The Best Tuna Salad
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The Best Tuna Salad
Savor the simplicity and deliciousness of The Best Tuna Salad recipe. It's a easy timeless classic that never fails to satisfy, with its combination of flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing. It's the perfect combination of creamy and crispy, whether you enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, crackers or on its own!
Sometimes, you just want a really good tuna salad, right? The Best Tuna Salad is my absolute go-to for those moments. It's simple, packed with flavor, and always hits the spot. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even just as a quick protein-packed snack. It's got everything—meaty tuna, sweet relish + some satisfying crunch, and loads of flavor. Easy to make, super fresh and light, and just downright delicious!
We always keep a container of this tuna salad in the fridge for those busy days when we need a quick lunch or snack. It's so convenient, and it tastes so good! I love using Sweet + Spicy Herb Crackers, or some Naan bread to scoop up all the goodness. Oh, and if you're looking for a vegan-friendly option, I actually made a chickpea Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Sandwich that's just as delicious!
Jump to:
- How To Make The Best Tuna Salad
- Ingredients
- Why You Will Love The Best Tuna Salad
- What Goes With Tuna Salad? How Can I Use It?
- Tuna Salad Ingredient Add-In Ideas
- What Are The Health Benefits Of Tuna?
- What Is The Best Type Of Tuna To Use?
- The Best Tuna Salad Q + A's
- More Delicious Seafood Recipes
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- The Best Tuna Salad
How To Make The Best Tuna Salad
In a bowl, add the tuna, mayo, diced celery, onions, sweet relish, green onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, mixing together until combined and everything is coated. NOTE: Adjust seasonings to taste!
Ingredients
TUNA SALAD:
- Canned wild-caught tuna. Drained (I love using Albacore tuna)
- Vegan mayonnaise. You can sub with regular mayo, if desired!
- Celery stalk. Diced, this adds a nice crunch!
- Red onion. Diced (You can use white or yellow as well)
- Sweet relish. You can also use dill pickles or sweet pickles and chop them finely.
- Green onion. Thinly sliced (aka scallion).
- Lemon. Freshly-squeezed
- Dijon mustard. Adds a nice tangy taste.
- Seasonings. Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder + smoked paprika.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SALAD!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with The Best Tuna Salad. Everything from my fave loaf pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Why You Will Love The Best Tuna Salad
- Perfect for meal prepping --- Prepare a batch ahead of time for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
- SO versatile! Enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, salads, on crackers or as a protein-packed snack.
- Savory, salty, briny + sweet notes create a beautiful contrast of flavors.
- Takes just minutes to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.
- Fresh + light --- Provides a refreshing and satisfying option for lunch or snack time.
- Keeps well without sacrificing taste or texture.
What Goes With Tuna Salad? How Can I Use It?
While this tuna salad recipe is AMAZING all on its own, there are so many creative ways to serve it! Here are some of my faves:
- Sandwich or wraps. Spread tuna salad between two slices of bread or wrap it in a tortilla for a classic sandwich or wrap!
- On crackers. Scoop with your favorite crackers!
- Stuffed vegetables. Fill bell peppers, tomatoes, or avocado halves with tuna salad for a tasty and nutritious snack or light meal.
- Tuna melt. Pile tuna salad onto a slice of bread, top with cheese, and grill until melted for a warm and comforting tuna melt! Follow my vegan tuna melt recipe!
- Pasta salad. Mix tuna salad into cooked pasta with some veggies and dressing for a quick and satisfying pasta salad.
- Lettuce wrap. Stuff and enjoy the crunch!
Tuna Salad Ingredient Add-In Ideas
- Diced red bell peppers for sweetness and color
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added freshness
- Cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch
- Herb roasted tomatoes for some umami flavor!
- Capers for a briny flavor boost
- Cooked and crumbled bacon for a savory touch
- Diced jalapeños or chili peppers for heat
What Are The Health Benefits Of Tuna?
Tuna isn't just delicious; it's also packed with health benefits --- It's a fantastic source of high-quality protein, supplying essential amino acids that help build and repair muscles. Plus, tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function by reducing inflammation.
In addition to its protein and omega-3 content, tuna contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and iron, all crucial for overall health!
What Is The Best Type Of Tuna To Use?
For the best flavor, I prefer using wild-caught solid white albacore tuna packed in water. It's got a nice mild taste and holds up well in salads. But chunk light tuna works too, especially if you're watching your budget. And if you're feeling fancy, canned tuna packed in olive oil adds a nice richness. It's all about what you prefer!
The Best Tuna Salad Q + A's
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, depending on the ingredients.
Yes! In fact, making tuna salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together. It's perfect for meal prep or quick lunches during the week.
Absolutely! Canned tuna packed in oil adds a rich flavor to the salad!
Yes! You can create a vegan version of tuna salad using ingredients like chickpeas see my vegan tuna melt recipe here!
Yes, you can substitute vegan mayonnaise for regular mayo in the tuna salad.
More Delicious Seafood Recipes
If you enjoyed The Best Tuna Salad, definitely throw these mouthwatering seafood recipes onto your "must-make next" list:
- Jamaican Spicy 'Pepper' Shrimp
- Creamy Lobster Bisque
- Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp, Kale + Cauliflower Rice
- Savory Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Best Easy Blackened Shrimp Po’Boy
- Parmesan Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Linguine
- Jerk Lobster Rolls (Sweet & Spicy BBQ)
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this The Best Tuna Salad recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
The Best Tuna Salad
Ingredients
TUNA SALAD:
- 2 (5 oz.) cans wild-caught tuna, drained (I love using Albacore tuna)
- ¾ cup vegan mayonnaise (You can sub with regular mayo, if desired)
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- ¼ red onion, diced (You can use white or yellow as well)
- 2 Tbsps sweet relish (You can also use dill pickles or sweet pickles and chop them finely)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (aka scallion)
- ½ lemon, freshly-squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
TO MAKE THE TUNA SALAD:
- In a bowl, add the tuna, mayo, diced celery, onions, sweet relish, green onions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, mixing together until combined and everything is coated. NOTE: Adjust seasonings to taste!
- Serve immediately as a light lunch or snack with your favorites like Naan bread, bread, flatbread, crackers, atop a salad, raw veggies, etc.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, depending on the ingredients.
- HERB ROASTED TOMATOES: To see the recipe, tap this link.
Nutrition
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