Tuna Carrot Salad
A fresh, crunchy tuna salad with carrots, celery, and a creamy dressing, topped with crispy chow mein noodles—perfect for a light lunch or picnic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tuna, carrots, celery, and onions in a bowl and set aside.
- Mix together mayonnaise, milk, mustard, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Add the dressing to the tuna mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Cover and chill until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, top the salad with La Choy chow mein noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you need a lighter version, swap out half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You can also use canned chicken as a substitute for tuna. Make sure to drain the tuna well to avoid a watery salad. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or peas for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Tuna Carrot Salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at picnics and barbecues. Consider serving it with whole grain crackers or on a bed of greens for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick New England Clam Chowder for a complete seafood experience. For an extra crunch, add some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Tuna Carrot Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chow mein noodles crispy, store them separately and add them just before serving. If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a little milk or mayonnaise to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna Carrot Salad contains roughly 733 calories, with 14g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 975mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Tuna Carrot Salad a day in advance. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together nicely, enhancing the salad's taste. However, add the chow mein noodles right before serving to keep them crisp.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for an alternative to mayonnaise, consider using Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and healthier option. You can also try a vegan mayonnaise or even a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar for a lighter dressing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Tuna Carrot Salad is a great option for meal prep. You can portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Just remember to keep the chow mein noodles separate until you're ready to eat to maintain their crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).