High Protein Tuna Salad Recipe

There are days when you don’t feel like spending a long time cooking, but you still want something nourishing, satisfying, and delicious. This recipe is exactly what you need for those days. The tuna and egg make it filling and protein-rich, while the strained yogurt, crisp lettuce leaves, and crunchy onion pieces keep it light and refreshing at the same time.
Since it is made without bread, it is also a great low-carb option for anyone who prefers a lower-carbohydrate diet. But if that’s not your goal, it is absolutely delicious served on a slice of sourdough whole wheat bread.
When tuna, boiled egg, and strained yogurt come together, they create a creamy, protein-packed filling. Sumac adds a subtle tangy flavor, while fresh Mexican chili pepper brings a pleasant kick of heat. The finely chopped red onion added at the end gives the dish both color and a satisfying crunch.
If the phrase “tuna salad” makes you think of a classic green salad and that’s what you’re craving, you might also enjoy my Mixed Tuna Salad recipe.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly before using it. This keeps the filling thick and prevents it from becoming watery.
- Rather than mashing the tuna and egg into a completely smooth paste, leave a few small chunks for a better texture and a more interesting bite.
- Strained yogurt helps the filling hold together on the lettuce leaves. If you don’t have strained yogurt, you can easily strain regular yogurt yourself using the method in my Homemade Strained Yogurt guide.
- After washing the lettuce leaves, dry them thoroughly. Wet leaves can cause the filling to become watery and slide off.
- For a more intense flavor, increase the amount of sumac slightly or add some finely chopped dill or parsley.
Nutrition Information
This recipe makes 1 serving.
Calories: 246 kcal
Protein: 28.9 g
Carbohydrates: 7.4 g
Fat: 10.8 g
Health Benefits
Tuna is an excellent source of high-quality protein and also provides selenium and vitamin B12. Protein-rich meals may help keep you feeling full for longer.
Eggs provide highly bioavailable protein as well as choline, an important nutrient that plays a role in maintaining normal brain function.
Strained yogurt is rich in protein and calcium. Depending on the product, the live cultures in yogurt may help support a healthy gut microbiota.
Garlic and onion contain a variety of antioxidant compounds.
Can Fish and Yogurt Be Eaten Together?
Yes, fish and yogurt can safely be eaten together. The common belief that combining them causes food poisoning has no scientific basis.
There are a few possible reasons why this myth became widespread.
In the past, refrigeration was often inadequate, and fish spoiled quickly. If someone became ill after eating spoiled fish with yogurt, the yogurt may have been blamed. In reality, spoiled fish can cause food poisoning whether yogurt is eaten with it or not.
Both fish and yogurt can contain histamine. In people who are sensitive to histamine, or when foods have not been stored properly, symptoms such as headaches, flushing, or itching may occur. This is related to histamine exposure, not to eating fish and yogurt together.
Some people may experience digestive discomfort when consuming dairy products and fish in the same meal, but this is a matter of individual tolerance.
The only important point is that both the fish and the yogurt should be fresh and stored properly. If the fish shows any signs of spoilage, such as a strong unpleasant odor or a slimy texture, it should not be eaten.
With its quick preparation, high protein content, and refreshing flavor, these Tuna and Yogurt Lettuce Boats are likely to become one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, especially on busy days.
Enjoy...
Ingredients
- 50 g canned tuna, drained,
- 100 g strained yogurt,
- 1 boiled egg,
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh Mexican chili pepper,
- 1 teaspoon sumac,
- 1 clove garlic,
- Salt to taste,
- Black pepper,
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped red onion,
- 3 lettuce leaves.
Preparation
- Place the tuna and boiled egg in a bowl and mash them with a fork,
- Add the strained yogurt, Mexican chili pepper, sumac, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper, and mix well,
- Divide the mixture among the lettuce leaves and sprinkle the chopped red onion on top.
Enjoy!