The Best Homemade Tuna Salad Recipe

Great homemade tuna salad recipe—creamy, tangy, and ready in minutes, but the secret ingredient will surprise you.

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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

creamy tuna salad 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:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Mix well.
  2. Add the chopped celery, red onion, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir until thoroughly combined.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. 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:

Calories250 kcal
Protein20 g
Fat15 g
Carbs5 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar2 g
Sodium400 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.

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