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Bowl of easy tuna salad with fresh ingredients on a table

Easy Tuna Salad

A quick, comforting tuna salad made with canned albacore tuna, adding crisp celery and dill pickles, mixed with flavorful ingredients, perfect for sandwiches or light meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 6 oz. Canned Albacore Tuna (drained) Albacore is mild and meaty, but light tuna is also fine if preferred.
  • ¼ cup Mayonnaise Use your favorite brand or swap part with Greek yogurt for tang.
  • 1 tsp Yellow Mustard
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • ⅛ tsp Paprika
  • ¼ tsp Dried Dill Fresh dill can substitute for a fresher flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Dill Pickle (finely chopped) Adds tangy crunch; sweet pickles can be used if desired.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Celery (finely chopped) Finely chop for even texture.
  • 2 tbsp Yellow Onion (finely chopped) Soaking in cold water can tame sharpness.
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice For brightness of flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Drain both 6 oz. cans of albacore tuna well. Flake the tuna with a fork in your mixing bowl to break up larger chunks.
  2. Finely chop dill pickle, celery, and yellow onion. Aim for small, even pieces for balanced flavor.
Mixing
  1. In the bowl with the tuna, add mayonnaise, yellow mustard, black pepper, paprika, dried dill, and lemon juice.
  2. Use a fork or spatula to combine until well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Finalizing
  1. Gently stir in the chopped dill pickle, celery, and onion, making sure not to overmix.
  2. Cover and place the tuna salad in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve on sliced bread, with crackers, or over a bed of lettuce. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Chill for best flavor and texture. Make ahead by prepping ingredients and dressing separately. Adjust seasoning as needed.