What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade tuna salad is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, sandwich filling, or light dinner.
- Quick and simple – Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal prep work.
- Customizable – Add your favorite ingredients like celery, cucumbers, or a squeeze of lemon for extra zing.
- Healthy and satisfying – Loaded with protein and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free meal option.
Recipe

This classic homemade tuna salad is a quick and easy dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads. It’s creamy, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix well.
- Add the chopped celery, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes:
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Add-ins like chopped pickles, capers, or hard-boiled eggs can enhance the flavor.
Equipment:
Medium mixing bowl, mixing spoon
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 4
Nutrition
Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Here is the breakdown for one serving of homemade tuna salad:
| Calories | 250 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbs | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade tuna salad with crisp, fresh sides like cucumber slices or buttery crackers—they add the perfect crunch. For something heartier, I’ll toss it on a bed of greens or stuff it into a fluffy pita pocket. If I’m feeling fancy, I might even serve it alongside a tangy coleslaw or some sweet pickles for a fun contrast.
Side Dish Ideas
When I’m whipping up a batch of homemade tuna salad, I always think about what sides’ll round out the meal perfectly. A handful of salty potato chips adds a nice crunch, while fresh veggies like sliced cucumbers or carrot sticks keep it light. Sometimes I’ll toast a slice of sourdough bread or grab a buttered roll for a simple sandwich option. For a heartier choice, I love pairing it with a scoop of pasta salad or a few crackers on the side. If I’m feeling fancy, a small green salad with a tangy vinaigrette does the trick. It’s all about balance!
Complementary Pairings
Though tuna salad’s delicious on its own, it really shines when paired with the right sides. I love serving it with crisp lettuce leaves or toasted whole-grain bread for a classic sandwich. Crunchy celery sticks, cucumber slices, or even crackers add a revitalizing contrast. Sometimes, I’ll toss it into a green salad with cherry tomatoes and avocado for a light lunch. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll top a baked potato with it—so hearty and satisfying. Don’t forget a side of pickles or olives for a tangy kick! These combos make every bite even better, trust me.








