What Was the Best Tuna Salad Mash

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

A protein-packed tuna salad with a twist of fresh herbs and lemon, perfect for sandwiches or as a side salad. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs canned tuna in water, mayonnaise, dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 1 can (5 oz) canned tuna in water thoroughly, then flake it with a fork into a medium bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp dijon mustard, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 diced celery stalks, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the tuna. Mix until fully combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
  3. Step 3: Gently fold in 1 medium diced tomato until evenly distributed, being careful not to break the tomato pieces.
  4. Step 4: Divide 4 cups butter lettuce among plates, then top each with 1/2 cup of the tuna salad mixture, ensuring the tomato pieces are visible.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does What Was the Best Tuna Salad Mash 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 What Was the Best Tuna Salad Mash?

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 What Was the Best Tuna Salad Mash?

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 What Was the Best Tuna Salad Mash 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 What Was the Best Tuna Salad Mash?

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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