The Ultimate Classic Tuna Salad (Elevated!)

Easy Tuna Fish Salad Recipe: My Elevated Diner Classic

By Savvy SpoonJune 13, 2025

Elevate your lunch game! This tuna fish salad recipe is a creamy, flavourful twist on the classic. Perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or a quick Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan! Get the recipe now. ... Salads & Bowls

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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive into the world of proper tuna salad. are you sick of the same old boring tuna sandwich? then you are in the right place.

This tuna fish salad recipe is seriously going to blow your socks off. honestly, it's the bee's knees!

The Ultimate Classic Tuna Salad (Elevated!)

This isn't just any old tuna salad recipe . no way, jose! it's a creamy, flavourful, perfectly balanced take on the classic.

The origin of this dish is a true testament to pantry staples. it showcases the ability to create a satisfying meal even with limited resources.

This diner recept is easy as pie, only taking 15 minutes of prep with a 30 minute chill time. this makes about 4 servings.

Why This Tuna Salad Is The Absolute Best

This version takes the familiar tuna salad and elevates it with fresh herbs and a touch of dijon mustard. that's what makes this healthy tuna salad extra special.

Also, you are going to love how good it is for you. it is packed with protein! this makes it perfect for a light lunch or as a side.

It's a great addition to any mediterranean diet meal plan or even just when you need some easy mediterranean diet recipes on hand.

Imagine bringing this to a picnic!

This recipe uses inspiration from the mediterranean tuna salad . so, it is bursting with fresh flavors. think: a little bit seaside, a little bit sunshine.

It's so easy, i swear my cat could probably almost make it. ok, maybe not, but you get the picture.

Now, let's get to the ingredients to create your own collection of healthy tuna recipes .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this fantastic tuna fish salad recipe! honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

I promise no obscure ingredients or fancy gadgets are required. you know? just good, honest grub!

The Ultimate Classic Tuna Salad (Elevated!) presentation

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Tuna Fish Salad Recipe

Time to gather your bits and bobs! Think of this as the treasure hunt before the delicious reward. We're making a tuna fish salad recipe that's both easy and yummy.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Tuna: Two 5-ounce cans (that's 140g in sensible money!) of tuna in water, drained really well . Seriously, drain it like your life depends on it! Nobody wants a soggy sarnie. Look for tuna that's light in color and firm. That's your healthy tuna sorted.
Celery: About 1/4 cup ( 30g ) of finely diced celery. Look for firm stalks with bright green leaves. Crunchy is key!
Red Onion: Again, 1/4 cup ( 30g ), finely diced. Red onion adds a lovely bite! Make sure it's firm and doesn't smell too overpowering.
Fresh Herbs: A must! 2 tablespoons ( 10g ) of chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon ( 5g ) of chopped fresh dill. Fresh is best, always! These herbs really lift the whole thing. If you're aiming for that Mediterranean tuna salad vibe, don't skip these!
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup ( 120g ). Go for good quality mayo. It makes all the difference.
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon ( 15g ). This adds a lovely tang!
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 0.5g ). Freshly ground is always better.
Salt: To taste. Go easy on it at first. You can always add more later.
Optional Extras :
- One hard-boiled egg.
- One tablespoon sweet pickle relish.

Seasoning Notes: Pimping Up Your Tuna

Okay, so the seasoning is where you can really make this tuna fish salad recipe your own!

Spice Combo: The Dijon mustard and lemon juice are the power couple here. They cut through the richness of the mayo and add a lovely zing. This is the base for most Mediterranean diet recipes dinners , which are all about flavour!
Flavor Enhancers: Fresh herbs are your best friend. Parsley and dill are classic, but feel free to experiment! A pinch of smoked paprika can add a lovely depth of flavour.
Substitutions: No Dijon? Use a touch of English mustard. No fresh lemon? A splash of white wine vinegar will do the trick. Just don't go overboard!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Mixing Bowl. Nothing fancy, just something big enough to hold everything.
Measuring Cups & Spoons. Obvious, but essential.
Fork. For flaking the tuna and mixing everything together.
Cutting Board & Knife. For dicing the celery and onion.

Seriously, that's it! no need for a fancy food processor or anything like that. my grandma made the best tuna salad recipe with just these simple tools.

Thinking about that i should call her and ask what she thinks about my healthy tuna recipes . if you want to follow mediterranean diet meal plan this diner recept is one of those easy mediterranean diet recipes that everybody can cook.

Now, let's get cooking!

Right, let's dive into making the best tuna fish salad recipe , like ever! honestly, i used to think tuna salad was just… meh.

But then i started experimenting, and now, oh my gosh, it's a weekly staple. get ready for a game-changer. forget those dry, bland versions you get at the shop, we're making something special .

Prep Like a Pro for Killer Tuna Salad

First things first, let's get organised! it's all about the mise en place , innit? this is especially important for healthy tuna recipes because you want to maximise flavour.

Dice your celery and red onion nice and small. chop your parsley and dill. get your dressing ingredients ready. organisation saves time, trust me.

For safety, remember to wash your veggies really well. I actually had a bad experience once not washing properly… never again!

