The Ultimate Tuna Salad: Creamy, Crunchy, Craveable

Elevate your tuna fish salad! This recipe is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Forget boring tuna, this is a proper lunchtime treat. Get the recipe now!

May 29, 2025
By Laura Tide.
Updated May 28, 2025

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself staring blankly in the fridge? fancy a proper filling lunch? this tuna fish salad recipe is your saviour.

It is packed with flavor, easy to make, and hits the spot every time. you will love it!

Brief Overview

This classic tuna fish salad recipe has been around for ages, probably since canned tuna was invented. the version here takes things up a notch.

It is a quick and easy meal, perfect for lunch. makes about 4 servings.

This recipe is super simple. The most difficult part is draining the tuna! This is ready in 15 minutes, plus 30 for chilling (optional).

Main Benefits

This tuna salad is a powerhouse of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. it is brilliant for a quick and healthy lunch or snack.

It makes the perfect addition to any picnic. what makes this recipe stand out? the combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors.

Ready to ditch the boring lunches?

The Ultimate Tuna Salad: Creamy, Crunchy, Craveable Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained well
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 1 hard-boiled egg, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

• Drain the tuna thoroughly. Chop the celery, red onion, and hard-boiled egg (if using).
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
• Gently fold in the drained tuna, chopped celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, and hard-boiled egg (if using).
• Season with black pepper and salt, to taste.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but highly recommended.
• Serve on your favorite bread, crackers, or lettuce cups. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley (if using).

What Makes This Tuna Fish Salad The Best Ever ?

Honestly, it's all about the balance. This recipe elevates your classic Tuna Mayo Salad with a few key additions.

Here we have the creamy base mixed with fresh crunchy ingredients. We have a bit of tang, a pinch of sweetness, and the perfect amount of seasoning.

Let's dive into the ingredients!

The Creamy Dreamy Tuna Salad Dressing Recipes

The dressing is the heart and soul. we have mayo of course. to this we add sour cream for extra tang.

Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice brighten things up. no bland dressing for tuna salad here. just a perfect homemade tuna salad .

Loaded Tuna Salad : Crunch Time

Now for the texture! finely chopped celery and red onion provide a satisfying crunch. sweet pickle relish adds a touch of sweetness and tang.

You know what would also be nice? some chopped dill or parsley!

Tuna Sandwiches Recipes Best: It Is Not Only About the Bread

This tuna fish salad isn't just for sandwiches. serve it on crackers. you could also try in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Or, try it straight from the bowl. don't worry. we all do it.

This is the best Tuna Salad For Sandwiches I've ever made. Give it a try and tell me if I'm wrong!

Okay, lets dive into the magic behind the ultimate tuna fish salad ! trust me, this isn’t your average, boring tuna mayo salad .

It's elevated, delightful, and perfect for a quick lunch. think of this as your guide to the best ever tuna salad .

Ingredients & Equipment: The Foundation for Flavour

Let's gather our troops and get ready to assemble! Honestly, the simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this homemade tuna salad so cracking.

Main Ingredients: Measure for Measure

• Tuna: 2 (5-ounce) cans, drained. That's about 280g . Albacore in water or olive oil is top-notch. Quality tuna makes all the difference. Avoid the cheap stuff; it's worth spending a bit more!
• Mayo: 1/2 cup (113g) . Hellmann's really nails that classic flavour.
• Sour Cream/Yogurt: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This adds a lovely tang!
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Just a smidge for a little kick.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Fresh is always best for this lemon tuna recipes .
• Celery: 1/4 cup (25g) , finely chopped for that crunch we all love.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup (25g) , finely chopped for a bit of bite.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: 2 tablespoons (30g) . A secret weapon! Honestly, I once tried using too much relish. It was a pickle disaster! Adjust to your taste!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Don't skimp on the seasoning! It's what brings everything together.

• Essential Spice Mix: Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) and a pinch of salt. Freshly ground pepper is my absolute go-to!
• Flavor Enhancers: The Dijon mustard and lemon juice enhance the flavored tuna recipes .
• Substitution Options: No sweet pickle relish? A squeeze of honey can work wonders. Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for health tuna recipes .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You don't need fancy tools for this.

• Essential Tools: Mixing bowl, measuring spoons/cups, knife, cutting board, can opener.
• Household Alternatives: If you don't have measuring spoons, just eyeball it! Cooking is all about feeling it out.

