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overhead shot of healthy, no-mayo tuna dip on a serving platter and topped with olive oil and fresh herbs.

Healthy Tuna Dip w/ White Beans (No Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, or Mayo!)

If you're looking for a healthy appetizer recipe for your Super Bowl or Awards Season parties, look no further than my Tuna Dip with White Beans! Unlike other creamy dip recipes, this tuna cracker spread gets its luscious consistency from cannellini beans — no cream cheese, sour cream, or mayo required.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer, Condiment, Snack
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 8
Calories 98 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Optional Topping

Instructions
 

  • Purée cannelini beans, greek yogurt, and za'atar in a food processor until just slightly chunky, 1-2 minutes.
  • Set 2 tablespoons of mixed herbs to the side. Add remaining dill, parsley, and lemon juice to the bowl of the processor, pulsing for about 30 seconds to combine.
  • Add flaked tuna, capers, and shallots, pulsing for about 30 seconds to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Smoosh into serving vessel, using the back of a spoon to make divots. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with the remaining fresh herbs and your favorite combination of extra za'atar, more pepper, smoked paprika, EVBB seasoning, and/or lemon zest.
  • Serve with warm pita, toasted sourdough, fresh veggies, chips, crackers, or whatever your heart desires. Enjoy!

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Unless you want more of a hummus-y consistency, don't over-purée the mix. A bit of chunkiness is lovely!
  • Any leftovers can be kept for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. To serve, defrost overnight in the fridge, then stir vigorously to incorporate any water that has separated.
Optional Variations
  • Dairy-Free Dip - Swap in your favorite plant-based Greek yogurt, Skyr or sour cream. You can also use regular or vegan mayonnaise.
  • Extra Lemony Dip - Save the zest from your lemon to dust over the top during serving. Feel free to add a sprinkle of sumac on top for a bright pop of acidity and a lovely, bold color.
  • Spicy, Mexican-Inspired Tuna Dip - Swap in cilantro for dill & parsley, use lime instead of lemon, Mexican spice blend for za'atar, pickled peppers (jalapeño or banana) for capers, and thinly sliced green onions for shallots. Feel free to fold in some diced avocado at the end for an extra textural flourish.
  • Smoked Tuna Dip - Use canned smoked tuna, or add a smoky ingredient like smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or ground chipotle pepper.
  • Different Tinned Fish - I love canned fish and can reliably be found to have at least 3 varieties on hand at all times. Feel free to swap in canned smoked trout, kipper, herring, or salmon.
  • Extra Smooth, Hummus-Like Dip - I personally prefer a bit of texture in my dips, but you're welcome to purée everything until it's silky smooth. I suggest blending the beans to creamy consistency first, then add your ingredients as suggested and pulse until you reach the desired smoothness.

Nutrition

Calories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 11gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 633mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 460IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cheap, Easy, Fast, Gluten Free, Healthy, Keto, Seafood
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