This easy dip recipe is prepared in only 10 minutes. It is a fresh tasting Tuna Dip, made with canned tuna, tomato, red onion, mayo and a hint of lime. An excellent partyfood and great appetizer for a summer barbecue.
I have made this recipe for close to 10 years now and it is one of my favourite summer dips. When I made it the first time, I was on vacation in Spain and had rented an apartment. One afternoon, after enjoying some time at at the pool, I came back home hungry.
Unfortunately, the fridge was rather empty. All I could find was some bread, a can of tuna, tomatoes, onions, mayonnaise and limes. Now, I am not the biggest fan of canned tuna to begin with. Therefore I thought about how I could make something tasty out of the ingredients I had available. As a results, this tuna dip recipe was born and I enjoyed it so much, that I have been making it regularly ever since!❤️
I often pair it as a light summer lunch with my Oven Baked Feta or this Melon and Prosciutto Salad. All of these are very simple, yet light and healthy recipes that I love especially on hot summer days.
Here's what you need
These are the main ingredients you will need to make this delicious tuna dip appetizer in just a few minutes. Detailed measurements can be found on the bottom of the page in the recipe card 👇
Tuna - I usually buy whole pieces of canned Tuna in oil or water and carefully read the label that no fillers are added. The oil or water has to be strained off prior to use, or the dip becomes too watery/oily.
Tomatoes with lots of flavour. I usually use plum, Roma or vine tomatoes. You can also use cherry tomatoes.
Red onion or alternatively green onions or shallots. Since the onions are being used raw, yellow onions could be too intense and overpower the other ingredients.
Mayonnaise is one of the condiments I always have at home. Occasionally I make my own, but this is one of the rare products I buy pre-made. My personal favourite and kitchen staple is THOMY Mayonnaise. However, it is not commonly sold here in Canada. I also often buy a good quality vegan mayo. Just use whichever you have available and/or enjoy the most! Sour cream or cream cheese can be used to replace the mayonnaise.
Olive oil - I like to add some high quality olive oil to this dip. Alternatively use a quality salad oil, like grape seed oil or walnut oil.
Lime - just for that fresh summer taste, I add some freshly squeezed lime juice. You can use lemon juice instead.
Instructions & Equipment
This Dip is prepared in just a few minutes by following a few simple steps. I use a food processor or a handheld blender to prepare it. If you have neither of those tools, chop the onions and tomato real fine, use a fork to mash the tuna and mix all ingredients well together. The Tuna Dip will be more chunky but still delicious! Ready? Let's start 🤗
- Chop the onion and tomato in medium sized dices. All ingredients will later go into the food processor, so no need to put too much effort this step.
- Strain the oil or water off the tuna and give it into the food processor or blender cup.
- Add the other ingredients, tomatoes, onion, mayonnaise, olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Blend the ingredients to your liking (more or less chunky).
The Tuna, as well as the mayo are usually already salty and I therefore don't add salt. If you feel that additional salt and pepper is needed, season according to your liking at the end.
How to serve this Tuna Dip
I serve this Tuna Dip Appetizer with crispy baguette or roasted bread. Alternatively, you can make your own. My friend Jeri from Winding Creek Ranch has a great recipe for easy to make Homemade Dinner Rolls on her blog.
This dip has only 1% of carbohydrates and is high in protein (20%). If you would like to skip the bread to keep it low carb, simply serve it with vegetable sticks instead, such as carrot, celery or cucumber sticks!
I also enjoy to pair this summer dip with the dishes below for a light lunch that takes no time to prepare:
Storage
This dip can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days in a sealed container. However, it is best served and eaten fresh. These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
See guidelines at USDA.gov for instructions on safe handling of fresh ingredients.
Tuna Dip
Tools
- Food processor or (handheld) blender
Ingredients
- 200 g canned tuna
- 3 tablespoon chopped tomatoes (Plum or Roma tomatoes)
- 3 tablespoon chopped red onion
- 3 teaspoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ Lime (juice from it)
- Salt & Pepper (if needed)
Instructions
- Chop the onion and tomato in medium sized dices. All ingredients will later go into the food processor, so no need to put too much effort this step.
- Strain the oil or water off the tuna and give it into the food processor or blender cup.
- Add the other ingredients, tomatoes, onion, mayonnaise, olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Blend the ingredients to your liking (more or less chunky).
Jenny
A 5min meal, couldn’t ask for more
Lexa
Thanks Jenny!
Natalie
I will definitely make this. Such a light and delicious dip, perfect for summer outdoor parties. I will just swap classic mayo for avo mayo. Yum! Now I can't wait to make this. Thanks!
Jeannie
You got me with 10 minutes! I can easily serve this when I have friends coming over. Thanks for sharing.
Kay
My daughter loves this for dipping breadsticks in. I had to leave out the red onions though as she is a fussy one!
Lexa
Thanks Kay! Always a big compliment if kids approve a recipe 🙂
Luca - Ruoka on valmis
This is a must. I love tuna and it's constantly in my meal schedule. I will have to try this out!
Lexa
Yay! Let me know how it turned out
Jeri
Everyone in my family loves tuna, and this recipe was a real hit in our house! It was so easy to make and quick to put together, and the flavor was delicious!
Lexa
Thanks Jeri! So happy that you and your family liked it 🙂
amanda
What a delicious dip, the lime is the best part!
Lexa
Thanks Amanda! Yes, the lime gives it a fresh kick!
Melinda
I love the simple, fresh ingredients here! What a delicious way to serve tuna. This will be a fun appetizer when we BBQ this weekend. 🙂
Lexa
Thanks Melinda!
Kristina
I added some diced celery and it was delicious! A big hit with the hubby.
Lexa
Great idea! Thanks Kristina!
Nora
This dip is awesome! And perfect for my husband, who loves eating tuna! Thanks for the great recipe!
Lexa
Thank you Nora! I hope your husband liked it.
Adriana
Yummy great way to enjoy tuna! I love that you used canned tuna and olive oil. This dip is a must-try and so easy to put together.
Lexa
Thanks Adriana!
Jere Cassidy
I am a big fan of tuna so I can't wait to try this dip for a change of pace from our regular salads and sandwiches. I love how easy it is to make.
Lexa
Thanks Jere! I hope you'll like it.
Agnieszka
This dip is amazingly good. We ate it with crackers and it disappeared in about 5 seconds.