The Best Homemade Best Tuna Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade tuna salad is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy days or lazy lunches. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up with just a few fresh ingredients.
- Creamy and crunchy – The mix of mayo and crisp celery gives it the perfect texture.
- Versatile – Enjoy it on sandwiches, crackers, or straight from the bowl.
- No fuss – Ready in minutes, with no cooking required!
Recipe
This homemade tuna salad recipe is a classic, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light meal. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a quick and satisfying option for lunch or a snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork.
- Add mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in chopped parsley if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise.
- Add-ins like chopped pickles, hard-boiled eggs, or capers can enhance flavor.
Equipment:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 2-4 servings
Nutrition
This tuna salad is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious meal option. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my tuna salad with fresh side dishes, like crisp cucumber slices or a tangy coleslaw, to keep things light and balanced. A crunchy bread option, such as toasted sourdough or a buttery croissant, adds the perfect texture contrast. You can’t go wrong with these combos—they make every bite even more satisfying.
Fresh Side Dishes
When you’re serving up a hearty tuna salad, fresh side dishes can brighten the meal and add a satisfying crunch or tangy contrast. I love pairing mine with summer salads, like a crisp cucumber-tomato mix or a zesty kale slaw. Healthy dips, like hummus or Greek yogurt ranch, are perfect for scooping up with veggie sticks. A simple fruit salad adds sweetness, while pickled veggies bring a punchy bite. These sides keep things light but flavorful, balancing the richness of the tuna. Trust me, they’ll make your meal feel complete without weighing you down.
Crunchy Bread Options
Though tuna salad is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right crunchy bread can take your meal to the next level. I love serving mine with toasted baguette slices—they’re crisp, golden, and perfect for scooping up every bite. Crunchy breadsticks are another favorite, adding a fun, snackable twist. If you’re feeling fancy, try lightly buttering the baguette before toasting for extra flavor. The contrast of creamy tuna salad with that satisfying crunch? Pure magic. Trust me, once you try these combos, you’ll never go back to plain old sandwich bread again. Happy crunching!
