If you’re looking for an easy tuna salad that actually tastes fresh, flavorful, and exciting to eat, this is the one to make. Unlike heavier, one-note versions, this healthy tuna salad with fresh dill is brightened up with lemon juice, loaded with crunchy dill pickle, and made extra creamy with greek yogurt and mayo for a high-protein lunch that feels light but still seriously satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This easy tuna salad comes together fast with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- The combination of fresh dill, lemon juice, and dill pickle gives it a bright, fresh flavor that feels more exciting than your average tuna salad recipe.
- Greek yogurt and mayo make it creamy and satisfying without feeling too heavy.
- It works as both a quick snack and a high-protein lunch, especially piled onto toasted bagels for an easy tuna melt situation.
- The lemon adds a fresh, subtle citrusy note that balances the creamy texture really well.
- It’s easy to prep ahead and store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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Tuna Salad with Dill Ingredients & Tested Substitutions
Tuna in water. The protein-packed base of this recipe. I like using tuna in water here because it keeps the dish lighter and lets the other flavors really stand out.
Plain greek yogurt. This adds creaminess and a little tang while keeping the filling light and high in protein.
Mayo. Just enough to give it that classic tuna salad texture and richness.
Fresh dill. One of the most important key ingredients here. It gives the tuna salad that super fresh, herby flavor that makes it feel more elevated.
Dill pickles. Crunchy, briny, and so good with the dill and lemon!
Shredded havarti. Mild, creamy, and perfect for turning this into a melty tuna melt situation on toasted bagels. You can skip this if you don't want to make a tuna melt.
Lemon juice. This brightens everything up and adds that fresh, slightly tangy finish. The nuances of lemon really help balance the creamy ingredients.
Salt and black pepper. Simple, but important for bringing all the flavors together.
Radishes, micro greens, and extra dill. These toppings make the finished bagels feel fresh, crunchy, and a little fancy without extra effort.
Gluten free everything bagels. The perfect base for serving. They toast up beautifully and make this feel hearty enough for a high-protein lunch. I love this brand of gluten free bagels but feel free to use whatever you like. This would also be delicious in a lettuce wrap for a low carb option.
Tuna Salad with Dill Step by Step Instructions
1. Mix the tuna salad. In a medium mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, greek yogurt, mayo, chopped fresh dill, diced dill pickle, shredded havarti, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
2. Assemble the bagels. Spread the tuna salad over each bagel half. Add a little extra shredded havarti on top if you want it extra melty.
3. Air fry until toasted. Air fry at 400°F for 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bagels are toasted.
4. Add toppings and serve. Top with sliced radishes, microgreens, and extra dill, then serve right away.
Expert Tips for Success
This recipe is simple, but a few small things make a big difference.
- Drain the tuna really well so the mixture does not get watery.
- Chop the dill and pickle finely so you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
- Start with the juice of half a lemon, then taste and adjust if needed.
- Season well with salt and black pepper before serving so the flavors really pop.
Add-In Ideas
This recipe is delicious exactly as written, but if you want to play around with it, here are a few add-ins that work well. These are not included in the base recipe, just easy ways to switch it up.
- Red onion for a sharper bite
- Green onions for something a little milder
- Dijon mustard for extra tang
- Lemon zest to bring out more of that bright, fresh flavor
- A spoonful of sour cream for an even creamier texture
- A drizzle of olive oil for added richness
How to Store Tuna Salad with Dill
Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container or sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For best results, store the tuna salad separately from the bagels and toppings so everything stays fresh.
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Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!
Healthy Tuna Salad with Fresh Dill High Protein Lunch
Ingredients
- 2 5 ounce cans tuna in water drained
- ¼ cup plain greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 1 whole dill picked diced
- 2-3 tablespoons shredded havarti
- juice of ½ lemon
- salt & pepper to taste
- radishes micro greens and extra dill for topping
- gluten free everything bagels for serving
Instructions
- Mix the tuna salad. In a medium mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, greek yogurt, mayo, chopped fresh dill, diced dill pickle, shredded havarti, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the bagels. Spread the tuna salad over each bagel half. Add a little extra shredded havarti on top if you want it extra melty.
- Air fry until toasted. Air fry at 400°F for 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bagels are toasted.
- Add toppings and serve. Top with sliced radishes, microgreens, and extra dill, then serve right away.
Notes
Tips for Success
This recipe is simple, but a few small things make a big difference.- Drain the tuna really well so the mixture does not get watery.
- Chop the dill and pickle finely so you get a little bit of everything in each bite.
- Start with the juice of half a lemon, then taste and adjust if needed.
- Season well with salt and black pepper before serving so the flavors really pop.
Add-In Ideas
This recipe is delicious exactly as written, but if you want to play around with it, here are a few add-ins that work well. These are not included in the base recipe, just easy ways to switch it up.- Red onion for a sharper bite
- Green onions for something a little milder
- Dijon mustard for extra tang
- Lemon zest to bring out more of that bright, fresh flavor
- A spoonful of sour cream for an even creamier texture
- A drizzle of olive oil for added richness
Storage Tips
Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container or sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For best results, store the tuna salad separately from the bagels and toppings so everything stays fresh.
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