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    Home » Recipes » Salad » Tuna Salad

    Tuna Salad Recipe

    Published: September 7, 2023 by Sangeetha Vel | Updated: September 12, 2023 Leave a Comment

    10 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Tuna Salad is a light, creamy, and refreshing seafood dish celebrated for its simplicity and delightful flavors. It typically consists of canned tuna, celery, onions, fresh herbs, mayonnaise, and various seasonings. This salad is among the easiest to prepare and serves as a perfect choice for picnics, cookouts, backyard gatherings, or as a light lunch or dinner. It's commonly enjoyed with crackers, lettuce, or as a filling in sandwiches.

    The recipe I've provided here offers step-by-step instructions to help you create a delicious Tuna Salad effortlessly. Additionally, a detailed video demonstration below complements the written instructions, providing a visually clear guide to the cooking process.

    A white bowl filled with fresh homemade Tuna Salad rests on a white table. Surrounding the bowl are slices of bread, lettuce leaves, and pickles, all thoughtfully arranged. A blue towel complements the presentation.
    Jump to:
    • What is Tuna Salad?
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to Make Tuna Salad at Home?
    • Tips
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Related Recipes
    • Tuna Salad Recipe Video
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FAQ

    What is Tuna Salad?

    Tuna Salad is a delightful dish known for its creamy texture and savory flavor. It's typically crafted from flaky canned tuna, creamy mayonnaise, and an assortment of fresh herbs and vegetables. This versatile salad is perfect for serving with sandwiches, wraps, or crackers, making it an ideal addition to picnics, lunches, or light dinners.

    During busy days, particularly in the summer, Tuna Salad becomes a lifesaver. Its simplicity is its strength, requiring minimal effort to prepare. It's a convenient go-to option for lunch or dinner when you crave seafood but want something light and super easy to make. The blend of flavors and textures in Tuna Salad satisfies your cravings without the fuss, and it comes together in just under 30 minutes.

    So, next time you're short on time and longing for a quick, flavorful meal, consider whipping up a batch of Tuna Salad. It's a fuss-free option that never disappoints, whether you enjoy it between slices of bread, wrapped in a tortilla, or simply as a dip for your favorite crackers. Tuna Salad brings a taste of the sea to your table without the hassle, making it a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and busy individuals alike.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    The ingredients you will need for making this Tuna Salad are basic and readily available at most retail grocery markets. Let's take a look at them below:

    Ingredients for tuna salad arranged on a grey table. Chili flakes, Dijon mustard, black pepper, mayonnaise, onion, tuna, garlic, parsley leaves, spring onion, celery, and dill leaves.
    • Canned Tuna: Delivers a savory, umami-rich flavor with a mild oceanic essence, providing the core seafood taste
    • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a creamy, slightly tangy richness to the salad. You can also substitute it with Greek yogurt, for a tangy and slightly tart note while keeping it lighter
    • Dijon Mustard: Brings a zesty and slightly spicy kick, enhancing the overall depth of flavor with a hint of sharpness
    • Celery: Offers a crisp, fresh, and mildly earthy flavor with a satisfying crunch, balancing the creamy elements
    • Onion: Adds a pungent and slightly sweet bite, contributing both texture and a subtle sharpness to the salad
    • Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic essence with a touch of pungency, elevating the savory notes
    • Herbs (Spring Onions, Parsley, and Dill): Spring onions offer a mild onion flavor, parsley adds a bright, fresh, and slightly peppery note, while dill contributes a delicate, feathery aroma with hints of citrus and anise
    • Seasonings (Black Pepper, Chili Flakes, and Salt): Black pepper adds gentle heat and boldness, chili flakes bring a spicy kick, and salt enhances all the flavors while balancing the dish's taste

    For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.

    How to Make Tuna Salad at Home?

    The recipe I've shared here is for Tuna Salad, a classic creamy dish that combines flaky canned tuna, creamy mayonnaise, and a medley of fresh herbs and vegetables. It's a satisfying salad known for its delightful flavors and varied textures, making it a versatile pairing with sandwiches, wraps, or crackers.

    A white bowl filled with fresh homemade Tuna Salad rests on a white table. Surrounding the bowl are slices of bread, lettuce leaves, and pickles, all thoughtfully arranged. A blue towel complements the presentation.

    Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.

    • Prep veggies and herbs: To start, thoroughly clean all the veggies and herbs, then let them air dry. Next, chop the celery into small pieces and put it in a bowl. After that, finely chop half of the peeled onion and add it to the same bowl. Similarly, chop herbs like spring onions, parsley leaves, and dill leaves, and mix them in
    • Add tuna: Now, in the same bowl with the veggies and herbs, add the canned tuna. Before adding it, be sure to drain all the water from the can, including only the tuna pieces
    • Season the salad: Following this, add chopped garlic, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to the bowl. Optionally, you can also use lemon juice or pickle juice for a tangy flavor
    • Mix and refrigerate: Gently mix all the ingredients in the bowl, and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.
    • Serve with favorite sides: Finally, serve this creamy tuna salad with crackers, and butter lettuce, or use it as a tasty filling for a sandwich. You can also pair it with your favorite side dishes

    Tips

    • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad
    • Draining Tuna: Make sure to drain the canned tuna thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your salad
    • Consistent Chopping: Aim for uniform chopping of vegetables and herbs for a visually appealing and balanced salad
    • Seasoning: Taste as you go when adding seasonings like salt, pepper, and chili flakes to achieve the desired flavor profile
    • Optional Ingredients: Customize your salad with additional ingredients like capers, olives, or diced pickles for added flavor and texture
    • Tangy Touch: Experiment with lemon juice or pickle juice for a tangy kick, but start with a small amount and adjust to your taste
    • Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together
    • Serving Choices: Consider how you'll serve the salad – as a sandwich, with crackers, or on a bed of lettuce
    • Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you're serving the salad as a side dish

    Storage Suggestions

    Transfer any remaining tuna salad into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator promptly to maintain freshness. Consume within two days to ensure the best taste and quality. Avoid freezing, as it may affect texture and taste.

    Serving Suggestions

    Tuna salad is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some popular options to serve with it:

    • Bread or Rolls: Tuna Salad is commonly served in sandwiches or wraps. You can use a variety of bread or rolls, such as whole wheat, sourdough, ciabatta, or pita
    • Lettuce: Serve your salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves, such as butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg, for a low-carb option
    • Crackers: This salad pairs well with a selection of crackers, including whole grain, multigrain, or even crispbreads
    • Avocado: Slices of ripe avocado can complement the creaminess of the Tuna Salad and add a healthy dose of good fats
    • Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber can provide a refreshing and crunchy element to your meal
    • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Some people enjoy the salad with sliced or chopped hard-boiled eggs, which adds protein and creaminess
    • Pickles: Pickles, whether dill or sweet, can add a tangy and crunchy contrast to the tuna salad
    • Cheese: Add a slice of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, if you're making a Tuna melt sandwich
    • Chips: Serve your salad with a side of potato chips or vegetable chips for some added crunch
    • Soup: A bowl of soup, like tomato soup or vegetable soup, can make for a hearty and comforting meal when paired with the salad
    • Pasta: You can also serve this salad over cooked pasta for a pasta salad variation. Add some extra dressing if needed
    • Quinoa or Rice: If you prefer a grain-based option, serve your salad with quinoa, brown rice, or another grain of your choice
    • Dips: Offer a variety of dips, such as hummus or tzatziki, alongside your salad and vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired meal

    Related Recipes

    You can also find similar recipes below and more at salad recipes and summer recipes.

    • Salmon Salad
    • Shrimp Salad
    • Macaroni Salad
    • Caesar Salad
    • Cobb Salad
    • Potato Salad
    • Chicken Salad
    • Broccoli Salad
    • Greek Salad
    • Pasta Salad
    • Coleslaw
    • Cucumber Salad

    Tuna Salad Recipe Video

    I have also shared a detailed video of this Tuna Salad recipe below that I hope will help you make a perfect cold salad at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.

    📖 Recipe

    A white bowl filled with fresh homemade Tuna Salad rests on a white table. Surrounding the bowl are slices of bread, lettuce leaves, and pickles, all thoughtfully arranged. A blue towel complements the presentation.

