Tuna Salad

You can make this creamy tuna salad in only ten minutes using pantry staples. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and totally satisfying!

This go-to recipe works great for lunch, dinner, or even a last-minute picnic. Scoop it into wraps, sandwiches, or crackers and enjoy every bite!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy, classic tuna salad:

• ⅔ cup + 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 (5-ounce) cans chunk light tuna, drained and flaked
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ⅓ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
• ⅓ cup finely diced red onion

🐟 Best Tuna for Tuna Salad

Use chunk light or flake light tuna for a rich, bold flavor, or choose albacore for something milder. Avoid white or yellowfin tuna since they tend to have higher mercury levels. Check your can's label to make sure you’re getting the type you want!

• 🔁 Mayo Swap: Use Miracle Whip for a sweeter, tangier twist.
• 🥜 Nuts: Try pecans, almonds, or cashews instead of walnuts for a crunchy surprise.
• 🥒 Mix-Ins: Add chopped green onions, French fried onions, dill pickles, or radishes for bold crunch.
• 🌶️ Spicy Version: Mix a little sriracha or hot sauce into the mayo for extra heat!

Follow these simple steps for the best creamy tuna salad:

STEP ONE:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper.

These three easy serving ideas make this best tuna salad recipe even more fun to enjoy:

• Make a Sandwich Platter
  Pile the tuna salad onto soft rolls or buttery croissants for a filling lunch. Serve with air fryer frozen french fries and creamy Hawaiian macaroni salad.
• Scoop into Lettuce Wraps
  For a low-carb option, spoon tuna salad into crisp lettuce leaves. Serve with cucumber bites or a light pasta salad for a refreshing meal.
• Snack Board Style
  Serve in a bowl with crackers, sliced veggies, and cheese cubes for a build-your-own snack board. Add a warm bowl of crockpot potato soup or sweet ambrosia salad on the side!

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, no special ingredients or complicated steps required.
• Packed with Flavor: Creamy, crunchy, and savory with every bite.
• Versatile: Serve it cold, warm, as a tuna salad sandwich, wrap, or dip - it all works!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make your sahead and enjoy stress-free lunches for the next two days.

This simple tuna salad recipe with celery and onion is about to be your new lunchtime favorite. Give it a try today!

What other ingredients go well in tuna salad?
You can add hard-boiled eggs, chopped pickles, shredded carrots, or even a little grated cheese.

Do I need to rinse canned tuna?
No, but rinsing can help remove extra salt or oil if your tuna is packed in water or oil.

What seasonings work best with tuna?
Try a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of dill, black pepper, or even a little garlic powder for extra flavor.

Should I use mayo or Miracle Whip?
Either works! Mayo is classic and creamy, while Miracle Whip adds a touch of sweetness and spice.

What are some fun ways to serve tuna salad?
We guarantee you'll want to eat this tuna salad with a fork! And, of course, you can make tuna salad sandwiches on toast or fresh bread. Scoop it onto crackers, wrap it in lettuce, or stuff it into sandwich rolls—each one is fun and filling.

Is tuna salad good for lunchboxes?
Yes! Pack it with bread, crackers, or veggies for a grab-and-go lunch everyone will love.

Can I serve tuna salad warm?
Yes! Make a quick tuna melt by toasting it on bread with cheese for a hot and tasty twist.

Can I make this tuna salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can! We suggest making it no more than a day ahead of when you plan to serve it.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd!

How long can I store tuna salad?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Can I freeze tuna salad?
You can freeze it for up to one week, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. Use an airtight container.