This homemade tuna salad is one of my all-time favorite sandwich recipes to make (this egg salad is another.) It's super fast to prepare (just 10 minutes!) but has that deli-quality taste that's perfect for a quick tuna sandwich.
I actually love this recipe so much because it's also delicious over greens for a wholesome lunch during the week. I'll often pair it with some soup I made the night before, like this butternut squash soup lately (so good!) It also makes a seriously good tuna melt.
And I can attest that it's very much kid-approved for an easy lunch box option. Hope you love it as much as we do here. 🙂
🌿 Ingredients
I like using no-salt added tuna packed in water, but really any variety will work. Albacore tuna is best if you like a flakier texture and milder taste.
Pro tip: Need a substitute for the mayo or want to make this recipe egg-free? Plain Greek yogurt works just as well and it's also delicious!
See recipe card below for exact quantities.
📝 Instructions
Step 1: Finely chop the celery and red pepper, and finely dice the onion. (If you'd like to garnish your salad with parsley, chop a sprig or so as well.)
Then, drain the tuna and use a fork to flake the meat as you add it to a mixing bowl, and add the rest of the ingredients except the parsley to the bowl.
Step 2: Use a large spoon to mix the ingredients together, adding a little extra mayo if needed.
Sprinkle your tuna salad with parsley if desired, and serve as is or on some sliced bread with lettuce and tomato for a tuna sandwich.
💭 FAQ
If your tuna salad isn't holding together, simply add a little extra mayonnaise and mix again, repeating this step until it's more spreadable.
If you don't have everything on hand, not to worry! I like to use at least a little red onion, but if you don't have celery or red pepper feel free to leave one or both out. You could also use a little pickle relish for a nice tangy crunch.
Any variety of canned tuna will work for this recipe. For best results, albacore tuna salad packed in water will yield a nice flaky, firm texture. I look for no-salt added tuna, but you can adjust the amount or sea salt you add to the recipe accordingly.
Most definitely, yes! Tuna salad is a great option for meal prep lunches. Simply make a batch the evening before, and assemble sandwiches in the morning. Feel free to double the recipe if needed.
🍳 Recipe
Simple Tuna Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep: Finely chop the celery, red pepper and parsley (if using), and finely dice the onion. Drain the tuna and use a fork to flake the meat as you add it to a mixing bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients except the parsley to the bowl.1 rib celery, 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, 1 sprig fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons red onion, 2 cans tuna, ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Mix: Use a large spoon to mix the ingredients well, adding a little extra mayo if necessary to hold everything together.
- Enjoy: Sprinkle your tuna salad with parsley if desired, and serve as is or on some sliced bread with lettuce and tomato for a tuna sandwich.
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