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Homemade Best Tuna Salad photo

Best Tuna Salad

This Best Tuna Salad is a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors! Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or snacks.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tuna Salad:
  • 2 cans solid white albacore tuna in water well drained
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise heaping
  • 1/3 cup minced celery
  • 3 Tbsp minced red onion rinsed and drained
  • 2 Tbsp capers or minced baby dill pickles optional
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
  • 1/4 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Serving dish or airtight container

Method
 

Cooking Instructions:
  1. Start by draining the canned tuna thoroughly. Use a fork to flake the tuna into bite-sized pieces. Next, chop the celery, red onion, and parsley. Rinse the capers or pickles if you’re using them to remove excess salt.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked tuna, mayonnaise, minced celery, red onion, capers or pickles (if using), lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, and Dijon mustard (if using). Use a fork to mix everything together until well combined. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the tuna too much; you want some texture in your salad.
  3. Taste your tuna salad and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you find it needs a little more acidity, add a splash more lemon juice. Once seasoned, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with your favorite crackers!

Notes

  • Feel free to add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch.
  • This salad can be made a day ahead; just store it in an airtight container.
  • For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.