Tuna salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it as a sandwich filling, a side dish, or a topping for crackers, this protein-packed meal is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this tuna salad recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a nutritious and delicious meal. Made with fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of tuna (preferably packed in water), drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients – Start by draining the canned tuna thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Finely chop the celery, red onion, and parsley. If using a hard-boiled egg, chop it into small pieces.
- Combine the Base Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, chopped celery, red onion, and parsley. If including a hard-boiled egg, add it at this stage.
- Make the Dressing – In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and creamy.
- Mix Everything Together – Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some texture in the tuna salad.
- Taste and Adjust – Taste the tuna salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice for tanginess, more salt for enhanced flavor, or an extra dash of black pepper for spice.
- Chill for Best Flavor – For the best taste, cover the tuna salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy – Serve your tuna salad as a sandwich filling, on top of a fresh salad, or with crackers. It also pairs well with whole-grain toast or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.