The Ingredient Swap You Need To Turn Tuna Salad Into Travel-Ready Spread

Taking food on the road is always a delicate balance. Whether it's snacks for a long road trip, lunch on a school or work day, or breakfast on the go, the food needs to fit the bill in several categories. It must be easily transportable, it should give you an energy boost, and it should, of course, be delicious. This tuna salad spread from Eating Well not only checks all the boxes but it can also be made ahead of time so you're not scrambling to get out the door. 

Even better, the delectable spread can be made in just five minutes, per Eating Well, which is less time than it takes to even stir up a jar of natural nut butter (ok, that's an exaggeration, but stirring nut butter can be an ordeal). One important ingredient swap makes it especially easy to bump up the protein and monounsaturated fat in this tuna salad, without sacrificing flavor at all. And that swap is using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Tuna salad is classically made with mayonnaise to give it a creamy, rich texture and taste. By eschewing the mayonnaise and combining Greek yogurt (which does have some saturated fat of its own) with mashed avocado, you're adding both protein and some monounsaturated fat, which can actually help lower LDL cholesterol. The avocado's naturally mild flavor and creamy, flavor and texture work well with the tangy yogurt. 

This particular recipe uses albacore tuna packed in water to keep the dish extra light (tuna packed in oil is undoubtedly tasty, but also comes with a higher calorie count) and uses spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to bring the flavors to life. Tuna pairs especially well with bright, citrusy flavors, so a squeeze of lemon juice is a welcome addition. Fresh herbs make any dish more elegant, so some chopped parsley fits the bill. 

Finally, ¼ cup diced onion or celery gets mixed in for both crunch and flavor. If you prefer a more mild taste, go for the celery. Just be sure to remove the strings first. If the zip and bite of onion is your preference, you know what to do!

When it comes to serving this travel-approved tuna salad spread (don't forget a cold pack or freezable lunchbox to keep this fresh till it's time to eat), there are a plethora of options. For snacks on the go, pack them in a secure container then serve with sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and crackers. If you're taking this on the road and planning a picnic lunch halfway to your destination, a bed of greens or even part of a baguette (cut in half for sandwich purposes ahead of time) might be more your speed. Whatever the case, your travel-approved snack will be one of the highlights of your day.