Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes
Creamy tuna salad with bright lemon-dill dressing, mixed with crisp cucumber and juicy cherry tomatoes for a refreshing lunch. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs (5 oz each) tuna, mayonnaise, lemon into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dill
- 1 cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain 2 cans tuna (5 oz each) thoroughly in a colander, then transfer to a medium bowl.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and 1/4 tsp lemon zest to the tuna, mixing until fully combined.
- Step 3: Dice 1 medium cucumber into 1/4-inch pieces and add to the tuna mixture, along with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
- Step 4: Season with salt to taste, then chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (5 oz each) tuna from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Cherry Tomatoes?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
