The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy is the kind of dish that makes weekday meals a breeze while still feeling downright special. This lively salad comes together in just 15 minutes, bursting with bright flavors thanks to crisp celery, zesty red onion, and a pop of fresh herbs—all perfectly balanced with creamy mayonnaise and savory tuna. Whether you devour it straight out of the bowl, pile it into sandwiches, or scoop it atop greens, this tuna salad stands as a go-to classic you’ll want to revisit again and again for its simplicity, taste, and wholesome vibes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this salad so crave-worthy? It’s all about quality ingredients and their magic together! These staples, starring protein-rich tuna and crunchy veggies, come together for perfect flavor and delicious texture in every bite.
- Tuna (2 x 5-ounce cans): Go for quality; I love albacore, and Wild Planet is my pick for the cleanest flavor and plumpest chunks.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds creamy richness, binding everything together—add a bit more for extra lusciousness.
- Celery (1 stalk, diced): Delivers the crunch factor and a burst of green freshness.
- Red onion (2 tablespoons, diced): Lends sharpness and color without overpowering the salad.
- Fresh herbs (1–2 tablespoons, chopped parsley, chives, or favorites): Bring herbal brightness—use whatever you have on hand for your best tuna salad recipe – easy & healthy spark.
- Dijon mustard (½ tablespoon): Gives a subtle tang and depth that elevates the whole dish.
- Kosher salt & black pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors—taste and adjust as you mix.
How to Make BEST Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by draining the liquid from your tuna cans thoroughly—this ensures your salad isn’t watery and allows the flavors to shine. Dice up your celery and red onion finely so every bite is nicely balanced with some crunch and punch. Chop up your favorite herbs; parsley and chives are tried-and-true winners, but feel free to mix it up with dill or tarragon for a fun twist!
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl
In a medium mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion, chopped herbs, and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in a little kosher salt and ground black pepper at this stage. Don’t worry about perfection—this is the kind of recipe that encourages a bit of flair and personal touch.
Step 3: Mix Until Creamy and Even
With a fork or sturdy spoon, gently stir everything together until it’s well combined and every morsel of tuna is coated with creamy goodness. Taste and adjust the seasoning, maybe adding a splash more mayo if you want it silkier, or bumping up the herbs for bonus freshness. This is your moment to make it the best tuna salad recipe – easy & healthy for your table!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Your tuna salad is now ready to devour! Scoop it on toast, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or simply dive in with a fork. However you serve it, it’s guaranteed to satisfy—every. single. time.
How to Serve BEST Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs or even a touch of cracked black pepper right on top can make this salad look and taste even more irresistible. Lemon wedges for squeezing add a bit of brightness that really wakes up the whole bowl. If you want a little more zing, a few thinly sliced pickles or capers make delicious garnishes too!
Side Dishes
Pairings are endless with the best tuna salad recipe – easy & healthy. Classic potato chips and crunchy dill pickles are always a hit, but it’s just as happy sitting next to a light green salad, a warm cup of soup, or some sliced cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil. Crackers, pita bread, or even veggie sticks work for easy dipping and scooping!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Spoon your tuna salad into lettuce cups for a pretty, refreshingly crisp bite. It also makes a knockout sandwich (think buttery croissant, seeded bread, or a crusty baguette). For picnic vibes, pile it into halved avocados or hollowed bell peppers—that’s both gorgeous to serve and low-carb for the health-conscious crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For peak flavor and freshness, store your tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This BEST Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy stays delicious for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal-prep lunches or busy weeknight dinners. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze tuna salad, mayonnaise doesn’t always thaw friendlily—it can separate and turn watery. For best results, enjoy your salad fresh or refrigerated only. If you’re planning ahead, freeze just the drained tuna and add fresh ingredients once you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
This dish truly shines chilled or at cool room temperature, so skip reheating. If you need to bring the chill down a notch before serving, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes while you prep your garnishes or sides.
FAQs
Can I make this tuna salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise. All the other ingredients are naturally dairy-free, so you can enjoy the BEST Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy without worry.
What’s the best type of tuna for this recipe?
Solid white albacore tuna in water is my go-to for its mild taste and chunky texture, but any canned tuna you love will shine here. If you want a richer flavor, try tuna in olive oil, just drain it lightly before mixing.
How can I make this lower in calories?
You can decrease the mayonnaise or swap in some plain Greek yogurt for part (or all) of the mayo for a lighter twist. Adding extra herbs and crunchy veggies can also make your salad feel more filling without extra calories.
What herbs work best in tuna salad?
Parsley and chives are classic choices, but dill, tarragon, or even basil work fabulously. Try a mix for the most fragrant, personalized version of the BEST Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy.
Can I add extras like eggs or pickles?
Definitely! Chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced pickles, or even a handful of sweet corn or diced apple can add new flavors and textures. Make it your own—this recipe’s flexible and forgiving.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try the BEST Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again as the ultimate quick-fix, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s classic, it’s vibrant, and it’s endlessly adaptable—so go ahead, mix up a bowl and see why I keep coming back to this favorite!
PrintBEST Tuna Salad Recipe – Easy & Healthy Recipe
This easy and healthy tuna salad recipe is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Made with simple ingredients, this tuna salad is delicious and can be enjoyed in various ways.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Canned Tuna:
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna
Mayonnaise:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Celery:
- 1 stalk of celery, diced
Red Onion:
- 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
Herbs:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, chives, and/or other herbs
Dijon Mustard:
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Seasoning:
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Drain the liquid from the tuna cans. Then, add the tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery and red onions, herbs, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to a mixing bowl.
- Mix the Salad: Stir all of the ingredients together until well combined.
- Enjoy: Enjoy the tuna salad plain out of a bowl, wrapped in lettuce, or in a sandwich.
Notes
- If you’d like a creamier texture, you can always add more mayonnaise.
- Recommended tuna: Albacore tuna, preferably Wild Planet brand.
- Storage tip: Tuna salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods due to the fish and mayonnaise content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 172 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 322mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 36mg
