If you love fresh, vibrant flavors that burst with every bite, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic tuna salad, packed with creamy avocado, zesty herbs, and a luscious homemade herb dressing that brings incredible brightness and depth. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad balances texture and flavor so perfectly, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe really comes alive through its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and color—from the creamy avocado adding richness to the fresh herbs bringing that unmistakable green vibrancy.
- 2 cans (5 oz each) of tuna, drained: The hearty protein base that’s mild and pairs beautifully with fresh herbs.
- 1 small cucumber, diced: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that lightens every bite.
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped: Provides a subtle sharpness to balance the creaminess.
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced: Brings crunch and a hint of earthiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every flavor in the salad.
- ½ ripe avocado: The secret to a luxuriously creamy dressing without heaviness.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Adds tang and smooth texture to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional): For extra creaminess if you desire.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens everything up with zesty freshness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings richness and helps meld the dressing ingredients.
- 1 garlic clove: Infuses a mild yet unmistakable savory note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Adds a delicate onion flavor with vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A classic herb that refreshes and balances the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil: Offers sweet, aromatic depth.
- 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon (or more parsley if unavailable): Introduces a slightly anise-like sparkle to the herb blend.
How to Make Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Green Goddess Herb Dressing
Begin by tossing the avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic clove, and all your fresh herbs into a food processor or blender. This blend of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous ingredients forms the heart of the salad’s luscious dressing.
Step 2: Blend to Perfection
Pulse everything together until the mixture is smooth and velvety. If the dressing is a little too thick for your liking, feel free to add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water to reach the perfect consistency. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to really make those flavors shine.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Base
In a large bowl, mix the drained tuna with the diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and celery. This combination brings in crunch and a subtle sweetness to complement the protein-packed tuna.
Step 4: Toss with the Dressing
Pour your freshly made Green Goddess dressing over the tuna mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with that vibrant dressing.
Step 5: Final Seasoning Touches
Give the salad a taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned and balanced.
Step 6: Chill or Serve Right Away
You can enjoy this salad immediately, but letting it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld even more beautifully.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Creation
Spoon your Green Goddess Tuna Salad into wraps, spread it on toast, heap it over fresh greens, or simply savor it on its own—every way is a winner.
How to Serve Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this already sensational salad. Try sprinkling a few extra chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and an added burst of herbal freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side is fantastic if you want a little extra zing with each bite.
Side Dishes
This Green Goddess Tuna Salad pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, toasted artisan bread, or a simple bowl of soup. For a light, perfect meal, serve with crunchy crudités or even inside crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld option.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or family, consider serving the salad in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for an eye-catching presentation. Another clever idea is to make bite-sized crostini topped with a dollop of the tuna salad—perfect for a party or snack time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Green Goddess Tuna Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and the vibrant flavors of the herbs and lemon.
Freezing
Because the salad contains fresh herbs, avocado, and dairy, freezing is not recommended. These ingredients lose their texture and flavor when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as it will alter the creamy, fresh qualities that make the salad so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned for the Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have fresh tuna, you can sear it quickly and chill before flaking it into the salad. This adds a gourmet touch though canned tuna keeps things easy and delicious.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a vegan mayo to keep the creamy texture intact without dairy.
How long does the Green Goddess Tuna Salad stay fresh?
When stored properly in the fridge, it stays fresh for about 2 days. The fresh herbs and avocado mean it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
What can I use if I don’t have tarragon?
Parsley works well as a substitute. It lacks the anise notes but still contributes fresh herbaceousness that complements the salad beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe is an absolute delight for anyone who loves easy, fresh, and flavorful meals. The vibrant herb dressing paired with creamy avocado and crunchy veggies makes every bite exciting and comforting all at once. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how effortlessly it transforms a simple tuna salad into something truly special.
Print
Green Goddess Tuna Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A fresh and creamy Green Goddess Tuna Salad featuring a zesty herb-infused avocado dressing blended with tender tuna and crisp vegetables. This versatile salad makes a perfect light lunch or snack, served on its own, in wraps, or atop greens.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cans (5 oz each) of tuna, drained
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing
- ½ ripe avocado
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon (or more parsley if unavailable)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons water to thin the dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic clove, and all the herbs including chives, parsley, basil, and tarragon. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste, then blend briefly again to combine.
- Mix the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and diced celery. Gently toss the ingredients together to evenly distribute.
- Add the dressing: Pour the prepared Green Goddess dressing over the tuna and vegetables, and mix thoroughly until everything is well coated with the creamy herb dressing.
- Season the salad: Taste the salad and add additional salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Chill (optional): Serve the salad immediately, or for enhanced flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve suggestions: Enjoy this Green Goddess Tuna Salad on its own, in wraps, spread on toast, or atop a bed of fresh greens for a nutritious meal or snack.
Notes
- The mayonnaise in the dressing is optional and can be omitted for a lighter salad.
- Add water gradually to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.
- Fresh herbs are key for vibrant flavor; feel free to adjust the herb quantities to taste.
- This salad is best served chilled but can also be enjoyed immediately.
- Use high-quality canned tuna packed in water or olive oil based on your preference.
