Are you looking for a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? Look no further than tuna salad! This classic recipe has been a staple in many households for generations, and its versatility makes it a great option for everything from a quick lunch to a sophisticated dinner party. With so many different ingredients and flavor combinations available, you can create a unique tuna salad that suits your taste and style.
From classic recipes with mayonnaise and celery to more adventurous options featuring avocado or sriracha, there’s something on this list for everyone. And the best part? Most of these recipes are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for even the busiest of schedules. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious tuna salad recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
Classic Tuna Salad with Celery and Mayo
A timeless and straightforward recipe that combines the flavors of tuna, celery, and mayonnaise to create a delicious and satisfying salad. This classic tuna salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 stalks of celery, diced
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flaked tuna, diced celery, and mayonnaise.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Spicy Sriracha Tuna Salad
Elevate your salad game with this bold and flavorful Spicy Sriracha Tuna Salad, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 tbsp of Sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup of chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp of freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, Sriracha sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the chopped red bell pepper, cucumber, and cilantro to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and toss again.
4. Serve immediately on top of a bed of greens or as a topping for your favorite dish.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Avocado and Tuna Salad
A refreshing twist on traditional tuna salad, this recipe combines the richness of avocado with the protein-packed punch of tuna. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, it’s also a great way to sneak in some healthy fats and vitamins.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced avocado and flaked tuna.
2. Add the chopped red onion and stir until well combined.
3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in any additional ingredients, such as chopped parsley for garnish.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep and chill time)
Mediterranean Tuna Salad with Olives and Feta
A flavorful and refreshing salad that combines the richness of tuna with the tanginess of feta, olives, and a hint of Mediterranean spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (6 oz) of solid white tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, olives, and feta.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Tuna Salad Stuffed Tomatoes
This refreshing summer recipe combines the flavors of tuna salad and fresh tomatoes, perfect for a quick and easy snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tomatoes, hollowed out
– 1 (5 oz) can of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon chopped onion
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
3. Stuff each tomato with the tuna salad mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
4. Place stuffed tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Asian-Inspired Tuna Salad with Sesame Dressing
Elevate your tuna salad game with the bold flavors of Asia! This refreshing recipe combines canned tuna with crunchy vegetables, savory soy sauce, and a nutty sesame dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup of chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup of sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, cucumber, bell pepper, and scallions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the sesame dressing over the tuna mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a quick and easy assembly job.
Tuna and White Bean Salad
A refreshing and protein-packed salad perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. This recipe combines the richness of tuna with the creaminess of cannellini beans, all tied together with a zesty dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (6 oz) of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup cooked cannellini beans
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine tuna, cannellini beans, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Healthy Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
This Healthy Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad recipe is a perfect blend of protein, healthy fats, and tanginess, making it an ideal snack or light meal. With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, you’ll have a nutritious treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6 oz) can of tuna in water, drained
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine tuna, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: None!
Serve: Enjoy as a snack or use on top of whole-grain crackers, salads, or veggies.
Tuna Salad with Apples and Walnuts
This unique tuna salad combines the savory flavor of canned tuna with the crunch of walnuts, sweetness of apples, and tanginess of lemon juice. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is also great as a snack or addition to your favorite greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6 oz) can of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 1/2 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, apple, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing
A refreshing and protein-packed salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This tuna pasta salad combines the flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs with the comfort of pasta and canned tuna.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (bowtie or penne work well)
– 1 can (5 oz.) of tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp. lemon juice
– 1 tsp. olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tuna, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and garlic.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Tuna Nicoise Salad
Experience the flavors of France with this classic Tuna Nicoise Salad recipe, featuring seared tuna, crispy vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup of sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup of sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup of chopped hard-boiled egg
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Place the tuna on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the tuna with the olive oil-lemon mixture and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the tuna for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and chopped egg.
6. Once the tuna is cooked, flake it into small pieces and add to the bowl.
7. Toss gently to combine.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tuna Salad Wraps with Whole Wheat Tortillas
A refreshing and protein-packed snack or lunch option that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. This recipe combines canned tuna, crunchy veggies, and tangy dressing all wrapped up in a whole wheat tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup of diced celery
– 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper
– 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 whole wheat tortillas
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, celery, and red bell pepper.
2. Add the mayonnaise and parsley to the bowl and mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Lay out a whole wheat tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the tuna mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
5. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll the wrap up tightly.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Tuna and Chickpea Salad
This tuna and chickpea salad is a refreshing twist on the classic tuna salad, adding protein-rich chickpeas and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, chickpeas, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and parsley.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time), 30 minutes (refrigeration)
Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Dill
This tuna salad recipe combines the simplicity of canned tuna with the brightness of fresh cucumber, dill, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it’s also great as a snack or sandwich filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, cucumber, and dill.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and lemon juice.
3. Pour the mayo-lemon mixture over the tuna mixture and stir until combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None!
Enjoy your Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Dill!
Tuna and Quinoa Salad
This refreshing tuna and quinoa salad is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber. With the combination of omega-3 rich tuna, nutty quinoa, and crunchy vegetables, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup diced cucumber
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tuna, cucumber, bell pepper, and parsley.
2. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (cooking time for quinoa only)
Tuna Salad with Hard-Boiled Eggs
Combine the protein-packed power of tuna and eggs with this simple and satisfying salad recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flaked tuna and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the tuna and egg mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Tuna and Corn Salad with Lime Dressing
A refreshing and light salad perfect for a hot summer day, this tuna and corn salad combines the flaky goodness of canned tuna with the sweetness of corn and the zesty kick of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5 oz) can of tuna in water, drained
– 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, corn kernels, and red bell pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Pour the lime dressing over the tuna mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
4. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Tuna Salad with Grapes and Almonds
A refreshing twist on traditional tuna salad, this recipe combines the richness of tuna with the sweetness of grapes and crunch of almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/2 cup of red grapes, halved
– 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the tuna, grapes, and almonds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to reel in the flavor with these 18 mouth-watering tuna salad recipes! From classic combinations like celery and mayo, to international twists like Mediterranean olives and feta, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a healthy snack, or a satisfying dinner, these tuna salads have got you covered. With ingredients ranging from avocado to quinoa, and flavors from spicy sriracha to zesty lemon, you’ll find the perfect recipe to suit your mood and occasion.
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