A classic tuna salad recipe is an easy lunch and can be made ahead of time for meals throughout the week.
In this recipe, flaky canned tuna is mixed with crisp celery, onions, dill pickles, and a creamy mayo-based dressing. I sometimes sneak potato chips right into my sandwich… anyone else?!
Perfect for tuna salad sandwiches or creamy tuna melts with some coleslaw on the side! Whip up a salad or sandwiches or even scoop it into half an avocado for a fancy (and low carb) dish!
Ingredients
This tuna salad recipe is kept simple but of course, you can spice it up however you’d like!
Tuna – We prefer water-packed albacore tuna because it’s lighter but of course, oil packed works just as well. Regardless of the type you use, drain the tuna well so the salad doesn’t get watery. Canned salmon works in this recipe too.
Dressing – This tuna salad has an easy mayonnaise-based dressing. Lemon juice and a bit of Dijon mustard are added for some tang.
Add-Ins – Diced celery, chopped dill pickles (or sweet relish if you prefer), and sliced green onion add great flavor and crunch.
Variations – Swap up the mix-ins with fresh herbs (like flat-leaf parsley or dill), diced red bell pepper or red onion, or even a chopped hard-boiled egg. Add a pinch of your favorite spice mix if you’d like!
How to Make Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is so easy and requires very little prep.
- Drain flaked tuna and place it into a medium bowl. Use a fork to gently separate the pieces.
- Add the mix-ins per the recipe below.
- Gently fold in the dressing. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste and keep chilled!
I like to serve tuna salad sandwiches with lettuce and tomato on whole wheat bread or a darker loaf like rye. It’s also delicious on croissants like a shrimp salad!
Serving Suggestions
We love how easy tuna is to add to recipes like tuna casseroles but did you know there are lots of great ways to repurpose tuna salad?
- Stir in pasta to make a tuna macaroni salad.
- Cut the carbs and make it a lettuce wrap! Fill lettuce leaves with the mixture or even just top a bed of romaine lettuce.
- Spoon it on a cracker with cheese or fill a wrap with tuna salad and fresh veggies.
How Long Does Tuna Salad Last?
If it doesn’t get eaten up first because it really IS that good, tuna fish salad will keep in the fridge for a few days. Because it has fish and mayonnaise in it, be careful to not leave it out on the counter for too long.
Make a tuna fish sandwich and put the tuna salad back in the fridge in an airtight container to keep it as fresh as possible!
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