Here is my recipe for the best tuna salad recipe! It’s super simple, uses staple pantry and refrigerator ingredients, and is so delicious my whole family requests it weekly!

Classic Tuna Salad Recipe

I first whipped up this tuna salad when I was looking for a quick dinner to make with ingredients I already had on hand. I looked around and saw a few cans of tuna fish in the back of the cupboard and just went with it.

I created this recipe to have a blend of crunchy celery, tangy onion, and a rich, creamy dressing. I can tell you, it delivers on all of that.

I end up making double of this recipe when I make it so my husband can eat it for lunch the whole week and I can snag a few sandwiches of it still too.

And, if you love an easy lunch recipe, you’ll love my recipes for air fryer tuna melt, chopped salad, ham salad, buffalo chicken wrap, shrimp salad recipe, chicken salad, tri-tip sandwich, and my big list of cold lunch ideas.

Tuna Fish Salad Ingredients

• Canned tuna
• Mayonnaise — I’ve used Miracle Whip in place of it too
• Celery
• Red Onion — I recommend red onion, but you can use a sweet onion if you prefer
• Dill
• Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper

How to Make the Best Tuna Salad

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Drain the cans of tuna. 

STEP TWO: Chop the celery, red onion, and dill. 

STEP THREE: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, celery, onion, dill, and mustard. 

STEP FOUR: Fold in the tuna and then season it with salt and pepper.

STEP FIVE: Serve immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy. Serve on bread, over a salad, or with vegetables or crackers. 

Tuna Fish Salad Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality canned tuna for the best flavor and texture. I love Costco’s Kirkland albacore solid white.
• Drain the tuna well to prevent a soggy tuna fish salad.
• Finely chop the celery and onion to distribute the crunchy texture evenly throughout the tuna salad.
• Stir the ingredients gently so you don’t break up all the chunks of tuna.
• Adjust the mayonnaise to your liking for creaminess.
• Let the tuna fish salad chill before serving to enhance the flavors. I love making this at night to enjoy for lunch the next day.

Best Tuna Salad Recipe Variations

• Add a little crunch by tossing in some chopped cucumber or radishes.
• Make it sweet with a few raisins or diced apples.
• Give this classic tuna salad recipe a kick by sprinkling in some red pepper flakes.
• Go herbaceous with some chopped parsley, fresh basil, or cilantro.
• Lighten it up by swapping mayo for avocado or Greek yogurt in this recipe for tuna salad.

What to Serve with this Recipe for Tuna Fish Salad

When I want something light and refreshing, I love serving this alongside watermelon cucumber feta salad, cucumber onion salad, or broccoli crunch salad.

When my family is craving something heartier, air fryer garlic bread or garlic cheese bread always hits the spot!

How Long Does Tuna Salad Last?

My classic tuna salad recipe keeps very well in the refrigerator, which is perfect for my weekly meal prep.

You can store tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 3 or 4 days. I recommend stirring it before serving to refresh the flavors and ensure the best taste.

More Easy Recipes

• London Broil Marinade
• Blacked Mahi Mahi
• 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce
• Tuna Steak Recipe
• Baked Salmon Recipe
• Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
• Air Fryer Hot Dogs
• Tzatziki Sauce