Sometimes, the simplest things are the best, and this Simple Tuna Salad is the perfect example. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy to whip up, yet always feels satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a filling snack, this tuna salad has got you covered. With creamy mayo, crunchy veggies, and the hearty protein of tuna, it’s comfort food at its finest. Trust me, this is a go-to recipe you’ll return to time and time again.

Why You’ll Love Simple Tuna Salad

This tuna salad is everything you could want in a quick and delicious meal. It’s easy, packed with flavor, and totally customizable to suit your preferences. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

Versatile: You can serve this on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, in a wrap, or with crackers. It works for any meal, whether you’re eating solo or serving guests.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and basic ingredients, this salad is not only affordable but also something you’ll want to make regularly.

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together in under 10 minutes. It’s perfect for when you need something fast but satisfying.

Customizable: Feel free to add extras like pickles, olives, or boiled eggs to make it your own. You can also adjust the level of mayo or mustard to fit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for a family lunch or a picnic with friends, this tuna salad is a hit every time. It’s a recipe that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Simple Tuna Salad

This is a classic tuna salad made with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

Canned Tuna: The heart of the salad. Choose tuna packed in water or oil based on your preference water gives a lighter taste, while oil-packed tuna is richer and more flavorful.

Mayonnaise: Creamy and smooth, mayo ties everything together and gives the salad its signature richness. You can use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

Celery: Adds that satisfying crunch to the salad. It’s the perfect veggie to balance the creaminess of the mayo.

Onion: A little red onion or white onion brings a pop of flavor and a mild bite to the dish.

Dijon Mustard: Just a spoonful of mustard adds a slight tang and helps bring all the flavors together.

Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens up the salad, adding freshness to balance the richness.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course! These seasonings are key to bringing out the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this simple yet flavorful tuna salad:

Open and Drain the Tuna: Start by opening your cans of tuna and draining out the excess liquid. This ensures your salad won’t be too watery.

Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained tuna, chopped celery, chopped onion, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together gently.

Add the Mayo and Lemon Juice: Stir in the mayo and lemon juice until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Taste the salad and adjust with more mayo or lemon juice if needed.

Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, making sure the salad is perfectly seasoned.

Chill and Serve: If you have time, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. But if you’re in a rush, you can serve it immediately! Enjoy your tuna salad with crackers, on a sandwich, or on a bed of greens.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2 servings

Calories per serving: 280

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve Simple Tuna Salad

This tuna salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways:

Spread it on a slice of toasted bread or a soft sandwich roll for a classic tuna sandwich.

Serve it as a topping for a green salad, with crunchy lettuce and fresh vegetables.

Scoop it onto whole-grain crackers for a quick snack or light appetizer.

Spoon it into a wrap, adding some fresh greens or sliced tomatoes for an extra boost of flavor.

Serve as a dip with veggie sticks for a healthy snack option.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

For extra flavor, try adding pickles, olives, or capers to the salad.

If you prefer a lighter version, swap the mayo for Greek yogurt or use a smaller amount of mayo.

Use a splash of vinegar or apple cider vinegar in place of the lemon juice for a slightly tangy twist.

If you want a little crunch, add some chopped nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds or walnuts.

Add a hard-boiled egg for extra protein, or toss in some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.

To make it spicy, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

For a more substantial meal, serve the salad inside a pita or hollowed-out avocado for a low-carb option.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

Yes, you can! Just cook the fresh tuna and flake it into the salad. It will be even more flavorful.

2. How long can I store this tuna salad?

Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will still taste great for a little while.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Make the salad in advance and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld. Just be sure to add the lemon juice and salt just before serving to keep the flavor fresh.

4. Can I make this without mayonnaise?

Yes! You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamy, healthier alternative.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add in veggies like chopped bell peppers, cucumber, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.

6. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Add a little sriracha, jalapeños, or chili flakes to the salad for a spicy kick.

7. Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes, yellow mustard, honey mustard, or spicy brown mustard would work great in this recipe.

8. How can I make this salad more filling?

Add boiled eggs, beans, or quinoa to make the salad heartier and more filling.

9. Can I serve this in a sandwich for kids?

Yes! The tuna salad is perfect for making kid-friendly sandwiches, or you can serve it with crackers or in small pita pockets for easy-to-eat bites.

10. Can I freeze this tuna salad?

It’s not recommended to freeze tuna salad as the texture may change once thawed. However, you can freeze leftover tuna salad if needed and eat it within a month.

Conclusion

This Simple Tuna Salad is a breeze to make and packed with delicious, satisfying flavors. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a meal that’s light, tasty, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, lunch, or dinner, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to for busy days when you want something comforting and simple. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed!

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