Best Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe
The Best Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe is a classic comfort food. It’s made with a few pantry staple ingredients like canned tuna, mayonnaise, onion, and celery. This combination of ingredients makes for a tasty, creamy, and crispy sandwich. You can serve this in a sandwich, make a tuna boat using romaine lettuce, on buttery crackers, or pile on avocado halves for a healthy lunch. So if you’re ever tired of the same old ham sandwich, have this recipe handy and it will make lunch interesting again.
What are the health benefits of eating tuna?
Consuming tuna brings about various health advantages. Tuna provides essential vitamins like B6, B12, and niacin, as well as crucial minerals such as selenium, acting as a potent antioxidant and fortifying the immune system. Its lean protein content aids in weight management by inducing a feeling of fullness and regulating appetite. Adding tuna to your diet offers a nutritious and well-rounded approach to promoting overall health.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Canned Tuna (4 cans, drained): Opt for high-quality tuna packed in water or oil-packed tuna, and make sure the tuna is well-drained because it achieves the best texture for the salad.
- Red Onion (½, finely chopped): The finely chopped red onion adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor, providing both crunch and color.
- Celery (1 rib, finely chopped): Finely chopped celery introduces a refreshing crunch, contributing a light and crisp texture because it complements the other ingredients.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Dijon mustard brings a sophisticated tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Its subtle spiciness and hint of acidity add depth to the dressing.
- Dill Pickle (1, finely chopped): The finely chopped dill pickle or dill pickle relish contributes a burst of briny flavor and a pleasant crunch to the mix.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp): Fresh lemons brighten up the tuna salad, providing a citrusy zing because it balances the richness of the mayo. It adds a layer of freshness to the overall taste.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Minced garlic infuses the salad with a subtle, savory undertone. It complements the other flavors without overpowering, adding a delightful complexity.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Choose your mayonnaise to bind the ingredients together because it creates a creamy and luscious texture.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season the tuna salad with salt and pepper according to your preference. This step is crucial to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS DELICIOUS EASY TUNA SALAD?
Drain the Tuna: To start open four cans of tuna and use the lid to press down to drain all the liquid from the cans. Remove the lid and place the tuna in a medium-sized bowl.
Add all the Other Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, celery, red chopped onion, garlic, lemon juice, dill pickle, and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Using a fork to mix everything, while breaking up any large pieces of tuna. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Classic choices include whole wheat or white sandwich bread, crescent, or multigrain bread. For added crunch, consider using toasted bread.
Ensure that the canned tuna is well-drained and gradually add the mayonnaise.
Yes, tuna salad can be prepared ahead of time. However, it’s recommended to add fresh ingredients like lemon juice and herbs just before serving to maintain their flavors.
Aside from the classic sandwich, you can serve tuna salad on crackers, in lettuce wraps, or as a topping for a green salad. Get creative with your recipe presentation!
HOW LONG CAN LEFTOVER TUNA BE STORED IN THE REFRIGERATOR?
Leftover tuna can be safely stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing. It’s crucial to refrigerate it promptly after cooking or opening to keep it fresh and prevent any potential spoilage. For the best results, store the tuna in the coldest part of your fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as a strange smell, slimy texture, or unusual color, and discard it if you notice any. Proper storage helps ensure your leftover tuna stays safe to eat and maintains its quality until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
WHAT IS COMMON TO SERVE WITH CREAMY TUNA SAlAD?
Creamy tuna salad is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. It’s delicious as a sandwich filling between toasted bread or served on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves. You can also enjoy it with crackers or as a topping for whole grain toast. For a fresh twist, serve it alongside sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or carrot sticks. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, enjoying it for lunch, or needing a quick snack, creamy tuna salad offers plenty of tasty options to suit your cravings.
TUNA SALAD RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier flavor.
- Avocado: Mash avocado into the tuna salad for added creaminess and healthy fats..
- Capers: Incorporate capers for a briny flavor and textural contrast.
- Fresh Herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro for a burst of freshness and aroma.
- Lemon Zest: Instead of traditional citrus, use lemon zest for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Sriracha Mayo: Swap regular mayo with sriracha mayo to add a spicy kick to your tuna salad.
- Cucumber Ribbons: Replace diced vegetables with thin cucumber ribbons for a refreshing crunch.
- Curry Powder: Incorporate curry powder for a unique and exotic twist on classic tuna salad.
- Apple Slices: Mix in thinly sliced apples for a hint of sweetness and crisp texture.
Looking for more easy Salad recipes? Try these!
The Best Green Goddess Salad: It’s packed with fresh cabbage, cucumbers, and spinach, tossed with green onions, and the most flavorful Green Goddess salad dressing. If you love chopped salads, you are going to love The Best Green Salad.
The Best Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad: Following a low-carb diet and are craving a Big Mac sandwich this should help because I mean, what’s not to love? Not only does it taste like a Big Mac, but it’s homemade, low-carb, and the best part is the components of this recipe can be prepared ahead of time.
Quinoa Salad (Famous Jennifer Aniston Salad): Quinoa Salad is made with cucumbers, feta cheese, red onion, and a simple vinaigrette. The Jennifer Aniston Quinoa Salad is fresh, crunchy, and packed with plant-based protein and crunchy chickpeas.
The Best Tuna Salad Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 Cans Tuna (choose your favorite) (drained)
- ½ Red Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 Rib Celery (finely chopped)
- 1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 Dill Pickle (finely chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Drain the Tuna: To start open four cans of tuna and use the lid to press down to drain all the liquid from the cans. Remove the lid and place the tuna in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add all the Other Ingredients: Then add the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, garlic, lemon juice, dill pickle, and Dijon mustard to the bowl. Use a fork to mix everything together, while breaking up any large pieces of tuna. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- It's best to refrigerate the tuna salad for at least an hour prior to serving to allow the flavors to combine. Serve on your favorite bread, with crackers, or as a lettuce boat.
- Enjoy!