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Classic Tuna Salad

All Main Coures Salads Snacks

A TIMELESS FAVORITE!

When it comes to quick, nutritious, and versatile meals, a classic tuna salad is hard to beat. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, whipping up a light lunch, or looking for a protein-packed snack, this recipe has you covered. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this tuna salad is creamy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.

I’ve added a twist of fresh herbs and a blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a light yet satisfying texture. Let’s dive into this tried-and-true classic!

What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this delicious tuna salad:
• 2 cans (3 oz / 85g each) of tuna in spring water
(Sustainable or wild-caught skipjack preferred for a more eco-friendly choice.)
• 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (I recommend avocado or olive oil mayo for a healthier option.)
• 2 Tbsp low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2–3 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs (Use whatever you have on hand—parsley, dill, chives, or cilantro work beautifully.)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A dash of chili flakes or chopped pickled/fresh jalapeño for a spicy kick

How to Make It
1. Prepare the Tuna:
Start by draining your tuna and transferring it to a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork to gently break apart the chunks, creating a flaky base.

2. Mix the Ingredients:
Add the celery, red onion, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Taste and Adjust:
Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you enjoy a little heat, now’s the time to stir in chili flakes or chopped jalapeños.

4. Serve It Up:
• Spoon the tuna salad over a bed of crisp lettuce for a light, refreshing option.
• Make a hearty sandwich with your favorite bread (I love it on gluten-free sourdough or multigrain).
• Pair it with crackers for a quick, protein-packed snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal prep work.
2. Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies.
3. Versatile: Serve it however you like—on greens, bread, or even stuffed into avocado halves.
4. Customizable: Add a personal twist with extra herbs, spices, or toppings like capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even diced apples.

Tips for the Best Tuna Salad

Choose Quality Tuna: Opt for sustainably caught tuna in spring water for the best flavor and environmental impact.

Don’t Skip the Fresh Herbs: They brighten up the dish and take it from basic to gourmet.

Prep Ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have more time to meld.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt gives this tuna salad a creamy, yet light texture, while the Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth of flavor. The crunch of celery and the sharpness of red onion create a satisfying balance, and the fresh herbs add a pop of freshness.

This tuna salad is a timeless dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weekday or serving it at a casual get-together, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

If you are looking for a tuna salad with a bit more spunk?  Try this Desi Style Turmeric Tuna Salad.

Yield/Servings: 2 Author: Riyana Rupani Print
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Classic Tuna Salad

High protein, simple, and satisfying

PREPARATION TIME: 10 MIN TOTAL TIME: 10 MIN

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cans (3 oz / 85g) tuna in spring water (sustainable or wild-caught skipjack preferred)
  • 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp mayonnaise, I like avocado or olive oil mayo
  • 2 Tbsp low-fat greek yogurt
  • 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2 to 3 tbsp of any chopped fresh herbs you have on hand
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • optional - a dash of chili flakes or chopped pickled or fresh jalapeño 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Drain your tuna and transfer to a medium size bowl, use a fork to gently break apart a bit.
  2. Add in the remainder ingredients and mix until everything is well incorporated.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking
  4. Serve up over a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich, or with your fav crackers.

NOTES:

This recipe is great for meal prep.

Feel free to add any additional seasoning you like and play around with the flavors.

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