High Protein No-Mayo Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad (Print Version)
Enjoy a high protein, no-mayo cottage cheese tuna salad. This creamy, healthy recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, nutritious meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 8 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly, Low-Calorie, Low-Fat
# Ingredients:
→ High-Protein Base
01 -
2 (5-ounce) cans albacore tuna in water, drained
02 -
1 1/2 cups low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
→ Crisp & Zesty Add-ins
03 -
1/2 cup finely diced celery
04 -
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
05 -
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
06 -
1 tbsp capers, drained
→ Tangy & Savory Enhancers
07 -
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
08 -
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
09 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
11 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
12 -
Salt to taste
→ Bright Herbaceous Notes
13 -
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Thoroughly drain the 2 (5-ounce) cans of albacore tuna in water. Press out as much liquid as possible to prevent a watery salad. This ensures a firm base for your No-Mayo High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad.
02 -
Finely dice 1/2 cup celery, 1/4 cup red onion, and 1/4 cup dill pickles. Chop 2 tbsp fresh dill. Drain 1 tbsp capers. These fresh additions are key to the vibrant flavor of this No-Mayo High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad.
03 -
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups low-fat (1%) cottage cheese, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix until well combined.
04 -
Add the drained tuna, finely diced 1/2 cup celery, 1/4 cup red onion, 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles, and 1 tbsp drained capers to the cottage cheese mixture. These ingredients form the core of your delicious No-Mayo High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad.
05 -
Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to mash the tuna too much if you prefer some texture. Ensure the cottage cheese coats all the other components.
06 -
Stir in 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped. Taste and add salt to taste as needed. For optimal flavor, cover and chill the No-Mayo High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad for at least 15 minutes before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Serve this high-protein tuna salad on whole-grain crackers, in lettuce cups, as a sandwich filling, or alongside fresh vegetables for a light and satisfying meal.
02 -
Store leftover No-Mayo High Protein Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day!
03 -
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you don't have fresh dill, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill, but fresh is highly recommended for the best flavor.
04 -
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the cottage cheese briefly in a food processor before mixing, or mash it with a fork. For more texture, use chunk light tuna instead of albacore.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Mixing bowl
02 -
Can opener
03 -
Measuring cups
04 -
Measuring spoons
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Chef's knife
07 -
Fork
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 151 kcal
Total Fat: 2 g
Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
Protein: 26 g