Name: Dill Pickle Tuna Salad (10-minute lunch with 30+ grams protein!)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (5 oz) can wild tuna, drained; 1 celery stalk, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons mayo; 1 tablespoon nonfat Greek yogurt; 1/3 cup chopped pickle; 1 tablespoon pickle juice; 1 teaspoon dried dill; Pinch of salt and pepper

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If you need a fast, high-protein lunch that actually tastes good, this Dill Pickle Tuna Salad is just what you’re looking for.

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I love and this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad and make it often, so I decided to try it with tuna fish for those times when I don’t have shredded chicken ready to go. It takes 10 minutes, uses simple ingredients, and packs well over 30 grams of protein to keep you full for hours. It’s creamy, tangy, crunchy, and has that bold pickle flavor that I love so much. (You, too?)

This is the first recipe in my new 10-Minute High-Protein Lunch Series, because we all need easy wins during the week. My hope is that these recipes will help you eat real-food, nutritious meals that hit your protein goals AND that fit into your busy lifestyle. Make sure to follow along on Instagram, because some recipes won’t be published here on the blog but only shared over there.

Okay–let’s make this!

Why You’ll Love This Dill Pickle Tuna Salad

Ready in 10 minutes
30+ grams of protein (30 grams is the minimum for my new lunch series; this one actually has over 40)
No cooking required
Budget-friendly
Perfect for meal prep
Low-carb and gluten-free if you need it to be (depending how you serve it)

It’s simple, but it doesn’t taste simple.

Ingredients for Dill Pickle Tuna Salad

1 (5-ounce) can wild tuna
Wild tuna is a lean, complete protein source that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. One can provides over 30 grams of high-quality protein to keep you satisfied.

1 celery stalk, diced
Celery adds fresh crunch and hydration while contributing fiber and antioxidants. It keeps the texture interesting without adding many calories.

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Mayo adds creaminess and richness. Using a high-quality mayo made with avocado oil or olive oil adds healthy fats that help with satiety.

1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt boosts the protein content even further while adding tanginess and probiotics for gut health. It lightens up the mayo just enough without sacrificing creaminess.

1/3 cup chopped dill pickle
Dill pickles bring bold flavor and crunch. They’re low in calories and add that salty, briny punch that makes this tuna salad so addictive.

1 tablespoon pickle juice
Don’t skip this! Pickle juice enhances flavor and adds extra tang without extra calories. It also contains electrolytes like sodium.

1 teaspoon dried dill
Dill gives that classic pickle flavor and contains antioxidants that support overall health.

Pinch of salt and pepper
Just enough to balance everything and enhance the flavor.

How to Make Dill Pickle Tuna Salad

Scroll down to the recipe card if you’d like a printable version of the recipe ingredients and instructions.

Drain the tuna well.
Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.
Mix until fully combined.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or pickle juice if needed.

That’s it. Done in (less than) 10 minutes.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Tuna Salad

This recipe is incredibly versatile:

On sourdough or whole grain toast
With crackers
In a wrap
Over a bed of lettuce
Stuffed into a pita
Scooped with cucumber slices

It also works great for meal prep. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Protein Breakdown

One serving provides over 40 grams of protein, making this a balanced, satisfying lunch that helps maintain muscle mass and supports metabolism — especially important for women in midlife.

High-protein meals like this help:

Reduce afternoon cravings
Support blood sugar stability
Preserve lean muscle
Keep you full longer

And this one doesn’t require cooking a single thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Simply omit the Greek yogurt and add a little extra mayo.

Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Absolutely. Use about 1 tablespoon fresh dill.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just double everything and mix. It’s great for meal prep.

Can I reduce the calories?

Yes! If you need this to be a little lower in calories, sub some or all of the mayonnaise and use nonfat Greek yogurt in its place.

If you try this Dill Pickle Tuna Salad, let me know in the comments how you served it. On toast? In a lettuce wrap? Straight out of the bowl? (No judgment.) Also, I would so appreciate if you leave a star rating below. It helps other readers know which recipes are tried and true by YOU!

And stay tuned — more 10-minute, 30+ gram protein lunches coming soon. 💛