This Tuna Salad Recipe is my go-to meal on warm summer days. Made with wholesome ingredients like flaky tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, and red onion, it’s both delicious and nutritious.Enjoy it in sandwiches, on a bed of greens, wrapped in lettuce, or fill avocado boats for a satisfying work lunch or easy weeknight meal.
Making tuna salad at home is super quick and easy. My mum usually packed it for my school lunches, and it was my favorite meal of the day. As a grownup, I still have this salad but wrapped in lettuce or with keto bread or served as a dip for my seeds crackers.
It’s a versatile recipe that’s made with just a few pantry staples.
Watch our quick video to see exactly how to make the best tuna salad.
Why Will You Absolutely Love This Easy and Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe?
- Incredibly Versatile: It’s super easy to customize and adapt to your preferences. Add in your favorite veggies, herbs, or even a sprinkle of spice to make it uniquely yours.
- Quick and Effortless: Craving a delicious meal in no time? Look no further! This recipe can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, from start to finish. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a healthy and satisfying meal in a flash.
- Make-Ahead Option: Planning ahead? This tuna salad is ideal for prepping in advance. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge, ready to enjoy whenever hunger strikes. It’s a convenient and time-saving option for meal-prepping or packed lunches.
- Creamy and Bursting with Flavor: Get ready for a taste sensation! This tuna salad boasts a luscious, creamy texture that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
- Naturally Low-Carb: Watching your carb intake? No worries! This tuna salad is crafted from naturally low-carb ingredients, making it a fantastic choice for those following a low-carb lifestyle or a keto diet.
- Customizable Delight: Whether it’s a dash of paprika, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a sprinkle of your secret spice blend, make it uniquely suited to your taste buds.
Ingredients for Tuna Salad
Just a few essential ingredients are needed for this classic recipe.
- Canned Tuna – Two 6-ounce cans of tuna are needed for this recipe.
- Mayonnaise – We’re using a small amount of mayo in this recipe. I usually go for avocado oil mayo because it’s higher in healthy fats.
- Greek Yogurt – It’s a fantastic substitute for mayo, and it keeps the calories in check. But hey, if you’re not worried about the extra calories, go ahead and stick with mayo.
- Celery – Let’s add some satisfying crunch to this salad by dicing up a nice, big celery stalk.
- Red onion – Tuna and red onion are a match made in flavor heaven. Seriously, they’re meant to be together! In this recipe, a small minced onion will do the trick, but if you’re a die-hard fan of red onion like me, don’t hesitate to add more.
- Pickles – Don’t dig pickles? No problem! Swap them out for fresh dill or chopped parsley to switch up the flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice – It adds a refreshing tang that brings all the flavors together.
- Salt and Pepper – Lastly, season this salad to perfection with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, adjusting it to your personal taste preferences.
How to Make Tuna Salad
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious tuna salad:
Start by draining your tuna. Grab a can opener and cut off the lid of the tuna can. Hold the lid against the tuna and carefully drain most of the liquid into the sink. Remove the lid completely and transfer the tuna to a bowl.
Chop up all your vegetables.
Take a celery stalk, a dill pickle, and some red onion, and give them a nice dice. Add all the chopped veggies to the same bowl with the tuna.
Time to add the creamy goodness! Add the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to the bowl. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the mixture as well. Now, season it all to taste with salt and pepper.
Mix the Salad
Grab a fork and start mixing everything together. Make sure to thoroughly combine all the ingredients and break up any large chunks of tuna. The fork will help you achieve a nice, evenly mixed salad.
Once you’ve mixed it all up, take a moment to taste your creation. Adjust the seasonings as needed. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even sprinkle in some chili flakes to add a little kick.
And there you have it! Your delicious tuna salad is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it up on some fresh bread, a bed of greens, or simply enjoy it on its own. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s packed with flavor.
