Classic Tuna Salad Recipe
Introduction
Tuna salad is a quick and versatile dish perfect for lunches or light dinners. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it offers a delicious and satisfying meal anytime.

Ingredients
- 12 oz tuna in water (drained)
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Bread for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the drained tuna, celery, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper into a bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Step 2: Serve the tuna salad on crackers, over a fresh salad, or as a filling on bread for sandwiches.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the salad while keeping it creamy.
- Add chopped pickles or capers for a tangy twist.
Storage
Store tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and if desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften the texture before enjoying.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?
Yes, you can use tuna packed in oil for a richer flavor. Just be sure to drain excess oil to avoid making the salad too greasy.
Is it safe to eat tuna salad without cooking?
Yes, canned tuna is pre-cooked during the canning process, so the tuna salad is safe to eat without any additional cooking.
PrintClassic Tuna Salad Recipe
A classic, easy-to-make Tuna Salad that’s perfect as a sandwich filling, served on crackers, or as a light salad topping. This creamy and flavorful recipe combines tuna with crisp celery, onion, and a tangy mustard mayo dressing for a satisfying meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz tuna in water, drained
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the drained tuna, finely chopped celery, finely chopped onion, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients well until the tuna mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the tuna salad on bread for sandwiches, over salad greens, or on crackers as a snack or light meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on your preference.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Chilling the tuna salad for 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors.
- Use fresh, high-quality canned tuna for the best taste and texture.
Keywords: tuna salad, tuna sandwich, no cook salad, quick tuna recipe, easy tuna salad, tuna salad on bread

