Go Back
Tuna egg salad

Tuna Egg Salad (2 servings)

At only ~R24 per serving, this recipe is an absolute bargain for a high-protein lunch. Because it requires zero stovetop cooking (aside from boiling the eggs), it is also entirely loadshedding-friendly.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Lunch, Salad
Cuisine South African
Servings 2 portions
Calories 349 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Base:

  • 1 large hardboiled egg, fully cooled and peeled
  • 1 tin shreddedor solid chunk tuna in brine, 140g, well drained
  • 2 tbsp celery (approx.1 small stalk), very finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp capers or gherkins, finely chopped

For the Mayo Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60g), (or swap for 2 tbsp mayo + 2 tbsp low-fat plain Greek yogurt to lighten the digestive load)
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon juice,
  • 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Finely chop your hardboiled egg and add it to the bowl with the tuna.
  • Toss in the finely diced celery, fresh dill, chives, and your chopped capers or gherkins.
  • In a separate small ramekin, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  • Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined and evenly coated. Season with a tiny pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper.
  • Enjoy immediately as a low-carb salad bowl, or scoop it into fresh lettuce wraps or onto two slices of Earth Origin High Protein Grain Bread or your homemade high-protein cottage cheese bread!

Notes

Macros Per Serving (Divides into 2):
  • 🔥Calories: ~349 kcal
  • 🍗 Protein: ~28.5g (Excellent, lean source of amino acids)
  • 🌾 Carbohydrates: ~2g
  • 🥑 Fat: ~25.5g
  • 🪙 Estimated Cost: ~R24**
 
Note:  The majority of the fat and calories come from the ¼ cup of standard mayonnaise. If you are looking to lower the calories and fat while boosting the protein even further, you can swap half the mayonnaise (2 tbsp) for fat-free or low-fat plain Greek yogurt.
** Estimated cost is based on average shelf prices at major South African supermarkets as of September 2026 and is reviewed bi-annually.
Keyword High protein, Lunch, Under R30
QR Code linking back to recipe