If you are searching for a delicious and nutritious meal that can be prepared quickly and easily, you will end up with good tuna salad recipes. With its rich flavors and numerous health benefits tuna fish salad has been a staple in kitchens worldwide for decades. Whether you are looking for something quick and nutritious for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special salad for a family gathering, these good tuna salad recipes are just what you need.
From classic tuna salad recipes to innovative good tuna salad recipes for weight loss, these 21 easy good tuna salad recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or to satisfy your craving for something fresh and flavor-packed. I will share my favorite recipes like simple tuna salad recipes with mayonnaise, deli tuna salad recipe, classic tuna salad recipe, tuna salad recipe with egg, simple tuna salad recipe, and noodle salads with tuna which will make your taste buds dance and support your health goals.
With the combination of ingredients like fresh vegetables, zesty dressings, parsley, garlic, and lemon mixed with canned tuna, celery, onion, and mayonnaise you are about to experience good tuna salad recipes, that are loaded with flavors, textures, and nutrients values. From the classic tuna fish salad recipe with celery and mayonnaise to fascinating versions with avocado and lime, you can show your creativity with these tuna salad recipes. These recipes include low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free variations. All these good tuna salad recipes can be added to sandwiches and wraps, or you can eat the salad as a standalone dish.
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Italian Tuna Salad
This Italian Tuna Salad is made with healthy jarred tuna, sundried tomatoes, red onions, juicy olives, and celery. They are tossed in a lemony honey mustard dressing. Simple pantry ingredients are here to create this traditional and delicious dish. This salad is a perfect busyday lunch or dinner option that can be prepared within 20 minutes. The crisp celery and quick pickled red onions, briny Castelvetrano olives make the dish flavor-packed and create an awesome texture. The key ingredients include thinly sliced red onion, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, extra-virgin olive oil, oil-packed tuna (such as Tonnino), drained and flaked into large pieces, pitted Castelvetrano olives, drained and roughly chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained and roughly chopped, large celery stalks with leaves, thinly sliced, loosely packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped. Try adding cooked pasta, such as fusilli or penne, to make it more hearty and healthy. Additional ingredients like capers, roasted red peppers, and arugula add extra flavor and texture to the recipe.
Pan Bagnat (Niçoise Sandwich)
This Pan Bagnat (Niçoise Sandwich) originated in southern France, as a glorious traditional meal. This dish is one of my favorite good tuna salad recipes and I often make this dish for my family and friends. This dish is a tuna niçoise salad in sandwich form, perfect for picnics, because the longer it sits, the better it gets. The key ingredients include Large Tomato, cored and sliced thin, Small Red Onion, sliced thin, Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic Clove, minced, Kosher Salt, Large Baguette, sliced horizontally, Niçoise Olives, pitted (or Kalamata Olives), Fresh Parsley Leaves and Tender Stems, Capers, rinsed, Fresh Marjoram or Oregano Leaves, Anchovy Fillets, rinsed and patted dry, Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, divided, Dijon Mustard, Black Pepper, Olive Oil-packed Tuna, drained, Hard-Cooked eggs, sliced thin. You can add grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for extra flavor and smokiness.
Sorghum and Albacore Tuna Salad with Preserved Lemon
This Sorghum and Albacore Tuna Salad with Preserved Lemon is a simple and easy-to-prepare recipe from Roxana Jullapat, the co-owner, and baker of a Los Angeles restaurant. You need to preserve the sorghum for at least 8 hours for the best texture and flavor. This refreshing and healthy dish is made with tender and flavorful albacore tuna. Fresh veggies and herbs balance the protein, fiber, and vitamins of the dish. The ingredients you need to make this delicious dish are uncooked whole-grain sorghum, water, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, albacore tuna packed in olive oil, pitted Castelvetrano olives, small celery stalks, finely chopped red onion, finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped fresh dill, finely chopped preserved lemon, medium avocado, lemon wedges. You can add roasted cherry tomatoes and arugula for a burst of color and peppery flavor.
Spanish-Style Pasta Salad with Tuna and Marinated Tomatoes
This Spanish-style pasta Salad with Tuna and Marinated Tomatoes is mildly spicy and loaded with bold flavors, making it an ideal meal for summer days. I love this refreshing dish very much. It's a perfect low-cook dish that you can make ahead in large batches and eat around the week. The key ingredients include small tomatoes, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces, extra-virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar, garlic cloves, minced, kosher salt, water, uncooked lumaconi, conchiglie, or get pasta, hard-cooked eggs, solid white tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked, pitted black olives, jarred piparra peppers, quartered lengthwise, fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly torn, fresh tarragon leaves, roughly torn. The total time to prepare and serve the dish is 1 hour and 35 minutes. Include grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and smoky flavor.
Butter Bean, Tuna, and Celery Salad Recipe
This Butter Bean, Tuna, and Celery Salad are made with creamy butter beans that make this tuna fish salad recipe creamy and hearty. Warm-grilled country bread is the best serving option with this salad. This is one of the quickest tuna salads that I’ve ever made. You need only 20 minutes of preparation to serve the meal. The key ingredients are fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, extra-virgin olive oil, snipped chives, kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, Italian tuna in olive oil, celery stalks with leaves, butter beans, drained and rinsed drained capers. You can add diced red bell peppers and crumbled feta cheese for extra color and a creamy texture.
