Swap Hummus for Mayo in Tuna Salad for a Tastier Lunch

This creamy, protein-rich swap makes tuna salad fresher, more flavorful, and anything but boring.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:26pm

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of a single, iconic tuna salad ingredient, such as a slice of bread or a spoonful of hummus, rendered in a bold, neon color palette with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the modern, flavorful upgrade to a lunchtime classic.A vibrant, pop art-inspired take on the humble tuna salad sandwich, reimagined with a creative hummus twist.Chicago Today

A professional cook shares her tip for upgrading basic tuna salad by swapping in hummus instead of mayo. This Mediterranean-inspired twist adds rich flavor and a protein boost, while also allowing for endless customization with crunchy add-ins, pickled flavors, fresh herbs, and a kick of heat.

Why it matters

Tuna salad is a lunchtime staple, but it can easily become boring and one-note. This simple swap of hummus for mayo provides a fresh, modern take that keeps the classic dish exciting and packed with flavor.

The details

The author, a professional cook, finds that adding hummus and a squeeze of lemon juice (plus maybe a drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil) to a can of tuna makes a creamy, flavorful difference in a sandwich or salad. She also recommends adding crunchy elements like chopped cucumber, sliced water chestnuts, toasted almonds, or diced tart apple. For a brighter, pickled flavor, the author suggests chopped dill pickles, crushed capers, or giardiniera. Fresh herbs like dill, basil, parsley, and cilantro also elevate the dish, while spicy condiments like chili crisp, salsa, or harissa can add a kick of heat.

  • The article was published on April 8, 2026.

The players

Lisa Futterman

The author of the article and a professional cook.

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What they’re saying

“I swap hummus for mayo to make a tastier, more satisfying tuna salad. Give your boring lunch a fresh, modern upgrade—and protein boost!—by subbing in your favorite prepared hummus.”

— Lisa Futterman, Professional Cook

“When I polled the cooks at the restaurant where I work what makes a great tuna salad, they all answered: 'potato chips.' So there's that.”

— Lisa Futterman, Professional Cook

The takeaway

This simple swap of hummus for mayo in tuna salad provides a fresh, flavorful upgrade to a lunchtime classic. By adding Mediterranean-inspired flavors and allowing for endless customization, the author shows how to keep tuna salad exciting and satisfying.