Step-by-Step to Tuna Salad Perfection

Here's how to make this amazing tuna fish salad recipe :

Drain the tuna super well. Use the back of a spoon to press out the excess liquid.
Add the diced celery, red onion, parsley, and dill to the tuna.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt.
Gently fold the dressing into the tuna mixture, being careful not to overmix.
If using, stir in the chopped hard-boiled egg and sweet pickle relish.
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes . This is key !
Serve on bread, crackers, or straight from the bowl.

Pro Tips for Tuna Salad That'll Blow Your Mind

Want to take your Tuna Salad Recipe to the next level? Here's some insider info.

Don't overmix! This is a classic mistake. Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid a mushy mess.

The chilling time really makes a difference, let the flavours marry for at least 30 minutes , you know?

Thinking about a mediterranean tuna salad ? throw in some olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta. it's a complete mediterranean diet recipes dinners in one bowl.

You are getting easy mediterranean diet recipes for a tasty mediterranean diet meal plan .

The secret ingredient in this recipe is the Dijon mustard and the dill, they elevate the recipe and give more complex flavor.

So there you have it! this tuna fish salad recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

I promise it's way better than anything you'd find in a petrol station sandwich! enjoy your healthy tuna treat!

Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for our tuna fish salad recipe ! Honestly, these notes can take a good recipe and make it amazing .

Recipe Notes

These are my extra personal notes to make sure you nail this recipe and get the best out of it!

Serving Suggestions That Are Actually Good

Forget boring plating. this tuna salad recipe deserves better. how about serving it in scooped-out avocado halves? seriously posh. or, for something different, try piling it on toasted baguette slices for a classy bruschetta vibe.

Thinking sides? a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a winner. or, if you want something a bit more substantial, couscous or a mediterranean quinoa salad goes really well.

For drinks, i'd recommend a crisp glass of pinot grigio or iced tea for those non-boozy days. elevate your tuna recipes , by serving with good company.

Storage Tips: Don't Let Your Healthy Tuna Go to Waste

Right, let's talk storage. if you've got leftovers (unlikely!), pop them in an airtight container. keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It's a diner recept to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing isn't really recommended. the mayo tends to separate, and nobody wants a sad, watery tuna salad recipe . reheating isn't needed either.

It is best served cold, straight from the fridge! i always suggest eating freshly prepped or at most within 2 days to ensure it tastes as good.

Variations: Let's Get Creative With This Tuna Recipes

Fancy mixing things up? for a healthy tuna recipes twist, try swapping half the mayo for greek yogurt. it adds a lovely tang, and you'll feel much better about polishing off the whole bowl, it's perfect for a mediterranean diet meal plan .

Or, for a mediterranean tuna salad , stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of feta. boom! instantly transported to greece, it is one of the easy mediterranean diet recipes there is.

Nutrition Basics: Good For You and Delicious

Let's break it down really easy. this tuna fish salad recipe is packed with protein (thanks to the tuna!). we also get some healthy fats from the mayo (go for avocado oil mayo if you're feeling extra virtuous).

Tuna is amazing for getting your Omega 3s, great for a heart-healthy diet. Plus, celery and onion adds some good fibre and antioxidants to your healthy tuna recipes .

Honestly, this tuna fish salad recipe is such a fab little thing. it's quick, easy, and really tasty. get creative with it, and don't be afraid to experiment.

Now, go forth and make some amazing tuna salad recipe ! if you are looking for mediterranean diet recipes dinners , look no further!

Mediterranean Tuna Salad: Ultimate Healthy Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to store leftover tuna fish salad recipe? Is it safe to eat the next day?

Absolutely! To keep your tuna fish salad recipe fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's generally safe to eat for 3-4 days, but it's best enjoyed within the first 24-48 hours for optimal flavour and texture, just like those "use by" dates on shop-bought sandwiches! Always give it a good sniff before digging in, just to be on the safe side – if in doubt, throw it out.

Can I make tuna salad healthier? What are some good substitutions?

You bet! For a healthier tuna salad, try swapping out some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. These add creaminess without as much fat. You can also load it up with extra veggies like chopped bell peppers or cucumber for added nutrients and a satisfying crunch. Think of it as "pimping" your tuna salad like they do on those cooking shows – only healthier!

My tuna salad always seems watery. What am I doing wrong?

The culprit is usually excess moisture from the tuna itself or the vegetables. Make sure to drain the tuna really well – you can even press it with a paper towel to remove extra water. Also, if using watery veggies like cucumber, consider salting them lightly and letting them sit for a bit before adding them, then patting them dry. And remember, don't overmix – this can release more moisture!

What are some fun variations I can try with this tuna fish salad recipe?

The possibilities are endless! For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. If you're feeling spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You could even go a bit "cheffy" and toast some sourdough and serve the tuna salad on top as a fancy canape, perfect for impressing your mates!

I don't have Dijon mustard. What can I use instead in this tuna fish salad recipe?

No worries, that's a pretty common kitchen mishap! A little bit of yellow mustard will work in a pinch, but use it sparingly as it's more potent than Dijon. Horseradish sauce could also provide a similar kick, but again, go easy on it. Alternatively, a dash of white wine vinegar can add a touch of tang to compensate for the missing Dijon, although the flavour will be slightly different.

Can I freeze tuna fish salad?

Freezing tuna salad isn't generally recommended. The mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed, resulting in a watery and less-than-appetizing texture. However, if you absolutely must freeze it, try using a mayonnaise made with oil instead of eggs (these freeze better), and be prepared for a change in texture. It's always best to enjoy it fresh!