Tinned tuna can be transformed by swapping mayonnaise for plain Greek yoghurt, which adds a creamy texture and a subtle tang while being considerably healthier. This simple change is recommended by chefs and nutritionists for boosting the flavour of the store cupboard staple.
Tinned tuna is a versatile ingredient often used in sandwiches, wraps, salads and jacket potatoes, but it can taste fairly bland straight out of the tin. The key to improving its flavour lies in the ingredients it is paired with.
Why Greek Yoghurt Works
Greek yoghurt lends the tuna a creamy texture while introducing a subtle tang, making it a popular alternative to mayonnaise. A registered dietitian named Alex, who shares simple substitutions on her website Daisybeet, includes this tuna recipe among her suggestions.
Her 10-minute recipe also features Dijon mustard, pickles and fresh dill to create a straightforward yet considerably more flavoursome tuna mix.
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
- Salt, to taste
Method:
Start by draining the tuna completely, as any remaining liquid can leave the finished tuna salad watery instead of creamy. Transfer the drained tuna into a mixing bowl and use a fork to gently break it apart. Add the Greek yoghurt and work it through the tuna.
Stir in the mustard to add a sharp, savoury element that stops the tuna from becoming too plain. Finely chop the pickles before adding them to the mix, as they bring little bursts of salty, tangy flavour along with a hint of crunch. Finally, stir through the chopped dill and season with salt to taste if needed.
Ways to Customise the Tuna Mix
Once the basic Greek yoghurt combination is mastered, there are plenty of simple ways to modify it based on what is available in the fridge. For extra crunch, try adding finely diced cucumber, celery, red onion or spring onion.
For a brighter, more flavoursome result, add a squeeze of lemon to elevate the tuna mixture, as the sharpness works particularly well with the Greek yoghurt. Dill is a classic herb choice, but alternatives including parsley and chives can all be used to bring a distinct flavour. For anyone who fancies a bit of spice, add some chilli flakes, hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
