Labneh Tuna Salad: A Creamy Twist on a Classic Recipe
Tangy yogurt cheese brings creamy texture and gut-friendly probiotics to every bite.
Labneh Tuna Salad: A Mediterranean Makeover
Tuna salad is a standby for quick lunches and snacks, typically featuring mayonnaise for creaminess. However, introducing labneh—a tangy, thick Middle Eastern yogurt cheese—transforms this staple into a dish filled with bright, vibrant flavors and plenty of healthy protein. Topped with quick-pickled onions, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this labneh tuna salad is not just a lighter alternative to mayo-based versions but a distinctly delicious, Mediterranean-inspired meal all on its own.
What is Labneh?
Labneh is a thick, creamy dairy product made by straining yogurt until most of its whey is removed. The result is a spreadable cheese-like consistency with a tangy flavor profile. It’s popular throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, typically enjoyed as a dip, spread, or in salads.
- High in protein and probiotics
- Tangier and thicker than Greek yogurt
- Excellent as a replacement for cream cheese, sour cream, or mayonnaise in many recipes
Why Use Labneh in Tuna Salad?
While mayonnaise adds creaminess to traditional tuna salad, labneh lends a brighter, more complex flavor profile, plus a boost in nutrition:
- Creamy texture without the heaviness of mayonnaise
- Natural tanginess enhances freshness
- Less fat and higher protein than mayonnaise
- Probiotics support gut health
Key Ingredients
This modern tuna salad is built on classic and contemporary components:
- Canned tuna (ideally oil-packed for more flavor)
- Labneh (homemade or store-bought)
- Quick-pickled red onions for brightness and color
- Carrots and celery for crunch and sweetness
- Fresh dill for herbal depth
- Lemon juice for zesty acidity
- Extra-virgin olive oil to add silkiness and bring flavors together
- Optionally, capers or cornichons for briny, sharp notes
- Salt and pepper for final seasoning
Comparing Mayonnaise vs. Labneh in Tuna Salad
| Characteristic | Mayonnaise | Labneh |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich, neutral, eggy | Tangy, bright, cultured |
| Texture | Creamy, thick | Silky, spreadable, slight grain |
| Nutritional Profile | High fat, low protein | Lower fat, higher protein, probiotics |
| Origin | Western/European | Middle Eastern/Mediterranean |
How to Make Pickled Onions Quickly
Pickled onions add crunch, color, and tang to the salad. Making a quick pickle at home is easy, and the onions will be ready while you assemble the rest of the ingredients.
- Thinly slice half a small red onion.
- Toss with a pinch of salt and enough lemon juice (or vinegar) to cover.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes. The onions soften and turn pink.
- Drain just before adding to your tuna salad.
The Best Canned Tuna for Labneh Tuna Salad
Choosing the right tuna makes all the difference. Consider these tips:
- Oil-packed tuna (typically in olive oil) delivers the most flavor and moisture.
- Chunk light or solid white albacore varieties work well. Avoid highly shredded “flake” styles for best texture.
- For sustainable seafood, check for ecolabels and responsible sourcing on the packaging.
Step-by-Step: Building Labneh Tuna Salad
With all the components ready, assembling the salad takes only minutes:
- Begin with your base: Flake the canned tuna into a large bowl.
- Add labneh: Scoop in the labneh, about three to four tablespoons per can of tuna (adjust to taste for creaminess).
- Load up on vegetables: Add diced carrots and celery for color and crunch.
- Pickled onions: Add the drained, quick-pickled onions.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir to combine.
- Finish with herbs: Fold in plenty of fresh chopped dill for a classic Mediterranean finish.
- Mix well—don’t overwork, or the tuna will get mushy.
What others are reading
Expert Tips for the Best Tuna Salad
- Labneh thickness varies; if your salad looks dry, add a drizzle of olive oil or a spoonful of yogurt.
- Add extra lemon juice for acidity if preferred.
- Try adding crushed olives, diced roasted peppers, or chopped parsley for more Mediterranean flavor.
- For even richer texture, use both a touch of labneh and a little mayonnaise.
Recipe Variations and Additions
- Labneh-Yogurt Blend: Blend labneh with Greek yogurt for a milder tang and lighter feel.
- Swap the Pickles: Use sumac onions, pickled cucumbers, or fennel for variety.
- Add Heat: Stir in Aleppo pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of harissa paste.
- Herb Choices: Try tarragon, parsley, chives, or mint instead of dill.
- More Crunch: Incorporate radishes, fennel bulb, or diced apples.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile tuna salad can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Serve heaped on thick slices of crusty sourdough or pumpernickel bread
- Stuffed in pita pockets with leafy greens
- Scooped atop potato chips, crackers, or crispbreads for snacks
- As a salad bowl topping, with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and grains
- With crudités (sliced cucumbers, carrots, peppers) as a protein-rich dip
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepared labneh tuna salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If making for the week, keep pickled onions and chopped fresh herbs separate, folding them in just before serving to preserve color and brightness.
Nutritional Benefits
- High protein from both tuna and labneh
- Omega-3 fatty acids from tuna, beneficial for heart and brain health
- Probiotics from labneh support gut health
- Lower in saturated fat than mayonnaise-based recipes
- Plenty of vitamins from colorful veggies and herbs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is labneh and where can I find it?
Labneh is a strained yogurt cheese popular in Mediterranean cuisine. It is available at many Middle Eastern markets, specialty grocers, and some large supermarkets, or you can easily make it at home by straining Greek yogurt overnight through cheesecloth.
Can I use regular yogurt instead of labneh?
Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted, but the salad will be thinner and less tangy. Straining yogurt yourself or mixing with sour cream can create a closer texture and flavor.
How do I make labneh at home?
Spoon plain full-fat Greek yogurt into a cheesecloth-lined sieve, sprinkle with salt, and let it drain over a bowl in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours, until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
What makes this salad different from classic tuna salad?
Labneh adds a bright, tangy flavor and a thicker texture compared to the richness of mayonnaise. The inclusion of pickled onions, fresh dill, and Mediterranean-style add-ins also distinguishes this version.
Is labneh tuna salad healthy?
Yes, it is generally lower in fat and higher in protein and probiotics than classic tuna salad, making it a nutritious lunch or snack.
Labneh Tuna Salad Recipe (Printable)
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) oil-packed tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup labneh (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more as needed
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional add-ins: Chopped capers, cornichons, Aleppo pepper, parsley, chopped olives, or roasted peppers.
Directions
- Pickle the onions: In a small bowl, toss sliced red onion with a pinch of salt and lemon juice to cover. Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked tuna with labneh. Stir gently to blend.
- Add the carrots, celery, pickled onion, chopped dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix until just combined.
- Season with salt and pepper. Adjust texture with a little more labneh or olive oil as needed.
- Serve immediately, or chill for up to a day for even better flavor.
Make It Your Own
Adapt the recipe by using ingredients you have on hand or want to highlight. For a touch of extra color and nutrition, fold in arugula, baby spinach, or diced cucumbers. Sprinkle with toasted seeds or nuts for crunch, or enjoy your salad with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for a sweet-tart finish. This simple, endlessly adaptable salad is sure to become a favorite for lunches, snacks, or fuss-free dinner spreads.
Related Articles and Inspiration
References
- https://www.threads.com/@seriouseats/post/DEa241QOHr_
- https://www.threads.com/@seriouseats/post/DMoCMDHOmaj/this-tuna-salad-recipe-uses-labneh-instead-of-mayonnaise-and-incorporates-ingred
- https://at.pinterest.com/pin/517773288432050608/
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/3351988/labneh-tuna-salad
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