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by Donya Mullins 16 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.
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Make this quick and easy recipe for the All-Time Best Tuna Salad! Flakey tuna is mixed with simple ingredients and a creamy dressing with a bright hint of lemon. It will soon become your go-to tuna salad recipe for lunch or a light dinner.
Cool, easy-to-make salads like Mom’s Egg Salad and Southern Ham Salad are two of my favorites when it comes to flavorful versatile recipes.
Sometimes, simple classic recipes are just the thing to make us happy. You know, food that’s made with really good ingredients that shine on their own.
That’s what I want when I think of Tuna Fish Salad. I’ve been making my version of tuna salad for years, so I’m confident in calling it the all-time best. It’s not fancy or pretentious. It’s just good. Really, really good.
Tuna Salad Ingredients
- Water-packed Tuna – I use high-quality canned tuna, but you can also use oil-packed tuna if you prefer.
- Boiled Eggs- Add a rich and creamy texture.
- Celery- Provides the perfect crunch.
- Onions- In addition to adding more crunch, onions also add a bit of zing.
- Mayonnaise- Ties everything together while creating a creamy base.
- Lemon Juice- A splash of lemon juice adds a bit of tang (and sunshine).
- Celery Seeds- Combined with the other seasonings, this tuna salad has an amazing flavor.
- Salt and Pepper- Bring all the flavors together.
Additions and Variations
- Take your tuna salad up a notch with a Southern twist – toss in some finely chopped pecans for a crunchy, nutty goodness.
- Give your tuna salad a sweet touch by infusing the mayo with a dash of sweet pickle relish or dill pickles for a zesty kick.
- If you like it tangy, add some Dijon mustard.
- Toss in avocados, cucumbers, or tomatoes for a veggie vibe.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, and chives add brightness.
How to Make the Best Tuna Salad (Ever!)
- Step 1 – Add tuna, eggs, celery, red onion, and celery seed to a medium bowl.
- Step 2 – In a small bowl or jar, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix or shake together.
- Last but not least – Stir to combine, then taste to adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How To Serve Easy Classic Tuna Salad
It makes a great lunch served on a bed of lettuce with a few crackers (Spicy Ranch Crackers are my fav) and a helping of Sweet Heat Pickles. I love it as a dip with potato or tortilla chips.
Make a delicious tuna sandwich on toasted Beer Bread with lettuce and tomato. If you want to up your tuna salad with egg game even further, pile it on bread, add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, then put it under the broiler for a minute or two for the ultimate Tuna Melt.
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Questions And Answers For Easy Tuna Salad
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier option?
Absolutely! Substituting Greek yogurt for mayo adds a tangy twist and a dose of creaminess while keeping it light and healthy.
What kind of tuna works best in this recipe?
I like to use tuna packed in water in a foil pouch. If you want to use tuna packed in oil, just cut back on the mayo.
Do I need to drain the tuna?
Yes. Draining the tuna keeps the mixture from becoming wet and soggy.
Can I substitute chicken for tuna?
Sure, use leftover or canned chicken to make chicken salad.
Craving More? Try These Salad Recipes
Couscous Salad With Tomatoes And Feta
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Greek Pasta Salad (Quick And Easy)
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
If you tried thisTuna Salad Recipeor any other recipe, please leave a 🌟star ratingand let me know how it went in thecommentsbelow. Thanks!
5 from 16 votes
All Time Best Tuna Salad
Author: Donya Mullins
Course: Main Course, Salad, Snack
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 212kcal
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Make this quick and easy recipe for the All-Time Best Tuna Salad! Flakey tuna mixed with perfectly boiled eggs, crunchy celery and onions tossed in a creamy dressing that's lighted up with lemon and seasoned perfectly will soon become your go-to tuna salad recipe. For lunch or a light dinner, this classic recipe can't be beat.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 6.4 ounce packages tuna packed in water
- 2 hard-boiled eggs- chopped
- ¼ cup celery – finely chopped (about 2 stalks)
- ¼ cup red onion – finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ cup mayonaissse
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
To a medium-size bowl, add tuna, eggs, celery, red onion, celery seed.
In a small bowl or jar, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix or shake together. Pour over tuna and other ingredients. Stir to combine. Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
- Substituting Greek yogurt for mayo adds a tangy twist and a dose of creaminess while keeping it light and healthy.
- I like to use tuna packed in water in a foil pouch. If you want to use tuna packed in oil, just cut back on the mayo.
- Draining the tuna keeps the mixture from becoming wet and soggy.
Nutritional values provided are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used.
Nutrition
Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 372mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 153IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make my All Time Best Tuna Salad?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Crystal
Love me some tuna sandwiches and this recipe is calling my name. Never thought to add eggs so I’m anxious to try and that doubles the protein as well. Usually add sliced green onions, but love the idea of red onions as they’re on the sweet side. Yum!!Reply
- Susan
This is the same recipe I have used for over 60 years. You don’t nessessarily have to use red onion, could be white or yellow.
Reply
- Marian Brown
This is an awesome recipe. My husband and I have loved one particular recipe for so many years and I saw this one and decided to try it. We both love it! 5 stars! Thanks!Reply
- Donya Mullins
Thank you so much, Marian!
~DonyaReply
- CHRISTIAN
Are you supposed to add celery seed twice, or is this a mistake?
Reply
- Donya Mullins
Ahh – I saw what you were asking about and everything has been updated.
Enjoy the recipe!Reply
- Alice M. Carlson
Love this recipe. Been trying to find a copy cat for Jason’s Deli and this came closeReply
- Donya Mullins
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your outstanding rating as well.
~DonyaReply
- Nancy
I love to it horseradish in my tuna salad. It is delicious the day you make it, but after the first day, you can’t taste it…..Reply
- Donya
Hey there Nancy!
I like the way you think, adding horseradish is a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing and for your phenomenal rating, I really appreciate your support! If you ever have any questions about a recipe, please don’t hesitate to ask, I’m always happy to help!
~DonyaReply
- Mona
The tuna salad looks and sounds delicious. I add chopped fresh dill (or dried) and some apple cider vinegar
- Lavonne
This is very tasty. I also added some pickle relish and some brown mustard. Delicious.Reply
- Donya
Hey there Lavonne!
Wow! Thank you so much for this fantastic rating, it sounds like you made some delicious changes, I’ll add some relish on occasion as well! I really appreciate your kind words and your support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please feel free to reach out!
~DonyaReply
- AB
Grated hard boiled eggs in tuna salad is the best! Grew up on a recipe similar to this.Reply
- Donya
Hey there!
Thank you so much for your fantastic rating! I’m so glad you liked the recipe, I like to to bring back some nostalgic recipes so I love hearing comments like yours. Thank you for your support!
~DonyaReply
- Cheryl
So easy to make! I love the celery seeds, too. This is my new favorite tuna salad recipe. Thanks!Reply
