The Best Classic Tuna Salad Recipe

If you are looking for the perfect side dish to bring to a BBQ or a fun event, check out this amazing tuna pasta salad! Super simple ingredients and packed with flavor!

Embark on a refreshing culinary journey with our Classic Tuna Salad. This dish combines flaky tuna with the satisfying crunch of celery and onions, all harmonized by the tangy creaminess of mayonnaise and a zing of lemon juice. Quick, easy, and packed with protein, our tuna salad is a wonderful solution for a light lunch, dinner, or anytime snack.

What is Tuna Salad?

If you are looking for a tasty, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish, look no further than tuna salad!

Tuna salad is a dish made from canned tuna fish mixed with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and other seasonings. It can be eaten on its own or served as part of a larger meal.

Tuna salad is a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which make it a healthy choice for any occasion.

It is also very easy to customize to your taste preferences, so you can make it exactly the way you like it. Give this delicious side dish a try today!

Tuna Salad FAQs:

1. What kind of tuna should I use? Canned tuna in water or oil both work well. If you want a milder flavor, opt for albacore. For a stronger, more ‘fishy’ flavor, choose chunk light tuna.

2. Can I make it healthier? Yes, you can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version. You can also add more vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.

3. Can I add other ingredients to my tuna salad? Absolutely! Tuna salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add chopped pickles, olives, hard-boiled eggs, or any of your favorite ingredients.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Drain the tuna well to avoid a watery salad.
2. For the best texture, chop your add-ins (like celery and onions) finely.
3. Make your tuna salad in advance. The flavors meld and improve after a few hours in the fridge.

What can I mix with canned tuna?

There are many different ways that you can mix canned tuna to create a delicious and healthy salad.

Some popular mix-ins include:

• Mayonnaise
• Celery
• Onion
• Dill pickles
• Hard boiled eggs
• Parsley
• Pepper
• Lemon juice

What is the best way to eat tuna salad?

Tuna salad can be eaten in many different ways. It can be served on its own as a side dish, or you can use it to make a sandwich or wrap.

Variations:

1. Mediterranean Tuna Salad: Add chopped cucumber, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, and dress with olive oil and lemon juice.
2. Spicy Tuna Salad: Add a dash of hot sauce or a bit of chopped jalapeños for a kick.
3. Nicoise-Style Tuna Salad: Incorporate boiled potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs for a hearty spin.

Where to Serve:

Our Classic Tuna Salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, either served on a bed of lettuce, sandwiched between bread, or stuffed into a ripe tomato or avocado. It’s also a fantastic choice for picnics, potlucks, or any gatherings where you need a portable, crowd-pleasing dish.

It is also a great topping for crackers or celery sticks. If you are looking for a low carb option, you can even eat it straight out of the bowl! It’s the best tuna salad recipe that you can serve on a bed of lettuce or a bed of greens in a large bowl. It’s a basic recipe and a family favorite.

No matter how you choose to eat it, tuna salad is a delicious and nutritious option that will leave you feeling satisfied.

How do I store tuna salad?

Store your tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Note that it’s not suitable for freezing, as the mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them:

1. Watery Salad: If your salad is too watery, ensure you drain the canned tuna thoroughly before mixing.
2. Lack of Flavor: Don’t forget to season your salad. Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon can make a huge difference.
3. Too Heavy: If your salad feels too heavy, try using half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt to lighten it up.

Topping Options:

Consider garnishing your tuna salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for extra freshness and color. A dash of paprika can also add a nice touch of color and a hint of smoky flavor.

What ingredients do you need for this tuna salad?

• Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and smashed with a fork
• 1 ½ cups creamy mayonnaise, plus more to taste
• ½ cup sweet relish
• 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chopped celery (from about 3 stalks, optional)
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped (optional)
•  Paprika, for garnish

You won’t need any green onion, red onion, olive oil or miracle whip for this easy recipe.

You can use this classic tuna salad recipe in lettuce wraps for one of those great healthy meals. You can also make tuna salad sandwiches for an easy lunch with white bread. You can even make an open-faced sandwich with sweet pickles and lettuce leaves.

This delicious tuna salad is a quick meal and a good option to serve with tortilla chips. This healthy tuna salad recipe is one of those classic recipes and one of my favorite things to make for lunch.

Our Classic Tuna Salad recipe is a winner for its simplicity, versatility, and flavor. It takes minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients, yet delivers a refreshing and satisfying meal. It’s a great source of lean protein and can be easily adjusted to cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you’re after a light lunch or a versatile spread for sandwiches and wraps, this tuna salad fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy the play of textures and the harmony of flavors that make this humble dish a beloved classic.

Check out the recipe card below for one of the easiest tuna recipes!

Yield: 12 servings

The Best Classic Tuna Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

The super easy and tasty tuna salad recipe great for any occasion!

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Ingredients

• Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and smashed with a fork
• 1 ½ cups creamy mayonnaise, plus more to taste
• ½ cup sweet relish
• 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chopped celery (from about 3 stalks, optional)
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped (optional)
•  Paprika, for garnish

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, and cook the macaroni according to package instructions, until slightly pasta al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water until the pasta is cool and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, tuna, eggs, mayonnaise, relish, mustard, onion powder, pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Add chopped celery and onion, if using, and toss gently with a spoon to combine.
3. Taste and adjust salt and mayonnaise as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, and up to overnight. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish before serving cold.

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 305Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 49mgSodium 396mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 1gSugar 5gProtein 7g

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