Quick Tuna Quinoa Salad

Quick tuna quinoa salad made with canned tuna, fluffy quinoa and a light lemon dressing. Healthy and easy lunch recipe.

This quick tuna quinoa salad is a healthy, protein-packed meal that's perfect for busy days when you want something nutritious and quick and do not want to spend ages in the kitchen!

I've based this recipe on my other popular quick quinoa salad and quick tuna macaroni salad but with a different delicious tangy lemon dressing.

In these days of everything becoming more and more expensive you'll be happy to know too that this tuna salad uses canned tuna to keep things affordable and convenient.

Fresh, satisfying and light, this tuna quinoa salad ticks all the boxes. Minimal ingredients, minimal fuss.

The quinoa adds extra protein, fibre and texture whilst there's a delicious soft crunch from the cucumber and red onion.

You can serve this as a simple salad, enjoy it as a tuna quinoa bowl, or pair it with extra greens for an even more filling meal.

I like to make a batch ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge. This means I can take portions to work so I've got healthy pre-made lunches!

The dressing couldn't be easier to make. Just whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper together and you've created a delicious tuna quinoa salad dressing that brings all the salad flavours together perfectly.

Quinoa is an excellent ingredient for healthy meals too because it's naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Combined with the tuna, and the dressing, it creates a meal that keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

So, whether you're making lunch for one or feeding the whole family, this recipe is perfect.

It's also excellent as an accompaniment to any BBQ and takes just minutes to make!

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Quick Tuna Quinoa Salad
• Ingredients
• How To Make Quick Tuna Quinoa Salad (Step By Step Instructions)
• Equipment
• FAQ's
• Other Popular Salad Recipes You Might Also Like To Try
• 📋 Quick Tuna Quinoa Salad Recipe
• Nutrition Label
• Rate The Recipe

Why You'll Love This Quick Tuna Quinoa Salad

• Quick and easy to make: This simple tuna quinoa salad is ready in just minutes, making it perfect for a healthy lunch or a quick meal when you're short on time.
• Packed with protein: Canned tuna and quinoa combined makes this a filling, nutritious meal that helps keep you satisfied for longer.
• Made with simple ingredients: Using store cupboard staples and fresh ingredients, this recipe is uncomplicated and budget-friendly.
• Perfect for meal prep: Can be made ahead of time and enjoyed as an easy grab-and-go lunch throughout the week.
• Healthy and versatile: Enjoy it as a light lunch, a tasty tuna quinoa bowl, or add your favourite extra vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients

• Quinoa
• Canned Tuna - tuna chunks in spring water is best.
• Small Red Onion - you could use spring onions (scallions) instead.
• Cucumber
• Freshly Chopped Parsley
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice - freshly squeezed is best.
• Dijon Mustard
• Freshly Ground Salt and Black Pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

How To Make Quick Tuna Quinoa Salad (Step By Step Instructions)

Detailed instructions are in the recipe card below. But here is a quick step by step guide of how to make this quick tuna quinoa salad:

Step 1

• Cook the quinoa in boiled water. Drain, and leave to cool completely.

Step 2

• Place the cooled quinoa into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

• Add the drained tuna, red onion, cucumber and chopped parsley.

Step 4

• Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper until combined.

Step 5

• Pour the tuna quinoa salad dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Season to taste.

Step 6

• Serve immediately or place in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

Equipment

For This Tuna Quinoa Salad Recipe You May Need….

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I use this glass bowl from Pyrex.

As you can see it's relatively inexpensive.

It's oven safe and scratch resistant too.

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FAQ's

How Many Calories Are In Tuna Quinoa Salad?

There are 319 calories per serving.

What Kind Of Canned Tuna Works Best?

Canned tuna in spring water is best. You can use tuna in olive oil but I would not recommend tuna in brine as it can make the recipe too salty.

Is Quinoa Healthier Than Pasta?

Quinoa does contain more protein and fibre than traditional pasta varieties. It's also naturally gluten-free so it's a great choice for those avoiding gluten.

What Can I Serve With Tuna Quinoa Salad?

This salad is perfect on it's own. It also goes well with some mixed salad leaves, sliced avocado, flatbreads or as part of a BBQ or picnic.

How To Store Tuna Quinoa Salad?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure you give the salad a quick stir before serving to freshen it up as the dressing may have settled slightly.

Can I Freeze Tuna Quinoa Salad?

No I do not recommend freezing as the texture of the quinoa and fresh ingredients can become soggy once thawed. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Other Popular Salad Recipes You Might Also Like To Try

Nutrition Label

Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

Rate The Recipe

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