AmericanHigh-ProteinGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Classic Tuna Salad

Name: Classic Tuna Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cans (5 oz each) chunk light tuna in water, drained; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 2 celery stalks, finely diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

A american lunch built for repeat cooking, with a clear ingredient list, tested timings, and practical variations.

10 min total

4 servings

No-Cook

Calories

213 kcal

Protein

17g

Carbs

Fat

14g

Ingredients checklist

2 cans (5 oz each) chunk light tuna in water, drained1/3 cup mayonnaise2 celery stalks, finely diced1/4 cup red onion, finely diced1 tablespoon Dijon mustard1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish1/4 teaspoon garlic powderSalt and black pepper to taste

Numbered instructions

1Drain tuna thoroughly and place in a medium bowl, breaking it apart gently with a fork.

2Soak diced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its sharpness, then drain well.

3Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and sweet relish to the tuna.

4Add diced celery, soaked onion, and garlic powder; stir until evenly combined.

5Season generously with salt and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

6Serve on toasted bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or stuffed into a halved tomato.

Chef's Tips

Soaking red onion in cold water removes harsh sulfur compounds so it doesn't overpower the salad.

Press the can lid firmly against the tuna to squeeze out all liquid — watery tuna ruins the texture.

Chill for at least 15–30 minutes before serving; the flavors deepen significantly as it rests.

Substitute half or all of the mayo with full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter, higher-protein version.

Recipe Variations

Mediterranean Style: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt, add Kalamata olives, capers, and diced cucumber.

Avocado Tuna Salad: Replace mayonnaise with mashed ripe avocado and add diced jalapeño for a creamy dairy-free version.

Tuna Nicoise: Add hard-boiled eggs, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and a Dijon vinaigrette for a French-inspired salad.

Source: Taste of Home at https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tuna-salad-recipe/

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