Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones you end up loving the most—and this vegan tuna salad (or “untuna” salad) is definitely one of those.
It started as a quick lunch idea on a busy day, and now it has become one of my favorite go-to fillings for sandwiches, wraps, and lunchboxes. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and completely plant-based—but still has that familiar “seafood” taste thanks to a little trick ingredient: dulse flakes or nori.
What I love most is how easy this recipe is. You can mash everything in a bowl with a fork, or use a food processor if you want it extra smooth. It’s flexible, fool-proof, and tastes good no matter how you serve it—rolled in a wrap, stuffed into pita, or piled high between two slices of bread.
And since it’s made with canned beans and avocado, it’s full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Add some crunchy veggies and you’ve got a filling meal that works for both kids and adults, whether you’re travelling, at work, or packing a school lunch.
Before we jump into the recipe, here’s a quick note on one of the ingredients:
🌱 Know Your Ingredients
Dulse flakes are a type of sea vegetable. You can find them at health food stores or online. They add a mild sea flavor—great for mimicking fish dishes. They’re also nutritious, as long as they come from clean water.
🥪 Vegan Tuna Salad (Untuna) – Ingredients
- 1 can garbanzo beans, mashed
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dulse flakes or finely cut nori (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Mix the Base
Use a bowl and a fork, or a food processor if you want it smoother. Add the canned beans, avocado, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings.
2. Add the Greens
Mix in the celery, parsley, green onions, and optional nutritional yeast.
3. Adjust the Flavor
Add salt, pepper, and more lemon juice until it tastes just right.
4. Assemble Your Meal
Spread the mixture onto sandwiches, wraps, or pita. Add lettuce or extra veggies if you like.
5. Lunchbox Idea
Make it a full on-the-go meal with:
- a vegan yogurt cup
- fruit
- potato chips
- a granola bar
Perfect for school, work, or travel days.
💡 Why This Vegan Tuna Salad Is Amazing
- Quick to make
- Full of healthy ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Kid-friendly and travel-friendly
- Tastes like tuna salad (without the tuna!)
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Let’s Discuss!
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you tried making this “untuna” salad at home? Did you add any fun extra ingredients like dill, capers, or mayo? Tell us your favorite tweaks, share your questions, or let us know how you packed it for lunch. Your ideas help other readers—and they might even inspire a future recipe!
