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Tuna and white bean salad with cucumber, red pepper and lemon yogurt dressing
CookingPassion

High Protein Tuna and White Bean Salad

This high protein tuna and white bean salad combines a lemon yogurt dressing, crunchy vegetables, and canned tuna for an easy no-cook lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Calories: 375

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans (5 oz / 142 g each before draining) light tuna in water, drained
  • 1½ cups (240 g) canned white beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • ½ cup (120 g) plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons (10 g) Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup (150 g) chopped cucumber
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (150 g), diced
  • ¼ cup (40 g) finely diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Method
 

  1. Drain the tuna and rinse the white beans in a strainer. Pat the beans dry gently. Chop the cucumber and pepper into small bite-size pieces and finely dice the red onion.
  2. Whisk the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and black pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Wait to add salt because the tuna, beans, and mustard may already supply enough.
  3. Add the white beans and fold them through the dressing with a spatula. Use a light hand so the beans stay intact rather than turning into a paste.
  4. Add the drained tuna, cucumber, pepper, red onion, and parsley. Fold just until the dressing coats everything, leaving a few larger tuna flakes for texture.
  5. Taste and add salt only if needed. Divide into two equal portions. Serve right away, or refrigerate promptly in covered containers until needed.
  6. For a packed lunch, keep the salad chilled with an ice pack. Carry crackers, bread, or greens separately so they do not soften in the dressing.

Notes

15 minutes preparation; no cooking. Keep covered at 40°F (4°C) or below and use within 3–4 days; the cucumber is crispest during the first 1–2 days. Refrigerate promptly and discard if left at room temperature for over 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C). Freezing is not recommended because yogurt and fresh vegetables lose their texture. Estimated protein: 36.8 g per serving. Ingredient-based estimates; optional sides excluded.