How To Make Tuna Salad Recipe

Looking for a simple, delicious, and quick recipe? This easy tuna salad is perfect! With just three ingredients—tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and mayonnaise—you can whip up a tasty and satisfying meal in no time. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a hearty sandwich, this tuna salad is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and tastes even better when served chilled!

Tuna salad recipe is very easy and needs just 3 ingredients – tuna, egg and mayo.  I always have some canned tuna in my pantry, so if I don’t know what to make for lunch, I can quickly make a tuna salad.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Salad Recipe

• Simple and Quick: With just three ingredients, this tuna salad comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack when you’re short on time.
• Versatile: You can enjoy this tuna salad on its own, in a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla. It’s a flexible recipe that fits into any meal plan.
• Pantry-Friendly: Canned tuna is a pantry staple, making this recipe easy to pull together with items you likely already have on hand.
• Protein-Packed: With tuna and eggs as the main ingredients, this salad is packed with protein, keeping you full and satisfied for longer.
• Make-Ahead Option: Tuna salad tastes even better when chilled, so you can make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a quick meal later.

You can eat tuna salad by itself, wrap it in a tortilla for a tuna salad wrap, or put it between two slices of bread to make a tuna salad sandwich.  Tuna salad sandwich is my favorite way to eat a tuna salad :)

Ingredients For A Tuna Salad:

• 1 small can of tuna – The star of the recipe, tuna adds protein and a deliciously mild flavor.
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled – These add extra texture and protein, making the salad creamy and rich.
• 3 tbsp of mayo – Mayo brings it all together with a smooth and creamy texture.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Tuna Salad

• Can Opener: To easily open the can of tuna.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
• Fork: For mashing the eggs and tuna, and mixing everything smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure out the mayonnaise accurately.

Directions How To Make Tuna Salad:

Open the tuna and drain the liquid.  Put the tuna in a bowl.  Add the hard-boiled eggs to the tuna.  Mash the eggs and tuna with a fork.  Add the mayo and mix.  That’s all there is to it :)

Tuna salad tastes best cold from the refrigerator. If you can, make the tuna salad an hour ahead and refrigerate.  Enjoy this super-easy tuna salad!

Don’t you want to bite into this tuna salad sandwich?

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the tuna salad as a sandwich between two slices of your favorite bread.
• For a lighter option, spoon the tuna salad onto a bed of fresh lettuce or baked spinach.
• Use it as a filling in a tortilla for a tasty tuna wrap.
• Pair it with crackers or veggie sticks for a quick and easy snack.
• Add a scoop on top of sliced tomatoes or cucumbers for a refreshing twist.

Tips For Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your canned tuna is fresh and your eggs are perfectly hard-boiled. This ensures the best texture and taste in your tuna salad.
• Drain the Tuna Well: Draining the tuna thoroughly helps avoid a watery salad. If the tuna is too wet, it can make the salad less creamy.
• Customize to Taste: While this recipe is simple, feel free to adjust the mayonnaise amount to your liking. If you prefer a creamier salad, add a bit more, or reduce it for a lighter texture.
• Make It Ahead: Tuna salad tastes best when it’s had some time to chill in the fridge. If possible, make it at least an hour before serving so the flavors can meld.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: If you want to jazz up your tuna salad, try adding ingredients like diced celery, onions, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayo: For a lighter version, swap out the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will give you a creamy texture with fewer calories and a bit of tang.
• Add Crunch: If you like some crunch in your tuna salad, try mixing in diced celery, onions, or bell peppers. These add texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: To add some heat, stir in a bit of Dijon mustard, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chopped jalapeños.
• Herb It Up: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can bring a fresh burst of flavor to your tuna salad.
• Avocado Addition: Replace some or all of the mayo with mashed avocado for a creamy, heart-healthy alternative.
• Egg-Free Option: If you prefer not to use eggs, you can simply leave them out, and the salad will still be delicious. You could also add diced cucumbers for a refreshing twist.
• Low-Carb Option: For those on a low-carb diet, serve the tuna salad in lettuce wraps or over a bed of mixed greens instead of bread or tortillas.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again.
• Reheating: Tuna salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. If it’s been in the fridge, simply let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to let it come closer to room temperature.
• Freezing: Freezing tuna salad is not recommended as it can affect the texture of both the tuna and mayonnaise when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tuna in oil instead of tuna in water?

Yes, you can use tuna packed in oil if you prefer a richer flavor. Just make sure to drain the excess oil before mixing it into the salad. The texture will be slightly creamier compared to using tuna in water.

Can I make tuna salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Tuna salad is actually better when made ahead of time. Letting it chill in the fridge for an hour or more allows the flavors to blend and develop. You can make it up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container.

Can I add other ingredients to this tuna salad?

Yes! Tuna salad is very versatile. Popular additions include diced celery, onions, pickles, or even olives. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. Just be mindful of balancing the ingredients so that the tuna remains the star.

How do I hard-boil eggs perfectly for tuna salad?

To hard-boil eggs, place them in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat and cover the pot. Let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes, then transfer them to an ice water bath to cool before peeling. This method ensures perfectly cooked eggs with no green ring around the yolk.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad?

Yes, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. You can also use mashed avocado or a combination of olive oil and Dijon mustard for a different flavor profile. These alternatives will still give you a creamy texture while changing up the taste.

Other Easy Tuna Recipes

Healthy Tuna Salad with Greek Yogurt: This light and creamy tuna salad swaps mayonnaise for protein-packed Greek yogurt, making it a healthy and flavorful option.

Copycat Subway Tuna Sandwich Recipe: Recreate the famous Subway tuna sandwich at home with this easy and delicious copycat recipe.

Easy Canned Tuna Ceviche Recipe: This refreshing tuna ceviche combines canned tuna with citrus, fresh veggies, and herbs for a quick, zesty meal.

Keto Tuna Egg and Avocado Salad: A low-carb, high-protein salad featuring tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and creamy avocado, perfect for keto diets.

No Mayo Tuna Avocado Salad Wrap: This mayo-free tuna salad is wrapped in a tortilla with avocado for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich: A timeless tuna salad sandwich made with simple ingredients for a quick and tasty lunch.

More Salad Recipes

• Tomato and Feta Salad with Fresh Parsley
• Burrata and Fresh Tomato Salad Appetizer
• Chicken and Roasted Pepper Chopped Salad Recipe