Embarking on a Whole30 journey transforms how you view food, focusing on whole, unprocessed options. Tuna salad, a lunchtime staple, gets a Whole30-approved makeover with this program’s guidelines, emphasizing natural ingredients without added sugars, dairy, grains, legumes, or alcohol. This version of tuna salad is not only compliant with the strict Whole30 rules but is also a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making healthy eating a pleasure rather than a chore.

Tuna salad is a recipe that is unique to each woman, and my mom chooses boiled eggs while my friend uses apple pieces. There is no right or wrong way to make it, but the perfect tuna salad will play to your taste preferences. When creating this Whole 30 tuna salad I had small children with picky opinions to consider. Shockingly, they all LOVE the addition of mild yellow bell peppers, and it’s a truly favorite meal for even the choosiest taste buds.

Crafting a Whole30 tuna salad is a straightforward and quick process. You can whip up a satisfying meal using canned tuna as the protein-rich base, combined with crunchy veggies for added nutrients and texture. Instead of traditional mayonnaise often laden with additives, a homemade or Whole30-approved mayo is blended with simple ingredients like relish for the creamy binding element, ensuring every bite adheres to the spirit of Whole30. Whether you’re an experienced Whole30 follower or trying it for the first time, this tuna salad is a recipe that invites creativity and caters to your taste preferences while keeping health at the forefront.

Whole 30 Overview

Whole30 is a 30-day dietary plan designed to help you reset your eating habits and possibly uncover food intolerances. Throughout this strict elimination diet, you’ll be focusing on consuming whole foods and steering clear of:

• Sugar: No natural or artificial sweeteners.
• Alcohol: Not allowed in any form or cooking.
• Grains: This includes wheat, rye, barley, corn, rice, and more.
• Legumes: Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peanuts, and all forms of soy are out.
• Dairy: All cow, goat, or sheep’s milk products.
• Additives: Carrageenan, MSG, or sulfites.
• Baked Goods: No treats or junk food, even if they contain “approved” ingredients.

Through these guidelines, Whole30 aims to act as a body reset, identifying foods that might be affecting your health adversely.

I have done a Whole30 on four separate occasions, and each time offers me new benefits and insight into my overall health. Other participants often report things such as improved digestion, higher energy levels, better sleep. Results will vary, but I even experienced a nearly complete decrease in body odor by getting rid of processed sugar.

Ingredients for Whole 30 Tuna Salad

The base of any tuna salad is typically canned tuna, an oil/fat, fruit or vegetable add-ins, and seasoning. This recipe follows those same guidelines, as noted:

• Canned tuna – this may seem basic, but be sure to check your ingredients for a whole 30 compliant tuna. My favorite band is Wild Planet – which I can even find at Walmart – but you are looking for tuna packed in water or olive oil, with no added preservatives or sugar.
• Oil/fat – I grew up using mayonnaise as the creamy element of tuna salad. There are some compliant store bought mayos, and I use Primal Kitchen. I have also added guacamole to this a few times for additional flavor and creaminess.
• Veggies – yellow bell pepper is the star of this whole 30 tuna salad. I find yellow to be the mildest flavored pepper, and it’s not spicy so kids will eat it. Dicing it up using a food processor yields the best results. 
• Seasoning – when I created this I was aiming for a ranch flavored tuna salad, so after glancing at a packet of ranch seasoning, I stole a few ideas, such as parsley, onion powder, and chives. Salt and pepper add the finishing touches.

Preparing Your Tuna Salad

This recipe whips up quick and easy in less than 15 minutes. 

Start by opening and draining your tuna, then put into a large bowl and break up with a fork. 

Chop your bell peppers or use a food processor to get small bits. A little juice is ok and adds moisture to your recipe.

Add the diced bell pepper and dill relish to the bowl, followed by mayo and all your seasonings.

Mix well to incorporate. I usually stir until my arm is tired, using the back of the fork to smash large tuna pieces and incorporate the mayo.

After mixing, place in the refrigerator for an hour to cool and let the flavors marinate.

Serve with plantain chips as a dip, along with raw vegetables such as grape tomatoes, celery, or carrots for a well rounded plate.

Final Thoughts on Whole 30 Tuna Salad

This is one of my favorite recipes to make while on a Whole 30, because it’s so quick and easy. It’s in our regular rotation for the same reason, and because everyone actually eats it (hard feat with 7 kids!).

Don’t be scared at the bell pepper, it’s actually quite mild and adds just enough flavor. 

Store your completed tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Additional Resources

When embarking on your Whole30 journey, discovering new recipes can be exciting and help you stick to the plan. Below are some additional resources where you can find Whole30-compliant recipes and further support for your Whole30 experience.

• Recipe Websites:
  • Real Food Dietitians: Has some of my favorite Whole30 recipes from actual dietitians that taste amazing.
  • Eat the Gains: Provides healthy recipes with a focus on Whole30, paleo, and no-mayo options such as their tuna salad with tahini.
  • The Lovely Dish: Features straightforward and delicious Whole30-compliant meal ideas.
• Cookbooks:
  • The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom: A comprehensive guide with recipes to inspire you throughout the program.
  • Whole30 Fast & Easy Cookbook: For quick, simple, and satisfying Whole30 recipes, this book can be a great help.
• Online Communities:
  • Whole30 Forums: A place to seek advice, share experiences, and find support from fellow Whole30 participants.
  • Facebook Groups: Search for Whole30 groups where members often share recipes, tips, and encouragement.