Italian Style Tuna Salad No Mayo Recipe

UPDATED: 02.23.2025
We love tuna at our house, and this Italian-style tuna salad recipe has quickly become one of our favorite ways to enjoy a protein-packed lunch. Unlike the classic tuna salad that many are used to, this version skips the mayo—so don’t mistake it for cat food—and instead highlights the natural flavors of solid white albacore and extra virgin olive oil. Whether you’re preparing a meal for personal consumption, following a medically restrictive or calorie diet, or just looking for an easy recipe to kick off the beginning of the week, this dish is a great option that exceeds daily values for taste and freshness.

Italian Style Tuna Salad No Mayo Recipe

A Culinary Memory & Flavorful Twists

I’ll never forget the moment I discovered that tuna salad didn’t need to be swimming in mayo or Miracle Whip. In fact, my culinary journey was forever changed when I first experienced a light, refreshing italian tuna salad recipe made with ingredients like red onion and finely diced sun-dried tomatoes. I also learned that a dash of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or even a drizzle of red wine vinegar can transform the remaining ingredients into something extraordinary.

Inspired by memories of learning from family members who used Italian seasonings, artichoke hearts, and even Kalamata olives to brighten their dishes, I appreciate these favorite ways to enhance a dish without extra cost. Whether you’re tossing in a few green beans or cannellini beans as a fun twist on a tuna pasta salad or simply sticking with the original ingredients, this recipe remains a great recipe for any occasion.

The Best Italian Tuna Salad Recipe

This Italian-style tuna salad no mayo is simple, healthy, and impressively flavorful. It’s served in a medium bowl or a large bowl if you’re preparing a big batch for pasta salads or as a protein-packed lunch. Enjoy it on its own, with a piece of bread, or even mixed into a tuna pasta salad.

Ingredients

• 1 can albacore tuna packed in water (drained) or one can Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna
• 1 cup fresh cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 10 small green olives with pimento, diced
• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 scallion greens, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Tip: If you ever decide to use oil-packed tuna (1 can), a quick rinse with cold water can help balance the flavors, especially when you’re using just a little olive oil to keep the taste light.

Directions for Salad

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized glass bowl, gently combine the drained tuna, chopped cherry tomatoes, diced olives, parsley, and scallions.
2. Dress the Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and carefully fold the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
3. Serve: Enjoy immediately at room temperature or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

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Kitchen Essentials & Additional Tips

• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping not only the recipe’s remaining ingredients but also optional extras like red onion, artichoke hearts, or even a few black olives if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Large Bowl vs. Medium Bowl: Use a large bowl if you’re preparing extra portions for a group, or a medium bowl for a single serving intended for personal consumption.
• Extra Equipment: A wooden spoon is perfect for folding in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and if you enjoy a little warmth with your meal, toast a piece of bread over medium heat for a delightful crunch.

For those on a medically restrictive diet or following a calorie diet, rest assured that this italian tuna salad recipe is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s one of my favorite ways to have a protein-packed lunch without compromising on flavor. And if you ever feel like mixing it up, consider tossing in a few green beans, cannellini beans, or even artichoke hearts as a nod to classic recipes—though the original remains unbeatable.

Please note that while some of the products mentioned (like Wild Planet tuna) may come with affiliate links, they’re truly recommended for their quality. Next time, I might share variations that incorporate pasta salads or solid white albacore, but for now, enjoy this great recipe as is!

Happy cooking!

Don’t you just love easy recipes! 

More Tuna Recipes To Try!

• Thai Tuna Salad with Peanut Dressing
• Crunchy Vegetable Tuna Salad Recipe
• Delicious Apple Grape Almond Tuna Salad Recipe
• Three Ingredient Green Olive Tuna Salad