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When the schedule is busy, Meal Prep Recipes Saved me a lot of time – simple and easy like this Tuna Salad Recipe! This is a great alternative to your usual lunch sandwich, and it only takes a few minutes to make.it’s like mine Tuna Egg Salad (minus the eggs) and my Avocado Tuna Salad (Except the creamy base uses mayonnaise instead of avocado). Stir in tangy pickles and you have the best tuna salad ever!
Why This Is the Best Tuna Salad Recipe
- balanced saltiness
- Creamy Crunchy Texture
- Simple, common ingredients—and not too many!
- one bowl making
- ready in 10 minutes
- Great for a quick lunch, BBQ or light snack

Tuna Salad Ingredients and Substitutions
This section describes the ingredients in tuna salad, what each ingredient does in the recipe, and substitution options.For measurements, see recipe card below.
dressing:
- mayonnaise – I do it myself homemade mayonnaise Use store bought when I have time but not when I’m in a hurry. Either works! Greek yogurt is also a good substitute in healthy tuna salad recipes.
- lemon juice – Fresh tastes best, but bottled lemon juice also works. I didn’t include the lemon zest, but you can add it if you want a stronger flavor.
- dijon mustard – You can also use regular yellow mustard.
- sea salt & Black pepper
Tuna Salad:
- can tuna – You will need 3 5 oz jars – use whatever type you like.many people prefer Solid Albacore Tuna Because of its texture, but I like to mix it block light And plain white canned albacore – it’s the perfect balance of price and texture. I used canned tuna in water, but you can also use tuna packed in olive oil and use a little less mayonnaise. Always drain before use.
- celery – The crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the tuna salad. You can also add 1/4 cup shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers for extra crunch, though this is less traditional.
- Shallot – Add color, flavor and crunch. Use white onions for a similar flavor, yellow onions for a sweeter flavor, or shallots or scallions for a milder flavor.
- dill pickles – I used chopped dill pickle, but you can use a sweet pickle dressing in this tuna salad recipe. Just keep an eye out for added sugar, starch or corn syrup on the label.
- fresh parsley – Although optional, it adds a pop of color and a bit of flavor. Use it as a garnish or mixed into salads. You can also substitute 2 tablespoons of other fresh herbs, such as fresh chives or fresh dill.

How to Make Tuna Salad
This section shows how to make tuna salad, with step-by-step photos and details about techniques to help you visualize it.For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see recipe card below.
- Make the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. (I like to serve the dressing in a larger bowl for less dishwashing, but you can also serve the dressing in a medium bowl and pour over the salad.)
- Add tuna salad ingredients. Add tuna, celery, onion, pickles, and parsley (if using). Gently fold until well coated.
- season. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate.



storage instructions
Store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for meal prep!
How long is tuna salad good for?
Classic Tuna Salad keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but is best kept within 3 days.
Can You Freeze Tuna Salad?
No, freezing tuna salad recipes is not recommended because the mayonnaise dressing will runny and separate after thawing. You can freeze the salad without the dressing if you really want to. Thaw overnight, then add dressing.

How to Serve Tuna Salad Recipe
No one’s going to judge you if you want to eat this easy tuna salad straight from the bowl! 😉 But if you want something a little more substantial, try these ideas:
- Tuna Salad Sandwich – Spread it between two slices of bread for a quick and easy sandwich.i like it on top of the fluffy cloud bread!
- tuna sandwich – Butter one side of the bread, then serve tuna salad, sliced tomatoes and sliced cheese on the unbuttered side of one of the breads. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up (or skip the open-faced tuna melts). Bake or fry until the cheese melts.
- biscuit – If sandwiches aren’t your thing, you can eat them like a biscuit dip.For a lighter option, try butter Almond Flour Cookies or crunchy Flaxseed Cookies.
- filling – Tuck the tuna salad recipe into the avocado halves (like Stuffed Avocado), hollow out the cucumber (like cucumber seeds), or half a red bell pepper (such as Bell Pepper Sandwiches).
- lettuce wraps – Arrange it among iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce, or any other lettuce leaf large enough to wrap.view my guide How to Make Lettuce Wraps Get tips and tricks. Or simply serve on a bed of lettuce!
Heartier Salad Recipes
Want more easy lunch ideas? Try some of my other hearty salad recipes, perfect for meal prep:
Tuna Salad Recipe (Easy, 10 Minutes!)
The best tuna salad recipe in just 10 minutes: creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor, with simple ingredients and the best dressing!
Prepare: 10 minute
all: 10 minute
Serving Size: 4 (Adjust according to recipe ratio)
raw material
Click on the underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn off Safari reader mode to view ingredients.
instruct
Click on the time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while cooking.
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in a large bowl, brush Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper until smooth.
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Add tuna, celery, onion, pickles, and parsley (if using). Gently fold until well coated.
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Adjust salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
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recipe notes
Serving Size: 1 cup
nutrient content
Amount per serving. Serving sizes in recipe instructions above.
calories 217
fat 22.3 grams
protein 0.8 grams
total carbohydrates 3.4 grams
net carbs 2.4 grams
fiber 1 g
sugar 1.6 grams
Nutrition Facts are provided as a courtesy. Questions about calculations or why do I get different results?Please view our nutrition policy.
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