Prep Time 15 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Classic Creamy Tuna Salad is a quick, healthy, and satisfying dish made with flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a rich yet light dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a refreshing stand-alone meal, this easy tuna salad is a staple for lunch and meal prep throughout all seasons.

Ingredients
    For the Salad Base
  • 2 cans (5 oz each)
  • 0 cup 0.5 celery (finely diced)
  • 0 cup 0.25 red onion (finely chopped)
  • 0 cup 0.25 dill pickles (finely diced)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • For the Dressing
  • 0 cup 0.5 mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 0 tsp 0.5 salt
  • 0 tsp 0.25 black pepper
  • 0 0.25 Optional: tsp paprika (for a subtle smoky flavor)
Instructions
    Prepare the Vegetables
  1. 1
    Finely dice the celery, red onion, and dill pickles. Chop the fresh parsley. Set aside in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Drain and Flake the Tuna
  3. 2
    Open the cans of tuna, drain well, and use a fork to gently flake the tuna into small pieces. Add the tuna to the bowl with the vegetables.
  4. Make the Dressing
  5. 3
    In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) until smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Salad and Dressing
  7. 4
    Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetables. Gently fold the mixture together until everything is evenly coated without over-mixing, keeping the tuna slightly chunky.
  8. Rest and Serve
  9. 5
    For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the tuna salad for 10 minutes before serving. Serve it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, on crackers, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.
Note

Tuna: Use albacore tuna for chunkier pieces or light tuna for a softer texture.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

  • Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
  • Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

Serving Ideas: Serve with lettuce cups, toasted bread, pita pockets, or cucumber slices for low-carb options.

Keywords: quick, easy, healthy, meal prep, budget-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/tuna-salad-recipe/