Nitrate & Nitrite Free Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Dill
Crisp cucumber, bright dill, and tender flaked tuna come together in a light, herb-forward salad that feels fresh and satisfying without being heavy. The dressing skips the mayo entirely, leaning instead on extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a clean, tangy finish that lets every ingredient shine. A pinch of turmeric and ground ginger add a subtle warmth that makes this feel a little more interesting than your average lunchtime scoop. For anyone navigating nitrate and nitrite concerns, canned and deli proteins can be a minefield — but tuna packed in water is a naturally safe choice, and every other ingredient here is a whole, unprocessed food you can feel good about. There are no cured meats, no processed condiments, and no hidden additives to second-guess. Scallion greens, fresh dill, and crisp celery bring plenty of flavor and crunch without any of the usual worries. Serve it piled onto butter lettuce leaves for an elegant low-carb option, or spoon it over cucumber rounds for a snackable, party-ready presentation. It comes together in one bowl with minimal prep, making it an easy go-to whenever you need something wholesome and genuinely delicious on the table fast.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
- 1 medium english cucumber, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (green tops only)
- ¼ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- butter lettuce leaves or sliced cucumber rounds, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, turmeric, ginger, and salt until combined.
- 2
Add the drained tuna to the bowl and break it into flakes with a fork, leaving some texture rather than mashing it smooth.
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