Tip: If you have the time, I highly recommend chilling this tuna salad in the fridge for a few hours. It allows the flavors to meld together and develop even more deliciousness. However, I totally understand the excitement of wanting to dig in right away when you make it. Either way, whether you enjoy it immediately or let it chill, this tuna salad is sure to taste incredible!
How to Serve Tuna Salad?
While this recipe is great to serve as it is, I’ll give you my favorite ways to enjoy it.
- On a salad bed – Get a large plate, top with 2-3 handfuls of mixed greens, and top with spoonfuls of tuna salad.
- Sandwiches: Use a few slices of any of your favorite gluten-free bread and make delicious tuna sandwiches.
- Wraps: If you’re looking for a different twist, use egg white wraps to transform the tuna salad into a flavorful wrap. Spread the tuna salad onto the wrap, add some additional veggies if desired, roll it up, and enjoy a portable and tasty lunch.
- Lettuce Wrap: For a lighter and lower-carb option, try using lettuce wraps instead of bread or wraps. Take large lettuce leaves, such as romaine or iceberg, and fill them with the tuna salad. Roll it up, and you have a refreshing and healthy lettuce wrap.
- Avocado Boats: Elevate the presentation and taste by stuffing this delicious tuna salad into halved avocados. Scoop out the pit from a ripe avocado and fill the hollowed-out area with the tuna salad. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the flavors of the salad.
- Dip: If you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a snack option, serve the tuna salad in small bowls as a dip. Pair it with seed crackers or low-carb chips, and your guests can enjoy scooping up the flavorful salad with a crunchy bite.
Tips and Variations
- Customize to Your Taste: Make this tuna salad truly your own by incorporating additional ingredients. Dice up some colorful bell peppers and cucumbers for added crunch and freshness. Enhance the flavor with finely chopped dill or incorporate the creaminess of hard-boiled eggs. For a tangy twist, a dollop of mustard can work wonders.
- Irresistible Cheesy Addition: Take your tuna salad to the next level by sprinkling in some grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a burst of flavor and richness that will make your taste buds sing.
- Spicy Kick: Craving some heat? Spice up your tuna salad by adding diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preference and enjoy the fiery goodness.
- Get Creative with Additions: Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with additional ingredients. Consider incorporating ingredients like diced chopped olives, roasted corn kernels, or even chopped pickles. These additions can add unique flavors and textures to your tuna salad, making it a delightful culinary adventure.
How Long to Store Tuna Salad?
Fridge: This tuna salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, it’s important to remember that it contains fish and mayo, so it’s crucial to avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long to prevent any potential food safety issues.
When you’re ready to enjoy your tuna salad, check for any excess liquids that may have accumulated. Simply discard the excess liquid before serving. Give the salad a good toss to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed, and then you’re ready to dig in and savor the flavors.
Can I Freeze Tuna Salad?
Now, if you’re wondering whether this tuna salad is freezer friendly, the answer is yes! If you have any leftovers that you’d like to save for later, transfer the salad into a freezer-safe container. It’s best to consume it within 1-2 months for optimal taste and texture.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen tuna salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, check for any extra liquids and discard them. Give the salad a thorough toss to ensure everything is well incorporated, and then it’s ready to be savored once again.
More Easy Salad Recipes
- Creamy Homemade Coleslaw Salad Recipe
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
- German Cucumber Salad
- Best Egg Salad
Best Easy and Healthy Tuna Salad
Description
Ingredients
- 2 6 oz each tuna packed in water drained
- 1 small dill pickle diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1/4 cup red onion minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 2%+ fat
- 1/4 cup mayo I use the avocado oil one
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt or more to taste
- ¼ tsp Ground black pepper or more to taste
Instructions
- Open the tuna cans and drain the liquids.
- Chop the pickles, celery, red onion, and transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the tuna flakes, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper.
- Use a fork to stir well all the ingredients.
- Enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, and refrigerate the leftovers for up to 4 days.
Video
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
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