Tinned tuna is a cupboard staple that can prove handy for a speedy lunch, though it can taste rather bland straight from the tin. It is often eaten in sandwiches and wraps, added to salads, and served on jacket potatoes.
The secret to improving its flavour lies in the ingredients it is combined with. For those who usually mix it with mayonnaise, there is an alternative that cooks and nutritionists repeatedly suggest trying instead. It delivers plenty of flavour, has a similar texture, and is significantly healthier than mayonnaise.
How to make tinned tuna taste better
Tinned tuna has a relatively subtle flavour, which means it pairs well with ingredients that contribute creaminess, acidity, saltiness and freshness. One of the simplest ways to enhance it is to replace mayonnaise with plain Greek yoghurt.
Greek yoghurt gives the tuna a creamy consistency while adding a gentle tang. Alex, a registered dietitian, frequently shares straightforward swaps on her website called Daisybeet, including this tuna recipe. Her 10-minute recipe also includes Dijon mustard, pickles and fresh dill to produce a simple yet far more flavourful tuna mixture.
Greek yoghurt tuna recipe
Ingredients: two cans of tinned tuna, ⅓ cup plain Greek yoghurt, one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, two dill pickles finely diced, one tablespoon of fresh dill finely chopped, and salt to taste.
Method: begin by draining the tuna thoroughly, as excess liquid can make the finished tuna salad watery rather than creamy. Transfer the drained tuna to a mixing bowl and gently separate it with a fork. Next, incorporate the Greek yoghurt and stir it through the tuna. Mix in the mustard to introduce a sharp, savoury note that prevents the tuna from tasting bland. Then chop the pickles finely before mixing them in as well. They provide little pockets of salty, tangy flavour and a touch of crunch, which proves especially valuable in this recipe. Finally, fold through the chopped dill and add some salt if desired.
How to make tuna even more interesting
Once the basic Greek yoghurt mixture is mastered, there are numerous straightforward ways to adapt it depending on what is available in the fridge. For a crunchy texture, consider adding finely chopped cucumber, celery, red onion or spring onion. For a vibrant, flavoursome dish, include a squeeze of lemon to lift the tuna mixture, as the acidity pairs especially well with the Greek yoghurt, creating balance.
Regarding herbs, dill is a natural companion, but other herbs, including parsley and chives, can all be used to add a different flavour to the mixture. For those who enjoy a little heat, incorporate some chilli flakes, hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
