If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing twist on a classic, comfort-food favorite, you are going to absolutely love this Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe. It brings together the velvety texture of Greek yogurt and the bright, tangy crunch of dill pickles to create a salad that bursts with flavor and personality in every bite. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a delightful snack, this salad offers delicious simplicity packed with personality that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface and contains seven different ingredients arranged separately in a circle. Starting from the top left going clockwise, there is shredded light beige cooked chicken, a dollop of pale yellow mayonnaise, a dollop of thick white yogurt or sour cream, small diced green pickles, finely chopped green parsley, small cubes of purple and white red onion, and bright green sliced celery. In the center, there are mounds of black pepper and a grainy mustard sauce. A gold spoon lies on the edge of the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—some adding creaminess, others contributing crunch or zest—resulting in a perfectly balanced and inviting dish.

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained: The star protein, rich and flaky, providing the hearty base.
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy tang without overpowering, also making the salad lighter.
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped (about ¼ cup): Offers a crisp texture and fresh flavor.
  • ¼ cup red onion, diced: Gives a mild sharpness and a lovely pop of color.
  • ¼ cup dill pickles, diced: Delivers a zesty crunch and that signature dill pickle punch.
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional): Boosts creaminess and binds ingredients beautifully; feel free to skip or add more Greek yogurt as you like.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or German mustard: Brings a subtle heat and depth that ties everything together.
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Brightens the salad with fresh herbaceous notes.
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds warmth and zest.
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overwhelming.

How to Make Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by draining the tuna to remove excess liquid so your salad stays creamy but not watery. Chop the celery, red onion, dill pickles, and parsley, getting everything ready for a quick assembly.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl

Into a big mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, plain Greek yogurt, chopped celery, diced red onion, and dill pickles. If you’re using mayonnaise, add it here along with the Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, ground black pepper, and sea salt.

Step 3: Mix Until Smooth and Creamy

Using a fork or spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together. Break up any large chunks of tuna for an even texture that’s creamy with delightful bits of crunch throughout.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Give your salad a taste and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or mustard if you want to punch up the flavor. This step ensures the balance is just right before serving or chilling.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can enjoy your salad right away for maximum freshness, or pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and develop even more depth.

How to Serve Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe

A white bowl contains a mixed tuna salad on a bed of green leaf lettuce. The salad has small pieces of light beige tuna mixed with diced bright purple onions and light green celery. There are green herb sprinkles on top, adding texture and color. On the right side of the bowl, three light brown seeded crackers stand upright against the salad. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth featuring blue stripes nearby photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a few dill sprigs on top for a charming, fragrant finish that also adds vibrant green color. A light drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of paprika makes it visually appealing and flavorful.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with crunchy whole grain crackers, fresh veggie sticks like cucumber or carrot, or as a zesty topping for leafy green salads. It’s perfect alongside a vibrant quinoa salad or a simple bowl of soup, rounding out any meal wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping this tuna salad into avocado halves for a fresh and satisfying lunch, or use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches with crisp lettuce and tomato slices. For a party, serve it in mini phyllo cups to wow your guests with bite-sized elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 5 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the texture of the yogurt and pickles will change and become watery upon thawing, potentially compromising the fresh, creamy consistency that makes this recipe so special.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer warming it slightly, do so gently and briefly to avoid breaking down the fresh ingredients and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt?

Greek yogurt’s thick and creamy texture is key to this salad’s creamy consistency. Using regular yogurt might result in a thinner salad, but you can strain it through a cheesecloth to thicken it before mixing.

Is mayonnaise necessary in the recipe?

Mayonnaise is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a lighter salad. The Greek yogurt provides ample creaminess, but mayo adds richness if you want a more indulgent version.

Can I use fresh herbs other than parsley?

Absolutely! Fresh dill or chives would complement the dill pickles beautifully and add a slightly different herbal note to your Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe.

How long can I keep the tuna salad in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this tuna salad stays fresh for 3 to 5 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers.

Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped hard-boiled eggs, capers, or a bit of sweet corn can lend intriguing textures and flavors. Just be mindful not to overpower the beauty of the creamy base paired with dill pickles.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe is truly a gem—simple to prepare, refreshingly delicious, and wonderfully adaptable. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again when you want a bright, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal. Go ahead and whip up a batch today; your taste buds will thank you for it!

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Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe

Creamy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt and Dill Pickles Recipe


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3.9 from 15 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A quick and healthy Tuna Salad recipe perfect for a light lunch or snack. Combining protein-rich tuna with fresh celery, red onion, dill pickles, and a creamy dressing of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and mustard, this salad is both flavorful and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped (about ¼ cup)
  • ¼ cup red onion, diced
  • ¼ cup dill pickles, diced
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon or German mustard
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained tuna, plain Greek yogurt, chopped celery, diced red onion, diced dill pickles, optional mayonnaise, Dijon or German mustard, chopped parsley, ground pepper, and sea salt. Use a fork or spoon to gently toss everything together, breaking up any large chunks of tuna to ensure the salad is evenly mixed.
  2. Serve the Salad: You can enjoy the tuna salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a more refreshing taste. It pairs well with crackers as a snack or appetizer, can be served on bread or a wrap for a sandwich, or placed over a bed of fresh greens for a light meal.
  3. Storage: Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The tuna salad will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy days.

Notes

  • For a lower fat option, omit the mayonnaise or use a low-fat version.
  • Feel free to customize with additional herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor.
  • Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
  • This salad can be doubled easily for more servings.
  • Use gluten-free crackers or bread to keep the recipe gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

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