Classic Tuna Salad

A classic tuna salad recipe is one of my go-to easy lunches. Flaky tuna is mixed with crisp celery, onions, dill pickles, and a creamy mayo dressing.

Perfect for tuna salad sandwiches or creamy tuna melts with some coleslaw on the side!  Whip up a salad or sandwiches or even scoop it into half an avocado for a fancy (and low carb) dish!

How to Make Tuna Salad

Tuna is a great protein that requires very little prep making it the perfect addition to tuna casseroles,  tuna macaroni salads or even just to top a bed of lettuce! Because it’s so easy to make, tuna fish is a great lunch recipe!

1. TUNA
   Drain a can of flaked tuna in water. Albacore tuna has the freshest flavor, any brand will do as long as it’s packed in water. Put the tuna into a bowl and use a fork to gently separate the pieces.
2. ADD-INS
   Add diced celery, chopped dill pickles (or sweet relish if you prefer).Sliced green onion and mix well. These all add great flavor and crunch, you can add in your own favorite including sweet dill pickles or diced cucumber!
3. DRESSING
   Gently fold in the mayonnaise, the Dijon, and lemon juice. Add a little salt and pepper to taste and keep chilled!

If you’ve got fresh herbs on hand, add them in! Don’t be afraid to add a dash of your favorite spice mix. I like to serve tuna salad sandwiches on whole wheat bread or a darker loaf like rye. It’s also delicious on croissants like shrimp salad!

How Long Does Tuna Salad Last?

If it doesn’t get eaten up first because it really IS that good, tuna fish salad will keep in the fridge for a few days. Because it has fish and mayonnaise in it, be careful to not leave it out on the counter for too long.

Make that tuna fish sandwich and put the tuna salad back in the fridge in an airtight container to keep it as fresh as possible! The best tuna salad is fresh and safe to eat!

To Freeze

Tuna salad can be frozen, but may need to be drained after it is thawed out. Celery & pickles will lose some of their crunch so you might like to add a bit extra upon defrosting.

More Easy Salads

• Sweet Potato Salad – the perfect side dish
• Shrimp Salad
• Creamy Carrot Salad – so fresh
• Classic Chicken Salad
• Ham Salad – favorite!

Did you love this Tuna Salad recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

4.87 from 38 votes

Review Recipe

Tuna Salad

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author Holly Nilsson

Course Fish, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine American

This easy tuna salad recipe is perfect in tuna salad sandwiches or next to some coleslaw!

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Ingredients

• ▢ 12 ounces white flaked tuna in water, drained
• ▢ ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 2 dill pickles finely chopped
• ▢ 1 stalk celery finely diced
• ▢ 1 green onion sliced
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dijon
• ▢ 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ▢ salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

• Drain the tuna well.
• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
• Use to top a salad, in sandwiches or to add to pasta salads.

Recipe Notes

Tuna salad will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Stir and add some salt & pepper to refresh flavors. 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 366, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 48mg, Sodium: 783mg, Potassium: 208mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 210IU, Vitamin C: 1.7mg, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1.6mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword best tuna salad recipe, how to make tuna salad, tuna salad, tuna salad sandwiches

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