Best Tuna Salad Recipes: Finding the Perfect Tuna Salad Recipe for You
Take your lunchtime meal prep to the next level with this list of the best tuna salad recipes. Whether you’re looking for something classic or a twist on this seafood staple, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this versatile and delicious dish. With options like light mayo and Greek yogurt-based versions, you can make this a healthier yet flavorful option that everyone will love.
This list of the best tuna salad recipes will feature the top options and will help you find the perfect tuna salad recipe for any get-together. Whether you’re looking for a classic tuna salad sandwich or something more out of the ordinary, this list is for you.
Looking for more food-related lists? If so, visit our lists of the best pasta salad recipes, best Greek salad recipes, and best macaroni salad recipes. All of these lists are related and will provide even more excellent recipes.
Top 10 Tuna Salad Recipes:
1. Classic Tuna Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, parsley, whole-grain mustard
About This Recipe: This traditional tuna salad delivers a familiar, satisfying flavor with crisp celery and sharp red onion. The creamy mayo base is lightly brightened with whole-grain mustard and parsley. It’s a versatile recipe that works great in sandwiches or over greens. Simple, timeless, and always reliable.
2. The Absolute Best Tuna Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dill pickles, Dijon mustard
About This Recipe: Tangy dill pickles and Dijon mustard elevate this version of tuna salad with a zesty flair. It balances creaminess and crunch with just the right amount of richness. Perfect as a sandwich filling or a protein-packed snack. This one’s made to impress without the fuss.
3. Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard
About This Recipe: A sweet twist on tradition, this sandwich-ready salad includes sweet pickle relish for contrast. The texture is creamy with the right amount of crunch from celery. Easy to whip up and endlessly satisfying between slices of bread. It’s a lunch classic that never goes out of style.
4. Classic Tuna Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dill pickles, Dijon mustard
About This Recipe: This recipe focuses on vibrant, fresh flavors with the tang of dill pickles and crunch of celery. Red onion adds sharpness while Dijon mustard deepens the flavor. It’s ideal for quick lunches or a chilled dinner salad. Delicious on its own or paired with crackers.
5. A Really Good Tuna Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, scallions, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish
About This Recipe: This version adds lemon juice for brightness and pickle relish for a touch of sweetness. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of crunch, offering a complex yet comforting flavor. Great for meal prep or served in lettuce cups. It’s exactly what the name promises—really good.
6. Best Tuna Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, parsley
About This Recipe: Parsley and lemon juice give this recipe a fresh, clean taste that enhances the classic ingredients. It’s a no-fuss combination that delivers consistent results every time. Whether stuffed into a pita or served on toast, it’s light and flavorful. A dependable go-to for any tuna lover.
7. Best Ever Tuna Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, crabmeat, sour cream, dill weed
About This Recipe: Crabmeat and hard-boiled eggs set this recipe apart, creating a richer, heartier salad. Sour cream adds tang and softness, blending well with dill weed’s subtle earthiness. It’s an upscale twist on a comfort food staple. Serve as a spread or hearty salad centerpiece.
8. Best Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, parsley, Dijon mustard
About This Recipe: This version leans into healthier choices with fresh herbs and just the right amount of mayo. The Dijon adds zest, while parsley and red onion brighten every bite. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for clean eating days. Great for wraps, salads, or open-face sandwiches.
9. Classic Tuna Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dill pickles, Dijon mustard
About This Recipe: This recipe brings together the essentials with crisp vegetables and a well-balanced dressing. The tang from dill pickles and kick from mustard round out the creamy base. It’s a great option for packed lunches or meal prepping. Reliable, easy, and always tasty.
10. Best Tuna Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Primary Ingredients: Canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard
About This Recipe: Sweet pickle relish brings a gentle sweetness to this otherwise savory and creamy tuna mix. With crunchy celery and smooth mayo, it’s simple and satisfying. Great for making sandwiches, wraps, or snack boards. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make over and over.
Editor’s Picks for the Best Tuna Salad Recipes
With so many great options, a few tuna salad recipes truly stand out. The Absolute Best Tuna Salad is a clear editor favorite—it’s tangy, crunchy, and bold, thanks to the inclusion of dill pickles and Dijon mustard. Another standout is Best Ever Tuna Salad, which includes crabmeat and hard-boiled eggs for a more indulgent and protein-rich twist. Whether you’re meal prepping or making lunch for guests, these two recipes deliver exceptional texture and flavor with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Salad Recipes
What type of tuna is best for tuna salad?
Chunk light tuna in water is commonly used because it has a mild flavor and softer texture. However, albacore tuna offers a firmer texture and a richer taste. Both work well—choose based on whether you prefer a lighter or bolder flavor.
Can I make tuna salad healthier?
Yes! You can make a healthier tuna salad by using Greek yogurt instead of all mayonnaise, or by cutting back on the mayo and adding more vegetables or herbs. Look for recipes with lemon juice, fresh parsley, or light dressings to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
How long does tuna salad last in the fridge?
Tuna salad should be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed within 3 to 5 days. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40°F. Always give it a quick smell and visual check before eating leftovers.
What can I add to tuna salad for more flavor?
Try adding lemon juice, capers, dill, sweet or dill pickles, hard-boiled eggs, or mustard for extra zing. For texture, chopped apples, walnuts, or shredded carrots are great additions. These ingredients can elevate your tuna salad and make it uniquely your own.
Tips for Making the Best Tuna Salad Recipes at Home
To create the best tuna salad at home, start with quality canned tuna and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. Use a mix of creamy and tangy elements, such as mayonnaise with a touch of Dijon mustard or lemon juice, to build balanced flavor. Add crunchy veggies like celery, red onion, or scallions for texture.
If you want a more refreshing or nutritious version, stir in fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Tuna salad also adapts well to creative variations—try mixing in Greek yogurt, avocado, or hard-boiled eggs. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Whether served on whole grain bread, inside a wrap, or over a bed of greens, tuna salad is a quick, protein-packed meal you can customize with ease.
Best Tuna Salad Recipes Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this round-up of the best tuna salad recipes. Whether you’re looking for a classic dish or something with a little more flavor, this list will have you covered.
So get cooking and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner tonight.
Is there a tuna salad recipe that you think should be on this list but isn’t? Please feel free to share it below if so.
