Go Back
- 2 cans of tuna in water, drained - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of lemons - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon honey - Seasoning: salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Additional spices or herbs for customization Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna is simple yet packed with flavor. The core ingredients bring a bright taste that sings in your mouth. Canned tuna is easy and quick, perfect for any meal. I always keep some in my pantry. You can customize this dish with fresh parsley or your favorite herbs. Adding these optional ingredients can enhance the taste and appearance. Fresh herbs bring a nice pop of color and flavor. When you gather your ingredients, you’re ready for a fun cooking adventure. Each step is easy, and the result is a delightful meal. Just remember, you can switch up the spices to make it your own. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! First, take your two cans of drained tuna and place them in a medium mixing bowl. Add four cloves of minced garlic to the bowl. Next, you can add the lemon zest for that bright flavor. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the optional red pepper flakes. Mix these ingredients gently with a fork to combine. In a small bowl, gather your dressing ingredients. You'll need three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the juice from two lemons, one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, one teaspoon of honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend smoothly. This dressing will add a zesty twist to your tuna. Now, pour the dressing over the tuna mixture. Use a spatula to fold the dressing in gently. This helps keep the tuna intact. Then, add two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and fold again. This adds a fresh taste and bright color. Taste your mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. For the best flavor, chill it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. Enjoy this dish in a salad, sandwich, or avocado! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make the Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna shine, adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper to taste. If you want a tangy kick, squeeze in extra lemon juice. Balancing flavors is key. Chilling the mixture helps the flavors meld together. After mixing, cover and place it in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This step makes the dish taste even better. When mixing, handle the tuna gently. Over-mixing can break it down too much. Use a folding motion when combining the ingredients. This keeps the tuna chunks intact. To maintain moisture, don’t skip the olive oil in the dressing. It adds richness and helps keep the tuna tender and juicy. For a beautiful dish, serve the tuna on a bed of mixed greens. You could also use avocado halves for a fun twist. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color. If you want to add more flavor, pair it with crusty bread or crunchy crackers. These sides complement the tuna and add texture. {{image_2}} You can swap tuna for other proteins. Try cooked chicken or chickpeas for a different twist. Both options provide a hearty base and absorb the zesty flavors well. You can also play with herbs and spices. Fresh dill, basil, or cilantro can change the flavor profile. A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can add a warm touch. Experimenting keeps the dish exciting! Serving this dish is fun and flexible. You can make it a salad on a bed of greens. Or, place it in a sandwich for a quick meal. For a trendy option, try avocado boats. Halve an avocado, scoop out a bit, and fill it with the tuna mix. This makes for a colorful and healthy plate. Pair it with crunchy veggies or pita chips for extra texture. You can easily make Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna gluten-free. Just check your mustard and dressing ingredients. For a vegan version, use chickpeas instead of tuna. This keeps the dish light and plant-based. If you're watching calories or carbs, skip the honey or reduce the olive oil. These small changes can help you enjoy a healthy meal without losing flavor. For the full recipe, check the details above. To keep your Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will prevent the tuna from drying out. It can last up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers. If you made a large batch, it's smart to divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy it throughout the week without losing flavor. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. First, place the tuna in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. This allows for expansion when it freezes. It stays good for about two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat your frozen tuna, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Use a low power setting to avoid cooking it. After thawing, check its quality before reheating. Enjoy it cold or warm it gently in a pan. How long does Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna last in the fridge? Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The flavors get better as it sits, so enjoy it within this time frame. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Just cook it first to your liking. Once cooked, flake it into the bowl with the other ingredients for a fresh twist. What dishes can I serve with Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna? You can serve it on salads or in sandwiches. It also pairs well with avocado or as a dip with crackers. The options are endless! What can I use instead of Dijon mustard? If you don’t have Dijon mustard, use yellow mustard or even a bit of mayonnaise. Both will give a nice flavor to your dish. Can I substitute olive oil with another oil? Yes, you can use canola oil or avocado oil instead. Both oils will work well without changing the taste much. Caloric content per serving Each serving of Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna has about 200 calories. This makes it a light yet filling meal option. Breakdown of main nutrients in the recipe - Protein: 25 grams - Fat: 10 grams - Carbohydrates: 5 grams - Fiber: 1 gram This dish is rich in protein, making it great for muscle repair and growth. This blog post covered the Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna recipe, highlighting its key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned how to perfect the flavor and texture while exploring variations and serving ideas. Remember, this dish is versatile—adapt it to your taste or dietary needs. Storing leftovers correctly ensures you enjoy it for days. With these insights, you can create a vibrant meal that impresses. Now, grab those ingredients and start cooking!

Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna

Elevate your meal prep with this delicious Zesty Lemon Garlic Tuna recipe! Packed with fresh flavors from lemon, garlic, and a hint of Dijon, this dish is easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a refreshing tuna salad on greens, in a sandwich, or even in avocado halves. Click to discover how to make this healthy, zesty dish that’s sure to impress!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cans of tuna in water, drained

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and gently fold to combine, ensuring the tuna is well coated.

        Add the chopped parsley and mix again in a folding motion to avoid breaking the tuna too much.

          Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, as desired.

            Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

              Serve on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or stuffed in avocado halves for a delightful meal.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4