BEST Tuna Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tuna Salad is a timeless dish that’s light yet satisfying. With just a few ingredients, it comes together in minutes and delivers big flavor. The tender tuna is complemented by crunchy celery and onions, while the creamy mayo and Dijon mustard add richness and tang. Whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens, this tuna salad is both versatile and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 stalk of celery, diced
• 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
• 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, chives, and/or other herbs
• ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Drain the tuna: Open the tuna cans and drain the liquid. Transfer the tuna into a medium-sized mixing bowl and use a fork to break it up into smaller flakes.
2. Add the vegetables: Add the diced celery and red onion to the bowl with the tuna. If you’re using fresh herbs like parsley or chives, add them as well.
3. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Stir until well combined.
4. Combine everything: Add the mayo mixture to the tuna mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Season: Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
6. Serve: Serve the tuna salad immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This salad is great on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of leafy greens.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 2-4 people.
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add crunch: If you like some extra crunch, you can mix in some chopped pickles, relish, or even nuts like almonds or walnuts.
• Spicy tuna salad: Add a little heat with chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Greek-style: For a Mediterranean twist, stir in some chopped Kalamata olives, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
• Low-fat option: Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo for a lighter version.
• Add eggs: Boiled eggs make a great addition to tuna salad for extra protein and richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.
• Reheating: This is a cold salad and does not need to be reheated. Simply enjoy it chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can use cooked fresh tuna instead of canned tuna, but canned tuna is more convenient and has a longer shelf life.

2. Can I use a different kind of mustard?

Yes, you can swap Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.

3. How can I make this tuna salad more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding extra ingredients like chopped pickles, capers, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

4. Is this tuna salad gluten-free?

Yes, this tuna salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it on gluten-free bread or crackers if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

5. Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?

Yes, you can use tuna packed in oil for a richer, more flavorful tuna salad. Just be sure to drain the oil before using.

6. Can I add fruit to this tuna salad?

Yes! Adding diced apples, grapes, or even pineapple can give your tuna salad a touch of sweetness and variety.

7. Can I use vegan mayo for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute vegan mayo for the regular mayo to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

8. Can I make this tuna salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this tuna salad a few hours in advance. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will meld even better after sitting for a while.

9. Can I add avocado to the tuna salad?

Yes, diced avocado is a great addition to tuna salad, adding creaminess and richness.

10. Can I use other vegetables in this tuna salad?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumber, or even sweet corn for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This BEST Tuna Salad is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that comes together with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch or as a quick snack, it’s always a hit. With endless customization options, you can make it as simple or as adventurous as you like. This recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!

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