Appetizer In My Kitchen Low Carb Recipes Side Dish

Classic Tuna Salad Recipe | Crispy and Creamy

9 April 2024

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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.

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Tuna salad is a great option if you’re looking for a quick and nutritious meal. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals, tuna is a nutrient-dense food that can help keep you full and energized throughout the day. By mixing it with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing, you can create a delicious salad that will tantalize your taste buds.

That’s why I have come to adore canned tuna salad. I love that it is quick and easy to make, and it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether I want to eat it straight out of the can or mix it with some mayonnaise and vegetables, I know that I’m in for a delicious and satisfying meal. There’s just something about the combination of tender tuna chunks and crunchy veggies that makes me feel content and nourished.

Ingredients

chopped pickles, celery, onion and dill for tuna salad

2 (5 oz) cans of tuna
½ cup kosher pickles
½ cup red onion
½ cup celery
2 tablespoons 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 of mayonnaise. The creamy texture of mayo perfectly balances the hearty and rich taste of tuna. If you love tuna salad, then you know that adding the right amount of mayo not only makes it taste even better but also gives it the right consistency to spread on a sandwich or eat with crackers.
Salt and pepper, to taste. Mind that sodium may already be added to the canned tuna.
Optional: A pinch of Paprika. It adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with the tuna.

How to Make Tuna Salad

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 thoroughly mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add salt and pepper to taste. I also love squeezing some lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy the tuna salad on its own, as a light lunch or dinner option, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

For an added twist, feel free to mix 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, spices or toppings to elevate the dish even further. I adore this mouthwatering Spicy Tuna Jalapeno Melt. Simply spoon your tuna salad onto a slice of bread, top it with a slice of Provolone or pepper jack cheese and add sliced Jalapenos. Then pop it in the air fryer until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

tuna salad with sliced jalapenos on top of bread

Canned Tuna Salad 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?

It 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 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.

Enjoy your warm and crispy tuna melt! Air Fryer Tuna Melt Recipe.

Tuna Salad Variations

Instead of Mayo, you can add Greek yogurt or avocado as a healthier alternative that still adds a creamy texture.

Mediterranean: Give your tuna a Mediterranean twist by adding ingredients like diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. This variation is light, refreshing, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, spice up your tuna salad with diced jalapenos and sriracha sauce. The spicy kick will add an extra layer of flavor that will leave your taste buds tingling.
Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and texture to traditional tuna salad. Mash ripe avocados into the mixture along with some lime juice, cilantro, and diced red bell peppers for a creamy and satisfying twist on this classic dish.
Asian-Inspired: For an exotic twist on tuna salad, add ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds. This variation is savory, umami-packed, and perfect for those craving Asian flavors.
Apple Walnut: For a sweet and crunchy variation add diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), toasted walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries or raisins, celery, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt dressing with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

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