Tuna Saladrn

overhead shot of Tuna Salad in a bowl with a cracker

There is so much great flavor in this creamy tuna salad that you will be craving a bite come lunchtime.

Table of Contents

Best Tuna Salad Ingredients
Tuna Fish Salad Recipe Substitutions and Additions
How to make Tuna Salad with Relish
How to serve Tuna Fish Salad
Classic Tuna Salad Recipe Storage
Classic Tuna Salad Recipe
Best Tuna Salad Recipe FAQs
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE

There’s something about a good tuna salad that just makes my mouth water. The combination of flavors of the tuna, crisp celery and onion mixed with the creamy mayo dressing is out-of-this-world delicious and it’s so easy to make, too!

close up shot of a piece of Tuna Salad on a cracker

Best Tuna Salad Ingredients

Tuna Salad raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

⅔ cup + 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
2 (5-ounce) cans chunk light tuna fish, drained and flaked
½ cup chopped celery
⅓ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
⅓ cup finely diced red onion

Best Tuna for Tuna Salad

We recommend canned chunk or flake light tuna or albacore tuna rather than white tuna or yellowfin tuna as those are higher in mercury. Just read the can of tuna for the type of tuna used.

PRO TIP:

Try to choose tuna packed in water. Tuna in oil will change the consistency of this salad.

Tuna Fish Salad Recipe Substitutions and Additions

MAYO: You can substitute Miracle Whip for the mayonnaise in this tuna recipe if you prefer.

NUTS: You can substitute any type of chopped nut for walnuts in this classic recipe.

MIX-INS: You can add thinly sliced green onion, French fried onions, dill pickles, or chopped radish for even more crunch and bite.

SPICY: For a spicy twist on the best tuna salad around, you can add sriracha or hot sauce to the mayo mixture.

How to make Tuna Salad with Relish

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

You can easily double this recipe if you are feeding a crowd.

STEP ONE: Add the mayo, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.

PRO TIP:

You can place the tuna in a paper towel or a clean dish towel and wring out even more liquid.

mayo, pickle relish, dijon mustard, salt and pepper whisked in a bowl

STEP TWO: Add the tuna, celery, sweet yellow onion, and red onions, and stir until completely incorporated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

tuna, celery, yellow and red onions stir in a bowl

How to serve Tuna Fish Salad

There are plenty of simple ways to enjoy this tasty tuna salad. For low carb options serve in a lettuce wrap or on a bed of lettuce. Of course, tuna salad sandwiches make easy lunches, or you can serve it with crackers or veggie sticks instead. Don’t forget the glass of iced tea to wash it down.

Our creamy tuna melts and tuna macaroni salad are two more easy recipes to enjoy when you are craving tuna.

MORE TUNA RECIPES

Sandwiches

Tuna Sandwich

Casserole Ideas

Baked Tuna Casserole

Classic Tuna Salad Recipe Storage

How long is Tuna Salad good for?

Store this delicious tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can you freeze tuna salad?

You can store the tuna salad in the freezer for up to 1 week. Use an airtight food storage container.

Classic Tuna Salad Recipe

This classic tuna salad recipe only needs a few simple ingredients and is always a great option for a quick and easy lunch. Plus, you can customize your tuna salad to fit your own taste preferences.

Best Tuna Salad Recipe FAQs

Can I keep leftover tuna in the fridge?

You can keep any leftover tuna salad in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Can I mix in other ingredients to my tuna salad?

You can most definitely get creative with your tuna salad and mix in any extras you’d like.

Should you rinse canned tuna?

Eating tuna straight from the can is perfectly fine, although you can rinse it in cold water before using it if you’d like. This will help to remove oils and salts from the tuna that may be present in the canning process.

What seasoning goes best with tuna?

Tuna goes well with many different seasonings, including lemon juice, freshly ground pepper, and sea salt, herbs like oregano or dill, and even a drizzle of olive oil. Experiment to find the combination that works best for you.

Is mayonnaise or Miracle Whip better for tuna salad?

It can be a matter of personal preference. Mayonnaise is made from oil, eggs, and vinegar or lemon juice, while Miracle Whip contains these same ingredients plus added sugar and other seasonings. Ultimately, the choice will come down to how you like the flavor of each product.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Tuna Fish Salad Recipe

5 from 2 votes

There is so much great flavor in this creamy tuna salad that you will be craving a bite come lunchtime.

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings

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Ingredients

⅔ cup mayonnaise, your favorite brand
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
10 ounces chunk light tuna fish, drained and flaked
½ cup chopped celery
⅓ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
⅓ cup finely diced red onion

Instructions

Add the mayo, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper to a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
Add the tuna, celery, sweet yellow onion, and red onions, and stir until completely incorporated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Serve with crackers, veggie sticks, or on a sandwich.

Notes

Try to choose tuna packed in water. Tuna in oil will change the consistency of this salad.
You can easily double this recipe if you are feeding a crowd.
You can place the tuna in a paper towel or a clean dish towel and wring out even more liquid.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Sian Cox Photographer
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant
Teresia Shrum Recipe Developer

Best Tuna Salad Recipe