Best Tuna Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing tuna salad with bright lemon and fresh herbs—these are the best tuna sandwiches you’ll ever assemble. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, flake 2 drained cans of tuna with a fork until no large chunks remain.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp finely diced celery, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill. Mix thoroughly until combined and evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring until fully incorporated and the mixture holds together.
  4. Step 4: Divide the tuna salad evenly between 4 slices of whole wheat bread, spreading it to the edges. Serve immediately or wrap for a quick lunch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Tuna Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Tuna Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Tuna Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Tuna Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Tuna Salad?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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