Creamy & Fresh Tuna Salad (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Protein Base

01 - 2 cans tuna, 5 ounces each (283g)

→ Vegetables & Herbs

02 - ¼ English cucumber, chopped or 1 Persian cucumber, about ½ cup chopped (80g)
03 - 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered about ¼ cup (80g)
04 - ¼ red onion, chopped about ¼ cup (40g)
05 - 1 stalk celery, chopped about ¼ cup (35g)
06 - 10 olives (kalamata or green manzanilla), chopped about ¼ cup (30g)
07 - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (30g)
08 - ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (4g)

→ Dressing

09 - 1 large lemon, juiced about ¼ cup lemon juice
10 - ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (113g)
11 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5g)
12 - ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g), more to taste
13 - ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (0.3g), more to taste
14 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (15ml) optional, but suggested especially if not using tuna packed in olive oil.

# Instructions:

01 - Drain the tuna thoroughly. Finely chop the cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, dill, and olives into small, uniform pieces for optimal texture.
02 - In a medium bowl, gently combine the drained tuna, chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and olives. Mix until evenly distributed.
03 - Add the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together until the salad is well coated and creamy.
04 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed. Add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil if desired, especially if using tuna canned in water.

# Notes:

01 - If using tuna canned in water, enhance the flavor by adding a tablespoon or two of extra-virgin olive oil.
02 - For a dairy-free option, replace Greek yogurt with mashed avocado for creaminess.
03 - Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
04 - Pair this salad with crackers, pita bread, or a bed of lettuce for a balanced and satisfying meal.