If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying salad, look no further than this Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and tender tuna, all brought together by an herby, tangy dressing that will elevate your lunch or light dinner. Whether you’re making it for a quick bite or impressing friends with a healthy dish, this salad is bursting with color, texture, and flavor at every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing its part in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and herbal brightness in this salad. From the creamy avocado to the fresh herbs, every element adds nutritional goodness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Tuna (2 cans, 5 oz each): Provides a rich, protein-packed base that’s both hearty and healthy.
- Small cucumber (1, diced): Adds refreshing crunch and moisture to keep the salad light.
- Red onion (½ small, finely chopped): Offers a bit of sharpness and color contrast.
- Celery stalk (1, finely diced): Brings a crisp texture and subtle earthiness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to enhance all the flavors.
- Ripe avocado (½): Creates a creamy, luscious texture that makes the dressing silky smooth.
- Plain Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Adds tanginess and balances richness without heaviness.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons, optional): Boosts creaminess, perfect if you want an extra indulgent twist.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Gives the salad a lively, zesty kick.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity depth and helps bind the dressing.
- Garlic clove (1): Gives a subtle punch of savory aroma.
- Fresh chives (2 tablespoons, chopped): Bright and oniony, complementing the red onion beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh, herby note that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh basil (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a sweet, peppery herbiness to the mix.
- Fresh tarragon (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a slightly anise-flavored nuance; substitute with extra parsley if you prefer.
- Water (optional, 1–2 tablespoons): Helps thin the dressing to your preferred consistency.
How to Make Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by blending the creamy base of this Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe. Place the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic clove, and all the fresh herbs — chives, parsley, basil, and tarragon — into a food processor or blender. This aromatic blend sets the flavor foundation for your salad.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend everything until you get a luscious, smooth dressing. If the texture is too thick for your liking, simply add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it up. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper to make the dressing sing.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Base
In a large bowl, mix together the drained tuna, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and celery. These fresh ingredients add crunch and freshness, providing a vibrant contrast to the creamy dressing.
Step 4: Add the Green Goddess Dressing
Pour the herby, creamy dressing over the tuna and veggies. Gently toss until every bite is coated in that incredible Green Goddess flavor. This step brings everything together into a harmonious salad.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Give your salad a final taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Remember, seasoning is key to unlocking the full depth of flavors in this Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe.
Step 6: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can enjoy it right away if you’re hungry, but letting it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows all those fresh flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve your Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe in wraps, on toast, over fresh greens, or simply on its own for a nourishing treat.
How to Serve Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving for an added pop of color and fresh aroma. A few lemon wedges on the side brighten the dish visually and offer a little extra zing if desired.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crispy pita chips, or even a light quinoa salad on the side. If you want something warm, a bowl of soup or steamed vegetables complements its refreshing profile perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Stuff your Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe into avocado halves, scoop it atop cucumber boats, or serve it as an open-faced sandwich on toasted sourdough. These fun presentations make the salad as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh herbs and avocado creaminess hold up well, but it’s best to consume it sooner rather than later for peak freshness.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh herbs, yogurt, and avocado, it’s not ideal for freezing. The texture and flavors may change dramatically, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
This Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to soften the flavors if it’s too chilled.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna for this recipe?
You can, but fresh tuna will require cooking and cooling beforehand, which changes the convenience of this recipe. Canned tuna is quick, easy, and works perfectly with the creamy, herby dressing.
Is there a dairy-free option for the yogurt?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a plain nut-based yogurt to keep it creamy while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the tuna for chickpeas or white beans and replace the yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based versions. The dressing can still shine with the fresh herbs and avocado.
How long does this salad keep its vibrant green color?
Because it uses fresh herbs and avocado, it’s best eaten within 1–2 days. To minimize browning, keep it tightly sealed in the fridge and consider adding a little extra lemon juice to the dressing.
What can I serve this with for a light lunch?
Try serving the Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe over mixed greens or inside a whole-grain wrap for a satisfying, balanced meal that’s light but filling.
Final Thoughts
This Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe truly feels like a breath of fresh air on your plate. It’s nutritious, colorful, and bursting with flavor that’s easy to love. I encourage you to give it a try — whether for a busy lunch or as a lovely addition to your next picnic. You’ll soon see why it’s one of my all-time favorites!
Print
Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and creamy Green Goddess Tuna Salad combining fresh herbs, avocado, and Greek yogurt to create a flavorful, healthy dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or on its own.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad
- 2 cans (5 oz each) of tuna, drained
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Green Goddess Dressing
- ½ ripe avocado
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon (or more parsley if unavailable)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons water to thin the dressing
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic clove, and all the fresh herbs (chives, parsley, basil, and tarragon).
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to achieve the desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Tuna Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and diced celery.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared Green Goddess dressing over the tuna mixture and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Chill or Serve: You can serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy: Serve the Green Goddess Tuna Salad in wraps, on toast, over fresh greens, or simply on its own for a light, nutritious meal.
Notes
- The mayonnaise is optional; omit it for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- If tarragon is unavailable, substitute with additional parsley for a fresh herb flavor.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors but serving immediately is perfectly fine.
- Add water gradually to the dressing to avoid making it too thin.
- Try adding some chopped capers or a dash of hot sauce for a different flavor twist.