    Tuna Salad

    Tuna Salad is a light, creamy, and refreshing seafood dish celebrated for its simplicity and delightful flavors. It typically consists of canned tuna, celery, onions, fresh herbs, mayonnaise, and various seasonings. This salad is among the easiest to prepare and serves as a perfect choice for picnics, cookouts, backyard gatherings, or as a light lunch or dinner. It's commonly enjoyed with crackers, lettuce, or as a filling in sandwiches.
    5 from 1 vote
    Author: Sangeetha Vel
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    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep: 10 minutes mins
    Cook: 5 minutes mins
    Adjust 3 serving

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 12 oz Tuna, canned
    • 4 tbsp Mayonnaise
    • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
    • 3 cloves Garlic, chopped
    • 1 rib Celery, chopped
    • ½ Onion, chopped, medium size
    • 1 bulb Spring Onion, chopped
    • 2 sprigs Parsley Leaves, chopped, small
    • 2 sprigs Dill Leaves, chopped, small
    • ½ tsp Black Pepper, powder
    • ½ tsp Chili Flakes
    • Salt, to taste
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    Instructions
     

    To make Tuna Salad

    • Begin by thoroughly cleaning all the vegetables and herbs, and then allow them to air dry completely. Proceed to chop the celery into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl
      Diced Celery on a cutting board.
    • Next, finely chop the peeled half of an onion and add it to the same bowl
      Chopped onion on a cutting board.
    • Similarly, chop the herbs such as spring onions, parsley leaves, and dill leaves, and incorporate them into the mixture
      A bowl with chopped onions, celery and herbs.
    • Now, in the same bowl containing the chopped vegetables and herbs, add the canned tuna. Before adding the tuna, ensure that you drain all the water from the can and include only the tuna pieces
      Adding tuna to the veggie bowl.
    • Following this, introduce chopped garlic, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to the bowl. Optionally, you can also use lemon juice or pickle juice for a tangy flavor
      A bowl with tuna salad ingredients and seasonings like mayo, dijon and other seasonings.
    • Gently combine all the ingredients in the bowl, and refrigerate the salad for a minimum of one hour before serving
      A bowl with Tuna Salad.

    To Serve

    • Present this Creamy Tuna Salad alongside crackers, and butter lettuce, or use it as a delectable tuna sandwich filling. You can also pair this salad with other favorite side dishes of your choice
      Tuna Salad served in a white serving bowl.

    Video

    Notes

    • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor and texture of your salad
    • Draining Tuna: Make sure to drain the canned tuna thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your salad
    • Consistent Chopping: Aim for uniform chopping of vegetables and herbs for a visually appealing and balanced salad
    • Seasoning: Taste as you go when adding seasonings like salt, pepper, and chili flakes to achieve the desired flavor profile
    • Optional Ingredients: Customize your salad with additional ingredients like capers, olives, or diced pickles for added flavor and texture
    • Tangy Touch: Experiment with lemon juice or pickle juice for a tangy kick, but start with a small amount and adjust to your taste
    • Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together
      Serving Choices: Consider how you'll serve the salad – as a sandwich, with crackers, or on a bed of lettuce
    • Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you're serving the salad as a side dish

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 827mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 299IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @yellowchilis or tag #yellowchilis!

    FAQ

    What can I use as a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

    You can substitute mayonnaise in this recipe with Greek yogurt for a lighter and tangier alternative, or avocado for a creamy and nutritious twist.

    Can I use fresh baked or pan-seared tuna instead of canned tuna in this recipe?

    Yes, you can certainly use fresh baked or pan-seared tuna as a delicious alternative to canned tuna in this recipe. It will bring a different texture and flavor dimension to your Tuna Salad.

    What are some suitable side dishes or accompaniments to serve with this Tuna Salad?

    You can serve this Tuna Salad with options like crackers, butter lettuce, or as a delightful sandwich filling. It also pairs well with sides like a simple green salad, coleslaw, or a bowl of fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.

    I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.

    If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

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    Sangeetha Vel Yellow Chili's

    Hi, I'm Sangeetha Vel! the author, recipe researcher, creator, and cooking hands behind Yellow Chili's. A realistic, friendly, empathetic, and enthusiastic foodie who loves to share authentic, easy, quick, healthy, instant, and kids-approved recipes.

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