The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe
Imagine a bowl of creamy, flavorful tuna salad that’s not only quick to whip up but also perfect for lunch, picnics, or even a simple dinner. This recipe will show you how to create The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing and your friends asking for seconds. Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this salad is a classic that never goes out of style.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This tuna salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Here’s why it stands out:
– Quick and Easy: You can make it in under 15 minutes.
– Customizable: Adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
– Healthy: Packed with protein and nutrients.
– Delicious: The combination of ingredients creates a fresh and satisfying dish.
– Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or served on a bed of greens.
Ingredient Checklist
To create The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 (5-ounce) cans tuna – Drained and flaked with a fork (see note 1).
- 3 tablespoons finely diced celery – For crunch and freshness.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion – Adds a mild bite (see note 2).
- 2 tablespoons pickle relish – Or finely chopped bread and butter pickles for sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley – For a fresh herb flavor.
- 1/3 cup mayo – I love Hellmann’s/Best Foods; use up to 1/2 cup for creamier tuna.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard – For a hint of tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil – Adds richness.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Toolbox for This Recipe
Before you start cooking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all ingredients.
- Fork: For flaking the tuna and mixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your ingredients.
- Chopping Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.
- Serving Spoon: To serve the tuna salad.
How to Prepare The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe

Creating The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe is a breeze. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna
Open the cans of tuna and drain them well. Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
Finely dice the celery, red onion, and parsley. Make sure they are chopped small enough to blend well into the salad.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the chopped celery, red onion, pickle relish, and parsley to the bowl with the tuna. Mix gently to combine.
Step 4: Create the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and stir until everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled on your favorite bread,


The BEST Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the TunaOpen the cans of tuna and drain them well. Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Chop the VegetablesFinely dice the celery, red onion, and parsley. Make sure they are chopped small enough to blend well into the salad.
- Step 3: Combine IngredientsAdd the chopped celery, red onion, pickle relish, and parsley to the bowl with the tuna. Mix gently to combine.
- Step 4: Create the DressingIn a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Mix Everything TogetherPour the dressing over the tuna mixture and stir until everything is coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 6: Chill and ServeCover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled on your favorite bread.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, increase mayo up to 1/2 cup.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like chopped bell peppers or hard-boiled eggs.
- This salad tastes even better after chilling, so make it ahead of time!