And there you have it! with these ingredients and a few simple tools, you’re ready to create the best tuna salad .

Get ready for a seriously tasty tuna salad for sandwiches . it's also perfect for tuna salads for dinner and makes amazing tuna sandwiches recipes best .

Remember folks, a good dressing for tuna salad is key, so don't be afraid to experiment! This loaded tuna salad will become a staple!

Okay, let's talk tuna fish salad ! forget those bland, boring versions you've suffered through. this is the ultimate version, packed with flavour and texture.

Trust me, this tuna mayo salad will become your go-to.

Cooking Method: The Ultimate Tuna Salad

This isn't rocket science, but there are a few tricks. i've been making this for years, and honestly, it's a crowd-pleaser.

Even my fussy nephew loves it! this is how to get the best ever tuna salad .

Prep Like a Pro!

• Essential mise en place: Get everything chopped and measured beforehand. This makes life so much easier. Drain your tuna really well, it makes a difference!.
• Time-saving organization tips: Chop all your veggies at once. It's quicker than doing it bit by bit. Oh my gosh!
• Safety reminders: Just watch your fingers when chopping! Seriously, no one wants a tuna salad with added blood.

Let's Get Mixing: Step-by-Step!

1. Drain your tuna salad recipes canned really well! Press out any excess water.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, mustard and lemon tuna recipes .
3. Gently fold in the celery, red onion, and relish. Don't overmix!
4. Season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go! It needs to be perfect, right?
5. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavours meld. This is key!

Pro Tips for Tuna Greatness

• Don't be shy with the lemon juice! It really brightens up the whole thing. It also makes this an ideal health tuna recipes .
• A little bit of homemade tuna salad goes a long way! You can control the quality of the ingredients and it costs less.
• Avoid adding too much mayonnaise! You want it creamy, not gloopy. Honestly, the best tuna salad has balance. If you don't have mayo use tuna salad with cream cheese or something similar.

Right then, there you have it, the recipe to make tuna salad for sandwiches is pretty straightforward. you can even whip up the dressing the night before, saving you time.

I really hope you find this as amazing as i think it is. it's like a flavour explosion in your mouth!.

Enjoy!. if you have seafood lovers over, you can add tuna and shrimp salad too. if you want tuna salads for dinner , serve with some grilled bread.

Or have some tuna salad dressing recipes with crackers. so many choices for tuna sandwiches recipes best . the trick is to create flavored tuna recipes that the whole family can enjoy.

Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Tuna Salad

Right, so you're about to dive into making the best ever tuna salad . before you get your pinny on, let's run through a few handy notes to ensure your tuna fish salad is absolutely banging.

Serving it Up Like a Pro

First impressions matter, yeah? so, when serving, think about presentation. plating can elevate even the humble tuna mayo salad . i reckon serving it in a croissant makes it look fancy, innit? for sides, some crispy lettuce and sliced tomatoes do the trick.

Pair it with a refreshing glass of iced tea or maybe a light, crisp white wine if you're feeling posh.

Storing Your Masterpiece

Alright, you've made a batch of this homemade tuna salad , but you can't eat it all at once? no worries.

Here's the lowdown on storage. pop it in an airtight container and shove it in the fridge. it's good for about 3-4 days, tops.

Freezing isn't ideal for tuna salad with cream cheese or mayo-based salads; the texture goes a bit weird, honestly. when reheating, give it a good stir, and if it's a bit dry, add a tiny dollop of mayo or greek yogurt to bring it back to life.

Mix it Up: Tuna Salad Remix

Fancy a twist on the classic? course you do! for a lighter version, try swapping out some of the mayo for mashed avocado, like a health tuna recipes hack.

Or, if you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. wanna get seasonal? during summer, toss in some chopped cucumber and fresh dill for a super refreshing lemon tuna recipes vibe.

All About the Good Stuff

Now, let's talk nutrition basics . this tuna salad recipes canned packs a good punch of protein from the tuna. the mayo adds some fats, so remember to keep it balanced.

Tuna is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are ace for your heart. plus, all those veggies add a bit of fibre.

You know, the good stuff!

Alright, that's your lot! now go forth and make some amazing tuna sandwiches recipes best . don't be afraid to experiment with those flavored tuna recipes and add your own special touch.

Get creative with dressing for tuna salad and make this loaded tuna salad your own! i'm sure you will find the best tuna salad recipes yourself, so good luck and happy cooking!