Perfectly Simple Tuna Salad (only 5 ingredients!)

Busy families need easy, delicious meals, and this Simple Tuna Salad is exactly what you need! Made with just five ingredients, it’s perfect for whipping up quick sandwiches or pairing with crunchy veggies or crackers. Elevate your lunch game with this classic recipe that tastes delicious and is easy to make!

It’s back-to-school time, and so it’s time to start thinking about lunches for my kids! Thanks to my mom, I have super high standards for lunches. She would pack my lunch for school every single day, which would usually include a sandwich piled high on a bagel that my friends drooled over. 

I’m super busy in the mornings trying to keep everyone on track, so I need easy lunch recipes that have simple ingredients that taste delicious! This simple tuna salad is a great recipe you’ll love making because it only has five ingredients and can be whipped up in less than five minutes! I’m able to start off the school year with an epic sandwich, just like mom did. Back-to-school never tasted so good!

5 Ingredient Tuna Salad

Seriously, it’s all about keeping it simple. Just grab a quality can of tuna, some creamy mayo, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all up, and you’re good to go! This tuna salad is perfect on a sandwich, tossed with some greens, or even as a dip with your favorite crackers. Serve it with Watermelon Mint Salad or Lemon Orzo Salad for a full meal. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and tasty this is!

More ways to serve

Tuna salad is not just for sandwiches. There are so many ways you can turn tuna salad into a snack or a meal so it can be served a little different each time. This is your sign to whip up a big batch to eat all week! 

• Scoop it up with your favorite gluten-free crackers for a quick and tasty snack that’s perfect anytime. Don’t forget to add some chips to the sandwich!
• Top a fresh green salad with a generous dollop of tuna salad.
• Roll it up in a whole wheat wrap with some veggies for a portable, filling, and delicious meal on the go.
• Spread it on a toasted bagel and add a slice of cheese for a satisfying breakfast or lunch that hits the spot.
• Use it as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers for a colorful dish that’s great for lunch or dinner.
• For a comforting, warm meal, make a tuna melt by spreading it on bread, topping it with cheese, and broiling it until bubbly.
• Serve it on cucumber slices or celery sticks for a crunchy appetizer that’s perfect for parties.
• Mix it into pasta for a quick and easy tuna pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics and potlucks.
• Pile it high on whole grain toast and top it with microgreens for a fancy open-faced sandwich that’s simple yet impressive.

Ingredient Notes

• Canned Tuna is the star of the show, giving the salad its rich, savory flavor and flaky texture.
• Mayonnaise – Makes the tuna salad creamy and adds a nice tangy flavor.
• Salt & Pepper – These simple seasonings bring out all the flavors naturally and add a little kick. 
• Fresh Lemon Juice—A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the whole salad and cuts through the richness. For the most vibrant flavor, fresh juice is the way to go.

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the canned tuna, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice until everything is well combined and creamy. Taste the tuna first if it’s already salted in the can; you might not need to add as much salt, or you can adjust it to your liking. 

If you’re making a sandwich, spread a layer of whole-grain mustard on both halves of a toasted bagel. Pile on the tuna salad, add a slice of your favorite cheese, and top with some fresh microgreens. Serve your delicious sandwich with a side of crunchy chips for a satisfying meal!

Which canned tuna to use

When it comes to making tuna salad, the type of canned tuna you choose can make a big difference. There are two main types: tuna packed in oil and tuna packed in water. Tuna packed in oil has a richer flavor and a smoother texture, while tuna packed in water is lighter.

Tips for making the best tuna salad

• Drain the tuna thoroughly to avoid a watery salad. You don’t want your tuna salad to be soggy, so press down on the lid to squeeze out all the liquid before mixing.
• Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller pieces for a more even texture. Breaking up the tuna with a fork helps it blend better with the other ingredients, giving you a smoother, more consistent salad.
• Mix the ingredients in a large bowl to ensure everything is well combined. A bigger bowl gives you plenty of space to mix thoroughly without making a mess.
• Taste the tuna before adding salt, as some canned tuna is already salted. 
• Squeeze the lemon juice fresh for the brightest, most vibrant taste. Freshly squeezed lemon juice has a zesty flavor that bottled juice just can’t match!
• Chill the tuna salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together. Letting the salad sit in the fridge helps the flavors blend together, making it even more delicious.

Customize the flavor

• Add chopped celery for a crunchy texture and a fresh taste.
• Mix in some diced red onion for a bit of sharpness and color. 
• Include sweet pickle relish for a tangy, sweet twist.
• Stir in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for an extra touch of spice and depth, giving your tuna salad a sophisticated twist.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy version.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or chives, for a burst of freshness. Mix in some capers for a briny, salty kick. 
• Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for some heat. 

Store Instructions

To keep your tuna salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to four days. Give it a quick stir before serving to mix in any separated liquid. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent bacteria growth. If you have any leftovers from a sandwich or other dish, store the tuna salad separately. Do not freeze!

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