Tuna Salad – Easy Healthy

This tuna salad recipe is a delightful blend of creamy and savory flavors, making it a perfect dish for lunch or a quick dinner. Combining flaky tuna, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s versatile enough to be served on its own, in a sandwich, or even as a topping for greens. Whether you’re a busy professional or a parent on the go, this tuna salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will adore this tuna salad recipe for its incredible flavor and effortless preparation. The balance of rich mayonnaise and tangy Dijon mustard with fresh ingredients creates a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s a great fit for those following a high-protein, low-carb diet, making it perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. Plus, it can be whipped up in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

Tips and Tricks

• Use quality tuna: Opt for sustainably sourced tuna packed in water or olive oil for the best flavor.
• Chill your ingredients: For a refreshing salad, chill your tuna and vegetables before mixing.
• Add texture: Incorporate chopped nuts or seeds for a satisfying crunch.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Use a fork: Flake the tuna gently with a fork to maintain some larger pieces for texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make your salad mushy. Gently combine the ingredients to keep some chunks intact.
• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to a bland salad; don’t forget salt and pepper.
• Using the wrong tuna: Avoid using flavored or pre-seasoned tuna, as it can overpower the other ingredients.
• Not tasting as you go: Always taste your salad before serving; you may need to adjust seasonings.

Make Ahead Tips

This tuna salad can easily be made ahead of time. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can chop your vegetables and prepare the dressing a day before to save time. Just mix everything together right before serving to keep it fresh.

Recipe Variations

• Mediterranean Tuna Salad: Add olives, feta cheese, and capers for a Mediterranean twist.
• Avocado Tuna Salad: Swap out mayonnaise for mashed avocado for a healthier, creamy alternative.
• Spicy Tuna Salad: Mix in sriracha or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps: Serve the tuna salad in crisp lettuce leaves instead of bread for a low-carb option.

How to Serve

Serve this tuna salad chilled or at room temperature in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with whole-grain crackers, toasted bread, or a simple green salad. For a more elegant presentation, use a ring mold to shape the salad on the plate.

Pairing Suggestions

For drink pairings, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with lemon works well. As for side dishes, consider serving it with a light cucumber salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks for dipping.

How to Store

Store any leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To reheat, simply let it come to room temperature before serving; there’s no need to actually heat it.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining ingredients.
• Fork: For flaking the tuna and mixing.
• Chopping board and knife: For preparing vegetables.
• Airtight container: To store leftovers.

Dietary Adaptations

To make this recipe vegan, substitute tuna with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise. For those with nut allergies, simply omit any nuts or seeds. To make it gluten-free, ensure that any bread or crackers used are certified gluten-free.

Seasonal Adaptations

In the summer, consider adding fresh tomatoes or corn for a sweet crunch. In the fall, you can incorporate diced apples or pears for a delightful sweet contrast. Adjust your herbs to use fresh basil or cilantro based on the season.

Cost Breakdown

This tuna salad is budget-friendly, costing approximately $2-3 per serving. To keep costs down, look for canned tuna on sale or buy in bulk. Substituting fresh vegetables with frozen options can also save some money.

Kitchen Hacks

• Use a can opener that lifts the lid completely for easy access to the tuna.
• To quickly chop vegetables, use a food processor if you have one; it saves time and ensures even pieces.
• If you want to soften your mayonnaise quickly, place the jar in warm water for a few minutes before using it.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned? Yes, but you will need to cook it first, and it may change the texture of the salad.
• How long does tuna salad last in the fridge? It lasts up to three days when stored properly in an airtight container.
• Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise? Absolutely! It’s a great way to reduce calories and add protein.

How To Make tuna salad recipe

Yield: 4

Tuna Salad

Print

This tuna salad recipe is a delightful blend of creamy and savory flavors, making it a perfect dish for lunch or a quick dinner. 

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add the chopped celery, red onion, and dill pickles to the bowl.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, add lemon juice for brightness.
4. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 107Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 6mgSodium 344mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 1g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Final Thoughts

This tuna salad recipe is not only quick and simple but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, it’s a dish that can be easily customized to fit your preferences. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own. Enjoy crafting this delightful salad that’s sure to please everyone at the table!