included links to purchase the products on Amazon if desired

• 1 jar Tonnino Tuna Fillets in olive oil
• ¼ cup shredded carrot
• ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1-2 Thai chilies thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons green onions sliced
• 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

Tonnino Tuna

I used Tonnino Tuna Fillets in olive oil for this recipe. Tonnino Tuna products are made with 100% Yellowfin tuna. It is low mercury, dolphin safe, non-GMO and gluten free.  It is available in eight different flavors and made with 100% olive oil and natural sea salt.

Connect with Tonnino on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about their products and get some great recipes. Tonnino products can be purchased at Whole Foods.

👉 Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable version of ingredients and instructions.

Key Ingredients

• Tonnino Tuna Fillets - These tuna fillets have incredible texture and flavor, making the salad feel fresh and substantial.
• Sesame Oil - Adds rich nutty flavor that replaces the creaminess mayo usually provides.
• Thai Chilies - Provide fresh heat and balance the sweetness from the chili sauce.
• Fresh Ginger - Adds brightness and a fresh aromatic flavor.

Step By Step Instructions

Shred the tuna into chunks. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well together. It can be served immediately, but the flavor will be better if it sits in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

Serve over lettuce/greens, in lettuce cups, over buckwheat noodles, rice noodles or rice. It can also be served on a sandwich or just eaten alone.

How to Get the Best No Mayo Tuna Salad

• Use high quality tuna packed in olive oil
• Don’t overmix the tuna
• Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving for the flavors to blend
• Use fresh ginger for the best flavor
• Taste and adjust spice level as desired

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using low quality canned tuna
• Overmixing until mushy
• Adding too much soy sauce
• Skipping the fresh herbs
• Using dried ginger instead of fresh

Variations

• Add avocado for creaminess
• Serve in lettuce wraps
• Add cucumber for crunch
• Use sriracha for extra spice
• Add shredded cabbage for texture

What to Serve With No Mayo Tuna Salad

This healthy tuna salad pairs perfectly with fresh and flavorful side dishes:

• These crispy Air Fryer Ravioli make a fun crunchy side dish.
• Serve it alongside this refreshing Coconut Rice for a light Asian-inspired meal.
• For another fresh seafood option, try this Salmon Tacos

You may also want to try these tuna stuffed shells for more tuna uses.

Expert Tips

1. While the tuna salad can be served immediately, the flavor will be even better if left to sit in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.
2. Using high quality tuna like Tonnino Tuna will result in a better tasting tuna salad.
3. Increase or decrease the Thai chilies depending on your spice preference.
4. Use fresh herbs right before serving
5. Great for lettuce wraps, sandwiches or rice bowls
6. Double the batch for easy meal prep lunches

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage + Reheating + Make Ahead + Meal Prep

• Storage - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating - This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature.
• Make Ahead - Prepare ahead and chill before serving for enhanced flavor.
• Meal Prep - Perfect for meal prep lunches, rice bowls and lettuce wraps throughout the week.

More Summer Salad Recipes

• Strawberry Spinach Salad;
• Israeli Couscous Salad;
• Blackened Shrimp Salad;
• Raw Zucchini Salad;
• Browse ALL the Salad Recipes!!

More Healthy Recipes with Flavor

• Easy Grilled Squash;
• Low Carb Tangerine Chicken;
• Thai Shrimp Salad;
• Grilled Cornish Game Hens;
• Vietnamese Noodle Salad.

Did you make this healthy Tuna Salad recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how you like it!

Recipe