Description
This easy southern tuna salad recipe offers a rich, creamy texture and savory blend of flavors, making it a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or grab-and-go lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz canned tuna, well-drained
- 0.75 cup mayonnaise (vegetable oil-based)
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 0.25 cup sweet pickle relish, well-drained
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Tuna: Drain canned tuna thoroughly by pressing it in a colander, then gently flake it into a large mixing bowl with a fork.
- Chop & Mix Veggies: Dice celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs (if using) into small, uniform pieces, then add them to the bowl with the tuna.
- Combine the Creamy Goodness: Add mayonnaise, relish, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl, observing the creamy mixture form.
- Gentle Stir & Chill: Mix all ingredients gently until just combined, being careful not to over-mix to maintain tuna and veggie texture. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Notes
Ensure tuna is well-drained to prevent a watery salad and avoid over-mixing to maintain a pleasant texture. For a kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For extra freshness, stir in fresh dill or parsley.
- Prep Time: 11 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.75 cup (150 g)
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: southern tuna salad, easy, creamy, no-cook, lunch, make-ahead, quick dinner, family favorite