Homemade Tuna Salad

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Some recipes don’t wait for a special occasion. They don’t call for fancy ingredients or long hours in the kitchen. They’re simply there for you—on busy days, when the fridge looks bare, or when you need something comforting and familiar. Homemade tuna salad has always been that kind of recipe for me.
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I grew up watching it come together at the kitchen counter, usually while someone packed lunches or cleared space for dinner. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was reliable. A bowl, a fork, a few pantry staples, and suddenly you had something satisfying and ready to eat. Over time, I’ve tweaked the classic version just enough to make it crave‑worthy while keeping that nostalgic, homemade charm.
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This is the tuna salad I make on repeat—quick lunches, light dinners, road trips, even holidays when I need something simple to balance out richer dishes. It’s creamy without being heavy, fresh without being fussy, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
If you’ve been looking for a classic tuna salad that stays creamy, tastes great, and works for sandwiches, wraps, or low‑carb bowls, this one will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Homemade Tuna Salad
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuna | Two 5‑oz (140 g) cans | Drained very well |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup (120 g) | — |
| Dijon or yellow mustard | 1 tablespoon | — |
| Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Fresh preferred |
| Celery | ⅓ cup (40 g) | Finely chopped |
| Red or sweet onion | 2 tablespoons | Finely chopped |
| Fresh parsley or dill | 1 tablespoon | Optional |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Or to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | — |
| Paprika | ⅛ teaspoon | Optional, adds mild warmth |
Instructions
- Flake the tuna into a medium bowl with a fork, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Stir in the celery, onion, and herbs.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.
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