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Home » Main Dishes » Healthy Tuna Patties: No Mayo!

Healthy Tuna Patties: No Mayo!

April 1, 2017 , Updated May 20, 2019 Maria 14 Comments

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Tuna Patties on a white oval plate topped with micro greens and surrounded by lemon wedges.

Are you interested in healthy tuna patties, easy to make and tasty? If yes, take a look at this tuna patty recipe with no mayo. Only 15 minutes to make!

A white plate with the Best No Mayo Tuna Patty
Healthy Tuna Patties

Healthy Tuna Patties

That’s right!

Just fifteen minutes and supper is served -truly a simple fish recipe!

As an added bonus, it’s also one of the healthiest canned tuna recipes for dinner.

There are certain recipes that are just perfect for week-nights. You know, the ones that come together in less time than it takes for you to stand in line at the take out counter. Let me show you that with just fifteen minutes, you can make this delicious and healthy tuna patty recipe.

A close up picture of a few Tuna Patties with lemon wedges served on a white oval plate.

 

How to Make Tuna Patties:

The first thing we are going to do is open up a couple of cans of tuna.

Canned tuna is truly a pantry staple. It is convenient, great-tasting and definitely budget-friendly.

Canned tuna is also a great source of high quality lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids and of course niacin.

Remember, always purchase canned tuna from companies that are committed to long-term seafood sustainability. If you are interested, a fellow Canadian blogger over at Diversivore wrote a fantastic article on sustainable seafood.

Some healthy ingredients used for the tuna patty recipe consists of red pepper, celery, spices and drained tuna.

So, once you have drained the liquid from the cans (I prefer the water packed variety) simply combine the tuna with the rest of the ingredients, all except the eggs.

You may have noticed that there is no mayo in this recipe. 

WARNING: nutrition rambling ahead on why to make this tuna fish recipe.

Don’t get me wrong, I love mayo, but in moderation. A quick glance at the nutritional information found on a regular mayonnaise jar will indicate that 1 tablespoon will provide 90 calories and about 10 grams of total fat; some of which are beneficial fatty acids. The challenge when using mayonnaise is sticking to the 1 tablespoon. As a dietitian, I truly believe that it is so important to increase awareness when it comes to healthy and well-balanced eating habits; and at the end of the day, just being mindful of what you are eating and where your food comes from, is a step in that direction.

Food for thought: canned fish is a healthy protein alternative, why would we want to drown it in mayo?  Instead, we will rely on the eggs to bind the mixture together. The addition of some wonderful herbs and vegetables will get the job done as far as taste is concerned.

The fresh ingredients for the Best No Mayo Tuna Patty Recipe being combined.

Be sure to properly combine the mixture and by that I mean really “squishing” the mixture together. How is that for a fancy culinary word?

Seriously though, press each patty together in order to achieve a final product which is compact. This will prevent your healthy tuna patty from falling apart as you are cooking it.

A close up of a formed tuna patty ready to be pan fried.

The only thing left to do is to saute the best tuna patty ever!

In the words of the Barefoot Contessa, “How easy is that?”

If you are looking for another quick, easy and healthy fish meal, may I suggest this recipe for Simple Oven Baked Garlic Oregano Crusted Cod Fish, or this Italian Tuna Pita Melts. Both of these recipes are ready in just 30 minutes (just click on the link for the recipe).

A close up of a pan fried patty, crisp and golden colored.

Here a just a few reasons to love canned tuna:

  • budget-friendly;
  • great tasting;
  • versatile;
  • convenient;
  • nutritious.

Remember to always purchase canned tuna that is from a sustainable source so that we can all continue to enjoy this wonderful pantry staple.

Beautifully presented tuna patties with lemon wedges.

Origin of the best tuna burger recipe:

I am a big fan of simplicity -especially when it comes to recipes. Uncomplicated and wholesome ingredients coupled with straightforward procedures -most probably a result of my Italian upbringing.  My friends and family know this and I love how they always share their recipes with me. This is truly a privilege.  I would like to extend my gratitude to my cousin Mary for sharing this healthy tuna patty recipe with me.

Over time, it has become one of my go-to recipes for quick weeknight meals, especially on Monday nights. Feel free to replace some of your favorite ingredients in this recipe. For example, I love Italian flat-leaf parsley, but this herb can easily be replaced with cilantro; the same for the chives, feel free to replace with green onions or even shallots.

I love a tuna patty that has a little crunch to it, so I added some red pepper along with some celery stalks. And if you like heat, go for it!

With a generous squirt of lemon juice, get ready to taste the Best No Mayo Tuna Patty Recipe!

