Best Tuna Salad You'll Ever Make
(with secret ingredient!)
A creamy yet refreshing classic, this Best Tuna Salad combines tender tuna, crisp celery, and vibrant onions with the rich, velvety taste of homemade mayonnaise. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavour, it's perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a quick protein-packed snack.
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Hello, I’m Keely!
I'm a Canadian Registered Dietitian, an avid food and recipe writer, travel bug and nutrition expert. For more information about me, check out my bio here. |
Some recipes are simple, yet they hold the power to transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. This Best Tuna Salad is exactly that—a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savoury goodness. The secret? Homemade mayonnaise. It takes this humble dish to a whole new level, offering a rich, velvety texture and a depth of flavour store-bought mayo simply can’t match.
Whether you're making a classic sandwich, scooping it onto crisp lettuce leaves, or enjoying it straight from the bowl (I don’t judge!), this tuna salad is one you'll come back to time and time again.
Whether you're making a classic sandwich, scooping it onto crisp lettuce leaves, or enjoying it straight from the bowl (I don’t judge!), this tuna salad is one you'll come back to time and time again.
What Makes This Tuna Salad So Good?
Homemade mayo – Fresh, creamy, and infinitely better than store-bought.
Perfectly balanced textures – Tender tuna, crisp celery, and just the right amount of onion for bite.
Simple yet flavourful – A few quality ingredients come together for an unbeatable classic.
Perfectly balanced textures – Tender tuna, crisp celery, and just the right amount of onion for bite.
Simple yet flavourful – A few quality ingredients come together for an unbeatable classic.
INGREDIENTS
For the Homemade Mayonnaise:
- 1 (5-ounce) can tuna, packed in water, drained
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 3 tablespoons homemade mayonnaise (see below)
- 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon green onion, chopped
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
For the Homemade Mayonnaise:
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup neutral oil (avocado or light olive oil work well)
- Pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Make the Homemade Mayonnaise
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the oil, whisking continuously, until the mixture thickens and emulsifies into a creamy mayo. (You can also use an immersion blender for an easier method!)
- Stir in the minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Tuna Salad
- In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork until light and airy.
- Add the diced celery, red onion, and green onion.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of the homemade mayonnaise, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with a pinch of salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy
- Spoon it onto your favourite sandwich bread or toasted sourdough for a classic bite, or serve it over fresh salad greens with a side of crisp, colorful veggies for a lighter option.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Tuna Salad
- Want a little tang? Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice or a dash of Dijon mustard.
- Love a little crunch? Toss in a handful of chopped pickles or walnuts.
- Make it ahead! Tuna salad tastes even better after chilling for an hour, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
This tuna salad isn’t just good—it’s the best. And once you try it with homemade mayo, there’s no going back. Give it a try and let us know how you enjoy it!