Tuna Fish Salad

Prep: 10 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

A quick and easy tuna fish salad packed with creamy mayonnaise and crisp lettuce. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick snack, it offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. Ideal for those seeking a fresh, protein-rich dish that comes together in minutes.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 oz. can tuna
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix the tuna, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Place lettuce on a plate.
  3. Scoop the tuna salad onto the bed of lettuce.
  4. Serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of Greek yogurt along with the mayonnaise. You can also substitute the tuna with cooked chicken for a different flavor profile. Enhance the salad with diced celery or pickles for crunch. Fresh herbs like dill can also elevate the dish, making it a great option for light seafood recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tuna salad over a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with whole grain crackers or toasted bread, making it a great lunch option. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup or a fresh fruit salad to balance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, be cautious as tuna can dry out; consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or yogurt to retain moisture. It's best enjoyed cold, so consider serving it directly from the fridge.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna Fish Salad contains roughly 348 calories, with 17g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 525mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

348 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.5g 33% DV
Total Fat 31.9g 41% DV
Carbs 0.1g
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 524.6mg 23% DV
Potassium 157.9mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 30.6mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 17.3mg 1% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Fish

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 use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna; just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients. Grilled or poached fresh tuna can provide a delicious twist to this classic dish.

What can I add to make it more filling?

To make the tuna salad more substantial, consider adding diced hard-boiled eggs, cooked quinoa, or even chickpeas. These additions will not only increase the protein content but also enhance the texture of the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Tuna salad is perfect for meal prep. Simply make a batch and divide it into individual containers, keeping it refrigerated. This allows for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.

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).

American recipes → Seafood recipes → All recipes →