Tuna Salad

A simple, no-fuss, old-fashioned Tuna Salad Sandwich recipe that has great flavor making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal any time.

Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Some of y’all are probably like, “doesn’t everyone know how to make tuna salad?” or “is she really sharing a recipe for this?” ……. Yes, I am really sharing a recipe for tuna salad! I know there are a million and one recipes out there for it, but I have to make it a million and two – because I like even numbers! 😂

I don’t know about you, but I tend to look for simple recipes when the weather gets warmer. Since I don’t want to spend all day in a hot kitchen – and I know you don’t either! I am particularly fond of “no-cook” recipes in the summer. Yes, even food bloggers sometimes take the easy (and cooler) road – no shame in my game!

Recipes like this keep my house cool, and they tend to be lighter meals! Who wants to eat a big ol’ meal in the summer? Exactly … no one! We usually eat more sandwiches and cold side salads in the summer, and I’m guessing many other families do as well.

Today, I’m sharing a simple, no-fuss Tuna Salad Sandwich recipe. Admittedly, it’s a very basic, no-frills sort of recipe. But, sometimes, those are the best ones – aren’t they?! Occasionally, I like to top my sandwiches with lettuce and tomato … other times, it’s just straight-up tuna salad with toasted bread. 

We probably have these 2 or 3 times a month for lunch or dinner during the summer. They can be whipped up in no time, and they are very budget-friendly! 

Tuna Salad: Ingredients and Substitutions

For this Tuna Salad recipe, you will need …

Ingredients

• tuna in water – you can use tuna in oil, too. I prefer it in water. For some extra flavor, you can also buy the tuna with differnt flavors.
• celery and onions – gives flavor and crunch to the salad.
• mayonnaise – the binder that holds it altogether.
• sweet pickle relish – adds a nice flavor to the salad. You can also use dill relish, or omit it entirely if you prefer.
• salt and pepper – use these ingredients to taste.
• bread slices – I typically prefer whole wheat or plain old sandwich white bread but you can defintely use any kind you like. Sometimes, we even roll this salad up in tortillas with lettuce.
• lettuce, tomatoes, other toppings (optional)

Tuna Salad: FAQs

Recipe Notes

• Not a fan of sweet pickle relish? Try dill relish – or omit it completely.
• When I have fresh herbs on hand, I love adding some to my tuna salad. Thyme, basil, dill, and parsley are all great.
• Want to change it up a bit? Try adding some Cajun seasoning … it’s awesome!

Other recipes you may enjoy

• Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Cheesy Tuna Melts
• Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Easy Tuna Mac n’ Cheese
• Mediterranean Tuna Salad

4.41 from 20 votes

Servings: 6 sandwiches

Tuna Salad

By Jamie Sherman

A simple, no-fuss, old-fashioned Tuna Salad Sandwich recipe that has great flavor making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal any time.

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Total: 10 minutes mins

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Equipment

• Cuisinart CPT-180P1 Metal Classic 4-Slice toaster, Brushed Stainless
• knife
• cutting board
• Lock N’ Lift Manual Handheld Can Opener with Locking Mechanism
• measuring cups and spoons
• measuring cups and spoons
• rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• mixing bowl

Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 3 cans tuna in water, drained, 5 oz. each
• ▢ 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• ▢ ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
• ▢ 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• ▢ salt and pepper, to taste
• ▢ bread slices, toasted if you prefer
• ▢ lettuce, tomatoes, other toppings (optional)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

• In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, celery, onion, mayonnaise, parsley, pickle relish, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
• Top one bread/toast slice with some of the tuna mixture. Spread mixture evenly. Add lettuce, tomato, etc., if desired. Top with another bread/toast slice. Cut in half if desired.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

• I'm often asked about the addition of eggs. Feel free to add a couple of chopped hard-boiled eggs to the tuna mixture if you like it that way! Depending on the consistency you like, you may need to add a tad more mayo.
• Not a fan of sweet pickle relish? Try dill relish – or omit it entirely.
• I love adding fresh herbs to my tuna salad when I have fresh herbs on hand. Thyme, basil, dill, and parsley are all great.
• Want to change it up a bit? Try adding some Cajun seasoning … it's awesome!
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 215kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 16g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 38mg, Sodium: 351mg, Potassium: 185mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 152IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Originally published on June 6, 2013. Updated on March 14, 2022.