Craving a lunch that’s quick, creamy and satisfying? This Easy Tuna Salad checks all the boxes. With just a few pantry staples canned tuna, crisp celery, red onion and a tangy hint of Dijon mustard you’ll mix up a flavour-packed salad in minutes. Whether you pile it high on whole-grain bread, wrap it in a tortilla or tuck it into lettuce cups, this recipe brings comfort and simplicity to your midday meal.
What Is Easy Tuna Salad / Why It’s Special
Easy Tuna Salad is a no-fuss dish built for convenience and great taste. It uses canned tuna for fast prep, while crunchy celery and red onion give texture, and lemon juice plus parsley keep it bright and fresh. What makes it special is that it hits the nostalgia of a classic sandwich filling but with clearer ingredients and a crisp finish perfect for lunch, meal-prep or a healthy snack option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained (oil-packed preferred for flavour)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 stick celery, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Add Ins: - 1–2 tablespoons sweet relish or chopped pickles for tang
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped, for extra richness
- A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of celery salt for spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Tuna
Drain the canned tuna and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Flake it gently with a fork until it’s broken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the tuna. Stir until the tuna is evenly coated and you have a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Add the Crunch & Brightness
Fold in the chopped celery, red onion and fresh parsley. Pour in the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Adjust & Serve
Taste the tuna salad and adjust seasoning add more mayo if you like a creamier texture, or more lemon or mustard if you prefer tang. Serve immediately on bread, in wraps, over greens, or chill in the fridge for later.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
- Tip: Use oil-packed tuna it adds richness and keeps the salad moist.
- Tip: Chop celery and onion finely so the texture is even and easy to eat.
- Variation: Make it extra hearty by adding chopped hard-boiled egg or chopped avocado.
- Variation: For a low-carb version, skip the bread and serve in lettuce cups or over a salad.
- Why You’ll Love It: It’s quick to prepare (about 15 minutes or less), uses simple ingredients, and offers big flavour in every bite ideal for lunch, snack time or meal-prep.
FAQs
Q1. How long will this tuna salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to refrigerate promptly.
Q2. Can I swap the mayonnaise for another base?
Yes, you can replace half the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but keeping some mayo ensures the classic creamy texture.
Q3. Can I use a different type of tuna?
Yes, while oil-packed tuna gives more flavour and moisture, water-packed tuna works too just consider adding a little extra mayo or a drizzle of olive oil.
Q4. What are good serving ideas?
Serve on toasted whole-grain bread with lettuce and cucumber, in a tortilla wrap, over mixed greens for a salad, or tucked into avocado halves for a low-carb treat.
Conclusion
This Easy Tuna Salad is your go-to for a quick, customisable, and satisfying meal. With crisp celery, zesty lemon, creamy mayo and great texture, it ticks all the boxes for lunch or light dinner.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!