Classic Tuna Salad

Name: Classic Tuna Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cans (5 ounces / 142 g each) tuna, drained; 1/3 cup (75 g) mayonnaise; 1 celery stalk, finely diced; 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion; 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickle or relish; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Pinch each of salt and pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)

A classic, creamy tuna salad with crunchy celery, red onion, dill pickle and lemon. Ready in 10 minutes for sandwiches, wraps, crackers or lettuce cups.

By Tasty Nest Recipes Editorial TeamPublished October 16, 2026

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10 min total About 2 cups (4 servings)Easy

Tuna salad sandwich on toasted bread with lettuce and tomato, with extra tomato slices — Photo: jeffreyw · CC BY 2.0. Illustrative photo; your results may look different.

About this recipe

A good tuna salad is creamy but not heavy, with enough crunch and acidity to keep it lively. This classic version uses celery and red onion for crunch, chopped dill pickle for tang and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it.

It takes ten minutes and keeps for a few days in the fridge, making it a reliable lunch staple for sandwiches, wraps or lettuce cups.

Tips for success

Tuna packed in olive oil gives a richer, more tender salad; water-packed tuna is lighter.
Chill the salad for 20 minutes before serving to let the flavours come together.
Keep it cold in a packed lunch with an ice pack.

Substitutions and variations

Use Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
Swap the tuna for canned salmon or chickpeas.
Add capers, chopped hard-boiled egg or diced apple.

Storage

To store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Recipe