Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s a classic recipe that combines the goodness of canned tuna with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing.

This dish is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a side for gatherings and picnics. The beauty of tuna salad lies in its adaptability – you can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding various ingredients like diced pickles, fresh herbs, or spices.

The basic components of a traditional tuna salad include canned tuna, mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and tangy red onions. However, creativity knows no bounds when it comes to variations. Some like to include Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick.

Enjoy tuna salad as a standalone dish, scoop it onto crackers for a quick snack, or spread it between two slices of bread for a delightful sandwich. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a beloved choice for meals any time of the year.

Explore the world of flavors and textures with this easy-to-make yet immensely satisfying tuna salad!

Print Recipe

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that's both simple to make and incredibly satisfying. It's a classic recipe that combines the goodness of canned tuna with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time17 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Drinks

Keyword: Tuna Salad

Servings: 2

Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cans 5 oz each of tuna, drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise adjust to taste
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt optional, for added creaminess
• 1 celery stalk finely chopped
• 1/4 red onion finely chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional add-ins: diced pickles chopped parsley, diced bell peppers, etc.

Instructions

• Prepare the Tuna: Drain the canned tuna and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Use a fork to break up any large chunks.
• Add Ingredients: Add chopped celery, red onion, and any optional add-ins to the bowl with the tuna.
• Mix Dressing: In a separate small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amount of mayo and lemon juice to your taste preferences.
• Combine: Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture in the bowl.
• Mix Thoroughly: Gently fold the ingredients together until the tuna and veggies are evenly coated with the dressing.
• Chill (Optional): You can chill the tuna salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
• Serve: Enjoy the tuna salad on its own, as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or with salad greens.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences. Some people like to add mustard, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or different herbs for extra flavor. It's a versatile recipe!

TUNA SALAD VARIATIONS

1. Mediterranean Tuna Salad: Incorporate ingredients like chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a Mediterranean twist.
2. Spicy Tuna Salad: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to give your tuna salad a spicy kick.
3. Avocado Tuna Salad: Mash up ripe avocado and use it as a creamy alternative to some or all of the mayonnaise. It adds richness and a different texture to the salad.
4. Asian-Inspired Tuna Salad: Mix in soy sauce, sesame oil, chopped scallions, shredded carrots, and sesame seeds for an Asian flair.
5. Tuna Salad with Apples and Walnuts: Incorporate diced apples and chopped walnuts for a refreshing and crunchy texture contrast.
6. Curried Tuna Salad: Add a sprinkle of curry powder, diced mango or raisins, and a dollop of yogurt for a flavorful and slightly sweet variation.
7. Protein-Packed Tuna Salad: Mix in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or black beans to boost the protein and make it more filling.
8. Tuna Salad Wraps: Use lettuce leaves or whole-grain wraps instead of bread for a lighter, low-carb option.
9. Herbed Tuna Salad: Add freshly chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
10. Tuna Pasta Salad: Combine cooked pasta (like rotini or penne) with the tuna salad for a heartier dish.

Remember, these variations are just starting points! Feel free to mix and match ingredients, spices, and seasonings to create your own unique tuna salad recipe. It’s a flexible dish that can accommodate various tastes and dietary preferences.

WHAT GOES WITH TUNA SALAD?

Tuna salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and accompaniments. Here are some great options to serve alongside or pair with tuna salad:

1. Breads and Crackers:
   • Serve tuna salad in sandwiches between slices of bread (white, wheat, rye, or any favorite type) or in wraps.
   • Crackers or toasted bread make a great base for serving tuna salad as appetizers or snacks.
2. Salad Greens:
   • Serve tuna salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light and refreshing meal.
   • It also works well as a topping for a classic Caesar salad or a Nicoise salad.
3. Sides and Accompaniments:
   • Chips or Fries: Potato chips, vegetable chips, or crispy fries complement the creaminess of the salad.
   • Soup: Pair with a bowl of tomato soup, vegetable soup, or a chilled gazpacho.
   • Pickles or Olives: Serve with a side of pickles, olives, or pickled vegetables for added tanginess.
   • Fruit: Fresh fruit like sliced apples, grapes, or a fruit salad adds a contrasting sweetness.
4. Vegetable Dishes:
   • Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted veggies such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for a mix of textures.
   • Grilled Vegetables: Grilled asparagus, eggplant, or squash make tasty accompaniments.
5. Dips and Spreads:
   • Serve with a variety of dips like hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki for a diverse flavor profile.
6. Pasta or Grains:
   • Tuna salad can be paired with cooked pasta (penne, rotini) for a more substantial meal or served with quinoa, couscous, or rice.
7. Garnishes:
   • Top the tuna salad with extra herbs, sliced tomatoes, avocado, or a sprinkle of paprika for a finishing touch.

HOW LONG DOES TUNA SALAD LAST?

Tuna salad can generally last for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, several factors can affect its shelf life:

1. Storage: Keep the tuna salad in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and bacteria. A sealed container helps maintain its freshness.
2. Ingredients: If your tuna salad contains ingredients like mayonnaise or dairy products (like yogurt), they can impact its longevity. Dairy-based products might shorten the storage time, so it’s best to consume within a few days.
3. Freshness of Ingredients: The freshness of the ingredients used in the salad also matters. If the tuna used was close to its expiration date or if any other fresh ingredients were nearing spoilage, it can impact how long the salad stays good.
4. Temperature: Always store tuna salad in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. Don’t leave it at room temperature for an extended period, especially if it contains mayonnaise or other perishable ingredients.
5. Observation: If you notice any changes in smell, appearance, or texture, it’s best to discard the tuna salad even if it’s within the suggested storage time.

To extend its shelf life, consider storing any dressing or sauce separately and mixing it with the tuna salad just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming too soggy if it sits for an extended period.