Tuna Salad
Creamy and oh so flavorful, this Tuna Salad recipe is the perfect thing to make for the whole family to enjoy for lunch or a quick dinner!
NOT YOUR MOM’S TUNA SALAD RECIPE
I think most people know how to make a very basic tuna salad. There isn’t much to it and it’s all well and good. We know it and we love it. But if you’re looking for a recipe that is steps above the usual, then this one is for you! I like the combination of mayonnaise and sour cream together that I use with this recipe. I do this with my chicken salad and it’s always a huge favorite so I apply it to tuna salad as well. Also, the combination of celery AND pickle relish really gives this taste and texture. I think these two things really set this recipe apart from other recipes. It is still super simple and quick to throw together but will be the best tuna salad sandwich you’ve ever made!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
To prevent this from happening, make sure you drain the canned tuna REALLY well. Most of the time that is all it is.
Of course not. This is your tuna salad so you make it your way. Just stir the tuna more to make it finer.
I’ve got you covered! You can easily jazz this tuna salad up by adding some cooked pasta to the mix. If you’re looking for a recipe, try my Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
I have seen so many regional variations to tuna salad. My friends up north love to add dill to their tuna salad. I personally don’t like fresh dill a whole lot so it’s not my favorite but you can add some other fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
It should be stored in a covered, airtight container and stored in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 3 days. I don’t suggest trying to freeze this recipe.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- canned tuna – I always go with tuna in water. The tuna in oil can sometimes interact with the other flavors and it can also end up more oily than you would want for a tuna salad.
- mayonnaise – you will never ever catch me using Miracle Whip but if that is your favorite then obviously feel free to use it here. Also, if you enjoy Kewpie Mayo, it works perfect with this recipe!
- sour cream – the only other acceptable substitute would be plain Greek yogurt.
- celery – I like the added crunchiness the celery gives this but if you don’t like celery than simply leave it out.
- sweet onion – for a slightly less strong onion flavor, try using a shallot instead.
- dill pickle relish – if you prefer you can just use one or the other: celery or pickle relish. They really do go outstanding together. Or if you don’t like dill pickle relish than maybe try a sweet pickle relish.
- lemon juice (optional)- This really amplifies the flavor profile and just ties everything together but it is not necessary. If you are going to use it though, it needs to be fresh and not bottled. The bottled stuff can really throw off the other flavors.
- salt and pepper – there are a lot of other flavors going on here so a simple salt and pepper seasoning works best.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST TUNA SALAD
In a large bowl, stir together the tuna, mayonnaise, sour cream, celery, onion, pickle relish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until ready to serve or use immediately.
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The BEST Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 15 ounces canned tuna in water, drained very well (about 3 regular sized cans)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons sour cream
- ⅓ cup finely diced celery
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped sweet onion
- 2 Tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together 15 ounces canned tuna in water, drained very well , 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons sour cream, 1/3 cup finely diced celery, 2 Tablespoons finely chopped sweet onion, 2 Tablespoons dill pickle relish, 1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until ready to serve or use immediately.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Was very good
This tuna salad is SO good. My Mom never left her recipe and I know she did it by taste. This is EXACTLY like hers. I almost cried after tasting it. Everyone used to rave that they loved her tuna salad the best and this is definitely just like her recipe. Thanks so very much
This is so sweet Patricia and I am honored that you think this one tastes like your Moms (Mom and Grandmas always make the best food!) Thanks so much for coming back to comment!
No one makes anything as good as Mom or Grandma so I really do consider it such a huge honor to have a recipe that tastes like what Mom used to make. So many of us were taught to add a ‘little bit of this’ and a ‘little bit of that’ and so what I have tried to do with this website is slow down the process and actually measure how much was added so that recipes can be passed on and re-created. You made my day – thanks so much!
Absolutely Delicious! I have made this twice, and it kept fine in the refrigerator until I had eaten it all, about 3 days. Not one bit was wasted, I ate it all! It is so good.
I have made the same tuna salad for over 50 years. It is my go to and I just assumed it was the best because that is what I have always made and people enjoy it and have asked me to make it for them over the years. Well, I have been missing out! My beloved mother would kill me for saying this were she alive but this is out of this world good. So much better! I am so happy I took a chance and tried something new. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Nothing wrong with my old recipe but this one is now the one! I took it to a church function and absolutely everyone agreed this was better than the one I have always brought.
I MADE THIS TUNA SALAD LAST NIGHT FOR MY FAMILY AND THEY WENT WILD OVER IT. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU, BRANDIE
So happy to hear this Sally! Thanks so much for giving it a try! I know most people have their standard tuna salad recipes that they refuse to deviate from or try something new so I appreciate you giving this a shot! You can love your old recipe and a new recipe at the same time, right? Ha! Thank you SO very much!