Creamy Tuna Salad Recipe
This Tuna salad recipe is a quick and delicious lunch option or a light dinner idea that is packed with protein and nutrition. Made with simple ingredients like canned tuna, chopped celery, onions, pickles, herbs, and mayo, you get a creamy, crispy, healthy and flavorful meal in minutes. You can even take it to the next level and make a Tuna Melt for a warm and toasty spin on this irresistible salad.
Ingredients
- 2 5oz cans of tuna Or 10 oz can of salmon
- 1/2 cup kosher pickles finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onions finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons dill Finely chopped fresh dill. When combined with the creamy texture of tuna salad, the light, almost citrus-like flavor of the herb can complement the creamy, salty taste of the tuna perfectly.
- 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise You can add Greek yogurt or avocado as a healthier alternative that still adds a creamy texture.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt and Pepper to taste. Mind that sodium may already be added to the canned tuna.
Optional
- 1/4 Teaspoon Paprika A pinch of Paprika. It adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with the tuna.
- 1 Teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Finely chop the pickles, red onion, celery, and dill.
- Drain the cans of tuna and place them in a mixing bowl. Add in the chopped pickles, red onion, celery, and dill. Mix everything until well combined. The mayonnaise will help bind all the ingredients together while adding a creamy element to the salad. Feel free to adjust the amount of mayo based on your preference – some like it extra creamy while others prefer a lighter touch.
- Once everything is mixed together thoroughly, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add salt and pepper to taste or a squeeze some lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness. Serve the tuna salad on its own as a light lunch or dinner option or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Notes
For an added twist, consider mixing in some additional ingredients like diced ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, or hard-boiled egg (I cook eggs in my Air fryer) for extra flavor and nutrition. This versatile tuna salad recipe can be customized to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with different herbs or spices to elevate the dish even further.
FAQs
Can I Use Tuna Instead Of Canned Tuna? How About Salmon or Air-Fried Salmon? Yes, absolutely! You can cook fresh tuna steaks and flake them for your salad. Remember, fresh tuna will need to be seasoned and cooked before being added to the salad. Canned salmon can be a great substitution for canned tuna in this recipe (I’ve used Alaskan Pink salmon 15-oz can). Air-fried salmon, once cooled and flaked, can also offer a delicious, smoky twist to the traditional tuna salad. How To Serve Tuna Salad Tuna salad is incredibly flexible. Serve it atop a bed of greens, sandwiched between slices of whole-grain bread, stuffed into a pita, or scooped up with crackers. It's equally delightful all these ways! How Long Does Tuna Salad Last? Tuna salad can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume it within this timeframe. What Is The Best Canned Tuna? While preferences vary, look for sustainable, "dolphin-safe" canned tuna. Brands that offer tuna in water tend to be healthier options than those in oil. “Chunk light” tuna typically has less mercury than “white” tuna, making it a safer choice for regular consumption. Can I make a Tuna Melt in the Air fryer?- Prepare the tuna salad using the above recipe.
- Take slices of bread and spread a generous amount of tuna salad on one slice.
- Top with a slice of cheese of your choice.
- Place the sandwich in the air fryer and cook at 360°F (182°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 137kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 17gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 677mgPotassium: 239mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition Disclaimer Nutritional information is an estimate and may change based on products used.
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