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Easy Creamy Tuna Salad Recipe 5-Minute Mix and Serve Delight

easy creamy tuna salad - featured image

A quick and creamy tuna salad that’s ready in under 5 minutes, perfect for a satisfying lunch or snack with simple pantry ingredients and fresh add-ins.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (5-ounce/142g) cans of tuna in water, drained well
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced red onion (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or dash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Drain the tuna thoroughly, pressing gently with a fork to remove excess liquid (about 1 minute).
  2. Finely dice the celery and red onion, then chop the parsley (about 3 minutes).
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute).
  4. Gently fold in the drained tuna along with chopped celery, onion, and parsley. Stir carefully to combine without breaking up the tuna too much (about 2 minutes).
  5. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir gently and adjust lemon or mustard if desired (30 seconds).
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Keeps well for up to 3 days covered in the fridge.

Notes

If the salad feels too thick, add a teaspoon of water or extra lemon juice to loosen it. Soak chopped onions in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired. Avoid overmixing to keep a chunky texture. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for brightness. The salad tastes better after resting a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna salad, creamy tuna salad, quick lunch, easy tuna recipe, healthy tuna salad, no-cook recipe, pantry staples, mayo tuna salad