There’s something wonderfully comforting and fresh about this Creamy Tuna Salad with Celery, Red Onion, and Herbs Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of smooth and crunchy textures, vibrant herbal notes, and that familiar, satisfying tuna flavor that makes lunchtime feel special. Whether you need a quick meal fix or a go-to salad for picnics and gatherings, this recipe strikes just the right balance—simple, elegant, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a taste that’s more impressive than the short list suggests. From the crisp celery adding crunch to the zing of red onion and the fresh melody of herbs, these basics transform canned tuna into something you’ll actually look forward to eating.
- Tuna (2 cans, 5 ounces each): The star protein, best drained well for the perfect creamy base.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds that luscious creaminess and binds everything together beautifully.
- Celery (1 stalk, diced): Provides a refreshing, crunchy contrast that keeps the salad lively.
- Red onion (2 tablespoons, diced): Brings a subtle sharpness and color pop to brighten the dish.
- Chopped herbs (1 to 2 tablespoons): Parsley, chives, or your personal favorites for a fresh, herbal zing.
- Dijon mustard (1/2 tablespoon): A gentle kick of tangy complexity that elevates the flavor profile.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every bite.
How to Make Creamy Tuna Salad with Celery, Red Onion, and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing your drained tuna into a medium-sized bowl. Add the mayonnaise, diced celery, and red onion right on top. This combination forms the base of your creamy and crunchy texture, so make sure everything is evenly distributed before moving on.
Step 2: Add the Mustard and Herbs
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard—it’s subtle but vital for layering flavor. Toss in your chosen chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, to inject bright freshness. These herbs turn a simple salad into a lively, herbaceous treat that’s anything but boring.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Season your creation with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy! Proper seasoning is the secret to bringing all the flavors together and allowing the tuna and veggies to shine.
Step 4: Mix Until Creamy and Well Combined
Give everything a thorough mix until the ingredients coat each other in a creamy, dreamy blend. You’re aiming for a salad where every bite has a balanced scoop of tuna, crunch, and creamy goodness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately on a bed of fresh greens, pile it onto your favorite sandwich bread, or scoop it up with crackers. The versatility of this Creamy Tuna Salad with Celery, Red Onion, and Herbs Recipe means it adapts perfectly to whatever eating style you prefer.
How to Serve Creamy Tuna Salad with Celery, Red Onion, and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs on top always takes this salad up a notch. A few thin lemon slices or a light drizzle of olive oil can also brighten and add extra visual appeal to your serving plate.
Side Dishes
This tuna salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks, crispy pita chips, or a light green salad on the side. For something heartier, try it alongside roasted new potatoes or a light soup—it makes for a balanced and fulfilling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stuff it into ripe avocado halves or hollowed-out tomatoes for a fresh and elegant presentation that’s perfect for entertaining. You can also use it as a filling for wraps or top off toasted crostini for a tasty appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to two days, making it a convenient choice for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh because freezing can alter the texture of mayonnaise and vegetables. If you do freeze it, expect some separation; thaw in the fridge and stir gently before serving, but fresh is always best with this recipe.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. The freshness and crunch are what make this dish so special, and heating would compromise that delightful contrast.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
While fresh tuna can be cooked and used, canned tuna is what makes this salad quick and convenient. Using canned tuna also provides consistent flavor and texture for this particular creamy salad style.
What herbs work best in this recipe?
Parsley and chives are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with dill, tarragon, or basil depending on your taste preference. Fresh herbs will always add a nice lift to the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can swap regular mayonnaise for a lighter yogurt or avocado-based mayo alternative to cut down on calories without losing creaminess.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead, but it’s best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain that fresh crunch from the celery and the zing of the red onion.
What’s the best bread to use for a tuna salad sandwich?
Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough, whole grain, or a hearty baguette. These breads hold up well to the moisture of the salad and add their own subtle flavor to the sandwich.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Creamy Tuna Salad with Celery, Red Onion, and Herbs Recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite quick fix in your kitchen. It’s so effortlessly delicious, colorful, and satisfying, with flavors that feel fresh and homemade. Give it a go—you might just find yourself making it again and again.
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Creamy Tuna Salad with Celery, Red Onion, and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and easy Tuna Salad recipe perfect for a light lunch or snack. This flavorful mix combines canned tuna with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and zesty Dijon mustard, enhanced with fresh herbs and onions for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, diced
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, chives, and/or other herbs (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Tuna and Veggies: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, and red onion. This creates the creamy base of your salad with the perfect crunch from the celery and red onion.
- Add Mustard and Herbs: Stir in the Dijon mustard and chopped herbs if using. The mustard adds a tangy depth while fresh herbs enhance the flavor profile.
- Season: Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning based on your preference to balance flavors perfectly.
- Mix Thoroughly: Mix everything together until well combined to ensure even distribution of flavors and texture throughout the salad.
- Serve: Serve the tuna salad on a bed of fresh greens, in a sandwich, or alongside crackers for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tuna packed in water or oil based on preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Customize herbs according to taste—dill or basil are great alternatives.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor meld.
- Perfect for meal prep and keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days.
