Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Tuna

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and refreshing zucchini noodles tossed in a bright lemon-herb dressing, topped with flaked tuna and cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 15 minutes pairs zucchini, wild-caught tuna, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize the 2 medium zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer, then place in a colander, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt, and let sit for 5 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped dill, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Gently flake tuna with a fork until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Toss the dried zucchini noodles with half of the tuna mixture until evenly coated. Divide between two plates and top with remaining tuna mixture and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with extra parsley and dill, and serve immediately for maximum freshness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Tuna 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 Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Tuna?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Tuna?

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 Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Tuna for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Tuna?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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