Tuna (Or Chicken) Souffle Salad

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, savory salad combining tuna or chicken with crunchy celery, eggs, and olives, set in a refreshing lemon Jell-O base—perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (3 oz.) pkg. lemon Jell-O
  • 2 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cans tuna, drained or 2 cups chopped chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped olives
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Blend the lemon Jell-O with boiling water until dissolved.
  2. Add mayonnaise to the Jell-O mixture and mix well.
  3. Fold in drained tuna or chopped chicken, chopped celery, minced onion, chopped eggs, chopped olives, and salt.
  4. Pour the mixture into a mold or dish and chill until set.
  5. Serve chilled.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the tuna or chicken with chickpeas or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor. This dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for gatherings or as a refreshing side dish to accompany seafood recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This Tuna (or Chicken) Souffle Salad is best served chilled as a main dish or as a side for a picnic or potluck. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad or crusty bread. For an elegant touch, consider garnishing with additional chopped olives or a sprinkle of paprika. It’s a fantastic addition to any summer gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The texture may change slightly after refrigeration, but the flavors will still be delicious. To serve, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for a softer texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tuna (Or Chicken) Souffle Salad contains roughly 1330 calories, with 25g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2349mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

1330 kcal 67% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 24.7g 49% DV
Total Fat 67.9g 87% DV
Carbs 161.9g 59% DV
Fiber 6g 22% DV
Sugar 8.2g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2348.6mg 100% DV
Potassium 1592.1mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 402.3mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 155.2mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 13.8mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 467mg 36% DV
Iron 6mg 34% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
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 a different flavor of Jell-O?

While lemon Jell-O is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors like lime or orange. Keep in mind that the flavor will change, so choose one that complements the tuna or chicken well. Just ensure the color and taste still appeal to your guests.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the Tuna Souffle Salad up to a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe instructions, pour it into your mold or dish, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to keep it covered to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for hard-boiled eggs?

If you're looking to omit eggs, you can replace them with diced avocados for creaminess or add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for texture. If you want to maintain some protein, consider adding additional tuna or chicken to compensate.

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).

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