The Tuna Salad Ingredient You Should Consider Swapping Out

Tuna salad may be an inexpensive and quick lunchtime fix, but it's anything but a one-trick pony. Whether piled between bread slices for a sandwich, wrapped up in lettuce, or heaped on a spoon, there are a myriad of methods for serving tuna salad. There's also no shortage of variations when it comes to preparing the dish.

WebMD reports that the popular saltwater fish is high in vitamin B 12 and omega-three fatty acids, both essential for supporting health. In addition to these benefits, the lean protein can also lower the risk of heart disease and possibly reduce the risk of cancer.

Most recipes call for mayonnaise as the standard moistener and binder for tuna salad but don't let the archetypal ingredient list limit your creativity when creating your own mix. You can avoid one of the ten big mistakes everyone makes with tuna salad by choosing the right condiment if you decide to stray from mayonnaise.

Getting innovative in the kitchen can be as simple as swapping one ingredient for another. Don't get caught in a tuna salad rut by using mayonnaise each time you make it.

According to Kitchn, several alternatives exist for delicious tuna salad. Fans of a lighter tuna salad might want to opt for greek yogurt instead, which has high levels of probiotics (via Cooking Light). Its tangy flavor profile pairs well with veggies and tuna for a Mediterranean mixup.

Although it has a shorter shelf life, avocado also makes for a satisfying and scrumptious tuna salad — with a twist. Smash up the avocado, and use it just as you would mayo to give this alternative a try, and add lemon and cilantro for a fresh melee of flavors to combine with this equally creamy option.

Another way to change up a basic tuna salad recipe is to create an olive oil-based dressing to bind the tuna and veggies. Simply Whisked recommends combining olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, and parsley.