Classic Tuna Salad Recipe

This classic tuna salad is a comfort dish that’s simple yet versatile. Its creamy texture and light flavor go beyond a regular salad, turning it into delicious fillings and dips. Made with simple ingredients that come together in less than 10 minutes, this recipe is a must-try on your busiest days.

Is Classic Tuna Salad Healthy?

Our classic tuna salad recipe may seem simple, but it’s still packed with great nutrients. It contains 225 calories, with only 2.4 g of saturated fat and 206.5 mg sodium, which take up less than 10% of the daily intake limit set by our guidelines. 

This dish has tuna, a saltwater fish known to be an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and B12 vitamins, as the main ingredient. Our recipe uses canned tuna, which also contains the same nutrients but, according to the FDA, is considered to have lower amounts of mercury than fresh ones.

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Additionally, we also use Greek yogurt, which contains probiotics, protein and calcium, and an array of other nutrients. This results in multiple health benefits, such as improving gut health and bone health and reducing blood sugars.

Ingredients You Will Need

The ingredients for this salad are relatively simple and easy to find. It consists mainly of veggies and canned tuna, making the overall dish light yet fulfilling.

• Canned tuna: There are a few types you can choose from. White albacore will provide better taste and texture, while the light varieties will be more subdued with lesser amounts of mercury. Decide on what you prefer so you can choose accordingly. 
• Greek yogurt: This ingredient is crucial in making the dish healthier and creamier. There are many different types you can choose from, depending on your dietary preference, such as low-fat plain, non-fat, full fat, or whole milk. 
• Kewpie Mayonnaise: This is a Japanese mayonnaise made from a mixture of egg yolks and vinegar blends. This gives it a unique tangy-sweetness and custardy smoothness that guarantees to bring a subtle complexity to your salad. 
• Vegetables: Our recipe uses familiar veggies such as celery, iceberg lettuce, red onion, and gherkin. These veggies all have crunchy textures that are fun to chew on with diverse flavors, ranging from mild, spicy, to even savory. 
• Seasonings: We decided to keep it simple and only use pepper and chopped parsley. These spices and herbs are more than enough to bring a special kick to the overall dish while still complementing the remaining ingredients. 
• Bread: You can pair this salad with a few slices of sprouted wheat bread to make a filling and healthy breakfast or a sandwich to eat on the go. 

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What Seasoning Goes With Tuna?

Fortunately, the tuna’s briny taste goes well with a wide variety of spices. So if you want to kick it up a notch with the seasoning, you totally can. Here are a few suggestions for other sauces, spices, and herbs that you can add: 

• Herbs: Rosemary, sage, dried fennel, and coriander are great for bringing an earthy touch to the tuna’s signature salty taste. 
• Spices: For a spicy kick, cayenne, chili pepper flakes, ground cumin, and onion powder are great choices.
• Sauces: You can add a drizzle of lemon juice, vinaigrette, mustard, or balsamic vinegar for a tangy, zesty taste. 

What to Serve With

This classic tuna salad is surprisingly diverse. Its simplicity and lightness pair incredibly well with a variety of foods. Here are a few quick and easy options for you to choose from:

• Vegetable Wraps

This is a low-carb option for those who love a good green dish to start their meal. Wrapped in a few fresh and crispy lettuce leaves, the tuna salad will have the opportunity to fully shine and show off its delectable flavors. 

• Bread

You can spread this salad over toast to make a filling breakfast or brunch. If you have some leftovers, add a few slices of tomatoes and lettuce for a quick sandwich to eat on the go. 

• Snack Foods

This salad’s creamy texture makes it the perfect dip to accompany your favorite snacks. Tortilla chips, crackers, pita bread, or falafel are classic choices you can go with. 

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How to Store the Leftovers

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Because it contains fish and yogurt, you shouldn’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. 

You can also freeze this salad in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just remember to drain the excess liquid and give it a good stir to blend the ingredients back together after you thaw.

How to Make Classic Tuna Salad

5 from 1 vote

This Classic Tuna Salad is a light and easy comfort dish that can be made in less than 10 minutes. It's a quick throw-together that guarantees to leave you satisfied each time.

- by Tuyet Pham, Luna Regina, 2022-07-30

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• cook TIME 5 mins
• prep TIME 5 mins
• total TIME 10 mins

• COURSE Side Dish
• CUISINE American
• SERVINGS
  4

  servings
• CALORIES 226 kcal

INGREDIENTS

1x2x3x

• 6 oz low sodium canned light tuna (drained)
• 2 oz iceberg lettuce
• 2 oz celery (chopped)
• 1 oz red onion (diced)
• 0.5 oz cornichon (diced)
• 0.5 oz jalapeño (sliced)
• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp Japanese Mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
• 4 slices sprouted wheat bread

INSTRUCTIONS

Image instructions

1

In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp parsley, 2 oz celery, 1 oz red onion, 1/2 tsp pepper, 6 oz canned tuna, 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and 0.5 oz cornichon until combined.

2

Air fry 4 slices sprouted wheat bread at 400°F for 3 minutes.

3

Enjoy alongside 2 oz iceberg lettuce and bread. Garnish with 0.5 oz jalapeño.

NUTRITION

Nutrition Facts

How to Make Classic Tuna Salad

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 226Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g

20%

Saturated Fat 2g

13%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 31mg

10%

Sodium 206mg

9%

Potassium 100mg

3%

Carbohydrate 8g

3%

Fiber 6g

25%

Sugar 1g

1%

Protein 12g

24%

Vitamin A 339IU

7%

Vitamin C 9mg

11%

Calcium 14mg

1%

Iron 1mg

6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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