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A protein-packed, creamy tuna salad that swaps most mayo for pureed cottage cheese, flavored with lemon, dill, and crunchy vegetables. Ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required.

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (about 5 oz) canned tuna in water, drained
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese, pureed
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh dill)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup pickles, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Add cottage cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and garlic powder to a small food processor; pulse until smooth and creamy.
  2. In a large bowl, gently toss the pureed cottage cheese mixture with drained tuna, diced celery, red onion, chopped pickles, and dill until well combined.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving to redistribute any liquid., Best eaten within 3 days to maintain crunchiness in celery and pickles., Not freezer-friendly as cottage cheese texture changes upon freezing., Can prep in advance by pureeing cottage cheese mixture separately and adding tuna and veggies before serving., Serving suggestions include on crackers, in sandwiches or wraps, or over leafy greens., Variations include swapping tuna for canned or cooked chicken, using Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese, adding Dijon mustard or spicy elements like Sriracha or red pepper flakes, and adding extra veggies such as cucumber, bell pepper, or olives.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 3/4 cup per serving
  • Calories: 191 kcal per serving
  • Fat: Approximately 6-8 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-7 grams per serving
  • Protein: 28 grams per serving