Enjoy ♥

THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

Ciao for now,

Maria 

★★★★★ If you have made this tuna burger recipe using canned tuna, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

Overhead view of a platter with the Best No Mayo Tuna Patty Recipe

 

Beautifully presented tuna patties with lemon wedges.

Healthy Tuna Patties

Are you looking for healthy tuna recipes that are easy to make and tasty? If so, come and take a look at the Best No Mayo Tuna Patty Recipe. Not only is this canned tuna recipe healthy, it's ready in less than 15 minutes! 
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: canned tuna recipe, healthy tuna patty, healthy tuna recipes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 179kcal
Author: Maria Vannelli RD

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces tuna (2 cans of 5 ounces each) about 7 ounces or 200 grams drained
  • 1/3 cup celery stalk finely chopped (about 1 stalk)
  • 1/3 cup small red pepper finely chopped (about 1/2 pepper)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs can also use panko
  • 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Italian flat leaf parsley finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs slightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil to pan fry the patties
  • lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Drain the tuna.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna with all of the ingredients except the raw eggs.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Add the beaten eggs and mix well together.
  • Form into 5 equal patties.
  • In a cast iron or a non-stick pan, add the oil and saute the patties over medium heat.
  • Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Serve with lemon wedges.
Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon't miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 194mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 14.7mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1.5mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @shelovesbiscotti or tag #shelovesbiscotti!

 

 

Main Dishes burger, meatless monday, patties, tuna patty

About Maria

Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

Comments

  1. Troy says

    November 18, 2019 at 18:35

    5 stars
    Used 1st time this evening (on a high protein diet) was impressed with the taste and how much 2 cans of tuna produced. Will certainly use again. Only modification i used was some parmesan cheese on top 🙂 thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      November 18, 2019 at 18:37

      My pleasure Troy! Thrilled to hear you enjoyed these tuna patties. Thanks for taking the time to share, appreciate it!

      Reply
  2. Asma says

    June 16, 2019 at 17:49

    Hi,
    Great recipe!
    Can I freeze any extra patties?

    Reply
    • Maria says

      June 16, 2019 at 21:51

      Thanks Asma. Yes, the patties freeze well. Thanks so much for stopping by, appreciate it!

      Reply
  3. Suzanne McMillion says

    February 12, 2019 at 20:24

    5 stars
    I made these for dinner and they were delicious!!! My husband said, “You can make these again!”
    I didn’t have bread crumbs so I used ritz crackers!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      February 12, 2019 at 20:28

      I am thrilled to hear this! What a great variation Suzanne… I must try it the next time I make these tuna patties. Thanks so much for taking the time to share, appreciate it!

      Reply
  4. Ann says

    June 21, 2018 at 19:26

    5 stars
    Made these tonight – Yummo! They will be part of our regular dinner rotation. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      June 21, 2018 at 22:47

      My pleasure Ann! I am thrilled to hear you enjoyed these tuna patties. Appreciate you taking the time to comment 🙂

      Reply
  5. Maria says

    April 15, 2017 at 09:02

    5 stars
    I like! Fast and delicious!
    Working moms’ favorite!!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      April 15, 2017 at 09:05

      Yes!!! A mommy approved healthy canned tuna recipe… love it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Have a great Easter week end ♥♥♥

      Reply
  6. Barbarito-Levitt Paula says

    April 5, 2017 at 09:32

    I always have tuna on hand to supplement my hectic schedule generally for salads, spreads or sandwiches. You recipe elevates the humble can of tuna to something rather special. These tuna patties are absolutely dinner guest material. Another healthy and creative recipe Maria, grazie.

    Reply
    • Maria says

      April 6, 2017 at 23:17

      Thanks Paula …when you taste the patties, it’s hard to believe you are eating canned tuna. I see that you also posted a tuna recipe… once again, we are on the same page 😉 Thanks for taking the time to comment ♥♥♥

      Reply
  7. lee says

    April 1, 2017 at 11:41

    5 stars
    Hi,
    Great recipe, they look super crispy and yummy. My recipe involves a lot of faff with dipping in eggs and breadcrumbs but after seeing your I think you have converted me. so thank you for that!

    If I can offer a tip in return, make a nice regular salad, lettuce, tomato etc and squeeze half a lime over it, cut up a mango and stir into the salad. Serve the fishcakes on top of the salad, it’s awesome!

    Reply
    • Maria says

      April 1, 2017 at 11:47

      That sounds amazing Lee! I know what I am having for my Meatless Monday supper. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment… have a great week-end 🙂

      Reply

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About Maria

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Hello and Welcome to She Loves Biscotti!
I'm Maria: dietitian and full time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth, to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

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