Classic Homestyle Tuna Salad with Celery and Herbs
Homestyle Tuna Salad
A timeless, creamy tuna salad featuring crunchy celery and a bright hint of lemon.
Every home cook needs a reliable tuna salad in their repertoire. It's the ultimate pantry-staple meal that feels special without any fuss. This version strikes the perfect balance between creamy mayonnaise and the bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon and Dijon mustard, making it far superior to anything you’d find at a typical deli counter.
The secret to a truly great tuna salad is all about the texture. I love the contrast of the tender flaked tuna against the sharp crunch of finely diced celery and red onion. Whether you’re piling it onto toasted sourdough, scooping it with crackers, or stuffing it into a ripe tomato, this recipe is a nostalgic favorite that never goes out of style.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Drain the tuna cans thoroughly and transfer the tuna to a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller pieces.
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2
Add the mayonnaise, diced celery, minced red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the bowl.
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3
Stir everything together until well combined and the tuna is evenly coated with the dressing.
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4
Fold in the fresh chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
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5
Serve immediately on your favorite bread or crackers, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredients
- Canned tuna in water:10 oz
- Mayonnaise:1/3 cup
- Celery, finely diced:1 stalk
- Red onion, minced:2 tbsp
- Sweet pickle relish:1 tbsp
- Dijon mustard:1 tsp
- Fresh lemon juice:1 tsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped:1 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper:1 pinch
Tips & Notes
- For the best texture, squeeze the tuna very dry before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- If you prefer a savory kick over sweetness, substitute the sweet relish with chopped dill pickles or capers.
- Add a dash of paprika or a pinch of celery salt for extra depth of flavor.
