Tuna is a staple in many Filipino kitchens, and for good reason. It’s affordable, rich in protein, low in saturated fat, and packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium—even straight out of tuna cans.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, whip up a quick meal for lunch tomorrow, or impress your family with a delicious salad, tuna is your go-to.
5 Tuna-Based Healthy Recipes to Try:
We’ve rounded up a variety of easy and extremely healthy tuna recipes that are perfect for any Filipino family table.
From a classic tuna salad recipe to hearty tuna pasta dishes, these ideas use easily sourced ingredients such as canned tuna, fresh vegetables, and olive oil.
1. Classic Tuna Salad (Healthy Version)
A classic tuna salad is one of the easiest and healthiest meals to prepare. While there’s no single best tuna salad recipe, you can make conscious choices to make a healthy tuna salad recipe.
This tuna salad recipe substitutes mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and includes crunchy vegetables for a more fresh-tasting experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 canned tuna (solid white albacore tuna or yellowfin tuna) in water, drained
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
- 1 stalk chopped celery
- 1 tbsp chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Add the drained canned tuna, chopped celery, red onion, and parsley.
- Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve tuna salad on lettuce leaves or whole grain bread for a light lunch or healthy meal.
Image Source: https://www.oliveandmango.com/tuna-pasta-salad/
2. Tuna Pasta Salad with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs
This healthy tuna salad recipe is ideal for hot days and family gatherings. With a tangy flavor from lemon juice and the richness of extra virgin olive oil, this tasty meal is a crowd-pleaser.
This healthy tuna salad recipe offers a crunchy texture, mild flavor, and great nutritional balance, perfect for families looking to eat healthier.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked whole grain pasta
- 1 can oil-packed canned tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp chopped bell pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and tuna.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Add the green onions, bell pepper, and fresh herbs (fresh dill and parsley).
- Gently stir to combine.
- Serve healthy tuna salad fresh.
3. Healthy Tuna Melt Sandwich
A tuna melt is a warm, classic sandwich that combines the flavors of tuna, cheese, and fresh veggies. Swap out white bread for whole-grain bread and use feta cheese or reduced-fat cheddar for a healthy tuna melt meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 can albacore tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1 tbsp olive oil for grilling
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine tuna, Greek yogurt, mustard, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Spread mixture on one slice of whole grain bread and top with another slice.
- Grill on a pan with olive oil until golden and cheese melts.
- The tangy flavor from the mustard and sun-dried tomatoes adds a twist to this traditional tuna salad makeover.
4. Mediterranean Tuna Green Salad
Looking for a fresh-tasting, delicious tuna salad? This green salad with quality tuna and a mix of fresh vegetables is light, refreshing, and full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 1 can water-packed tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper
- In a large bowl, toss the baby spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, and olives.
- Add the tuna fish and drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
- Season with salt and pepper and gently mix.
- You can also add dried cherries for a sweet contrast or some celery salt for added flavor.
Image source: https://www.peanutbutterrunner.com/fruit-nut-tuna-salad-recipe/
5. Simple Tuna Salad with Dried Fruit and Nuts
This simple tuna salad is a blend of healthy tuna, crunchy vegetables, and sweet, nutty notes that elevate the dish. Perfect for a light lunch or healthy snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 can water-packed tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp chopped celery
- 1 tbsp dried cherries or raisins
- 1 tbsp chopped cashews or almonds
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Gently stir until well blended.
- Serve on lettuce leaves or in tuna cans for a fun presentation!
Tuna-Rich Areas in the Philippines
Fortunately for Filipino families looking for healthy tuna recipes, the Philippines is blessed with some of the world’s richest tuna fishing grounds, ensuring access to quality tuna for your easy and healthy tuna recipes.
Notable tuna suppliers in the country include:
- General Santos City – Known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” it exports tons of yellowfin tuna and albacore tuna yearly.
- Zamboanga – A significant hub for canned tuna production.
- Davao Region – Offers both fresh tuna and tuna fish processing facilities.
- Iloilo – A growing center for aquaculture, including fresh tuna farming.
These regions are not only key players in the tuna industry but are also home to Camella developments, which offer Filipino families beautiful, secure, and strategically located homes.
Whether you’re building a life in Camella Gensan or Camella Davao, Camella developments ensure that comfort, community, and accessibility are always within reach.
From tuna sandwiches to green salads, these easy and healthy tuna recipes make it simple to enjoy nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor.
Using ingredients like lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs, each particular recipe delivers on taste and health benefits. Explore your local market, grab some quality tuna, and try a new healthy tuna salad today.
And if you’re lucky enough to live in a Camella neighborhood near one of the Philippines’ best tuna hubs, you’re already one step closer to your next go-to tuna salad!
