Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Easy Tuna Salad – The best way to enjoy canned tuna! This quick and delicious salad is ready in just 15 minutes. After making this many times, I discovered the secret to a perfect creamy dressing. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Classic White Bean and Kale Soup Recipe and Chilled Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Coconut Cream.
Why This Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Ready in 15 minutes
- Better than takeout
- Creamy, tangy dressing
What You'll Need for Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 cans of tuna
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Optional: Lemon wedges
- Optional: Fresh dill
- Optional: Croutons
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Tuna: Drained and flaked
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food Chopper — Saves time and effort → See on Amazon
- Mixing Bowls — Ensures even mixing → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, celery, red onion, dill, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Step 2: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce or with crackers. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh dill, and croutons if desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overmix the salad or it will become watery. If this happens, add more mayonnaise to thicken.
- Pro tip: For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Pro tip: Make ahead: Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add toppings just before serving.
Storing & Reheating Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Make-ahead tip: Yes, up to 1 day ahead
Freezing Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Not suitable for freezing
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary Microwave: Not necessary
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Best substitution: Substitute canned tuna with cooked chicken or salmon.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Add toppings just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If it's too watery, add more mayonnaise.
Want to level up this recipe?
Good quality canned tuna — Ensures flaky, juicy tuna → Check price on Amazon
Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans of tuna
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill
- Croutons
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, celery, red onion, dill, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Step 2: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce or with crackers. Garnish with lemon wedges, fresh dill, and croutons if desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Best substitution: Substitute canned tuna with cooked chicken or salmon.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Add toppings just before serving.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. If it's too watery, add more mayonnaise.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not suitable for freezing
- Oven reheat: Not necessary
- Microwave reheat: Not necessary
- Make ahead: Yes, up to 1 day ahead
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sat. Fat: 3.5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add toppings just before serving.
You may have added too much mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. To fix, add more liquid like lemon juice or milk.
No, tuna salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise and other ingredients.
Yes, tuna is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Choose a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
Serve with a side of mixed greens, crackers, or bread. For a light meal, add a side of fruit or vegetables.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Tuna Salad Recipe – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