Nicoise Salad (French Salad with Tuna)
This Nicoise Salad (French Salad with Tuna) is a traditional and one of the most adopted dishes made by roasting tuna steaks on a tangle of beans, tomatoes, anchovies, and olives. This French Nicoise Salad is probably the best-known version of salads made with canned tuna and a lemon dressing. The key ingredients include baby/chat potatoes, green beans, trimmed, tomatoes, each cut into 8–10 wedges, baby cos lettuce (romaine), cut or torn into large bite-size pieces, hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered, unpitted black olives, canned chunk tuna in oil, drained and broken into large chunks, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, small garlic clove, minced/grated, salt, Dijon mustard, black pepper. Add roasted red peppers and sliced artichoke hearts for extra depth and flavor.
Mediterranean Salad With Tuna & Beans
If you are obsessed with healthy and hearty main course salad, then the Warm Wheat Berries with Tuna, Fennel, and Olives is today’s pick for lunch/dinner. This meal is made with poaching fresh tuna or bonito in olive oil and store-bought fish jarred in olive oil goes well with the dish. This interesting and delicious dish can be made with the leftovers. The key ingredients include extra-virgin olive oil, a large carrot, thinly sliced, medium onion, thinly sliced, garlic clove, minced, wheat berries, soaked overnight and drained or quick-soaked, low-sodium chicken broth, water, salt and freshly ground pepper, fresh lemon juice, imported tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked, green olives, coarsely chopped, baby arugula, small fennel bulb, thinly sliced. This salad belongs to one of the quickest of Good Tuna Salad Recipes. You can prepare and serve the dish in just 20 minutes. You can replace the arugula with spinach or kale for a different green element or try adding roasted cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber for a unique twist.
Tuna and White Bean Salad
This Tuna and White Bean Salad is made with Italian canned tuna fish for the Tuscan classic. But if you don’t have the availability, then use the normal tuna fish available in the market to make this one of the best tuna salad recipes. If you have water-packed tuna it will still work, but you'll need to add a lot of olive oil there. The key ingredients include chopped red onions or shallots, zest and juice of 1 lemon or 2 limes, tuna packed in olive oil, cannellini or Great Northern white beans, rinsed and drained, chopped parsley or arugula, or thinly sliced mint, a few splashes Tabasco sauce, or minced Serrano chili or red chili flakes, freshly ground black pepper, salt and more extra virgin olive oil. You can add roasted red bell peppers and artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture. This is my best tuna fish salad recipe.
Classic Tuna Pasta Salad
This Tuna Pasta Salad is one of my favorite good tuna salad recipes for weight loss. The dish is made with noodles, peas, tuna, celery, and Greek yogurt. A simple and fast noodle salad with tuna that your family will love. Just throw all the ingredients together and the salad will be ready in no time. The key ingredients include small shells of pasta, canned albacore white tuna, packed in water, drained, celery, chopped, red onion, chopped, frozen peas, mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, dried dill weed, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This salad can be consumed as a side dish or main course. You can add diced avocado for a fresh and creamy texture. Another variation is mixing some lemon zest and basil for a burst of aromatic flavor.
Simple Tuna Salad Recipe with Mayo
Just mix the tuna with mayo and a few cracks of black pepper and you are ready to serve the Simple Tuna Salad Recipe with Mayo. What can be more easy and simple than this? You can use oil to dress the dish. The key ingredients include water-packed tuna fish, mayonnaise, celery, diced small, shallot or red onion, diced small, freshly squeezed lemon juice, pickle relish (optional), salt, and pepper. Put the tuna with its oil, beans, onion, capers, watercress, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine. You can add chopped hard-boiled eggs and diced dill pickles for extra protein and a tangy taste. You need only 4 minutes of preparation to serve the salad.
Seared Ahi Tuna with Chimichurri Sauce, Arugula and Avocado
This Seared Tuna with Chimichurri Sauce and Greens is really easy and simple to prepare for any day of the week. The dish is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Where chimichurri sauce adds a zesty twist to the dish. You need to use thinly sliced tuna to make this deliciously awesome salad. The key ingredients include extra-virgin olive oil, chopped parsley, small red onion, minced, red wine vinegar, chopped basil, chopped cilantro, garlic cloves, minced, crushed red pepper, chopped thyme, salt and freshly ground pepper, tuna steaks, mesclun. You need only 30 minutes of preparation to serve the dish to your family and guests. Try adding grilled peaches and toasted almonds for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe
This Fresh Tuna Salad with Avocado is one of the most delicious and one of my favorite good tuna salad recipes with egg. This dish is surprising yet healthy. This meal can be served as a dinner side dish or as a lunch. This meal can be prepared quickly and is loaded with protein. You can use albacore tuna here, but any fresh tuna will do the job too. The key ingredients are extra-virgin olive oil, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, tuna steak, salt, mayonnaise, anchovy fillets, minced, capers, drained and chopped, garlic clove, minced, fresh lemon juice, celery ribs, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick, small red onion, finely diced, pitted oil-cured black olives, chopped, Hass avocados, halved and pitted, pea shoots or alfalfa sprouts, for garnish (optional).
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Tuna Confit
This Heirloom Tomato Salad with Tuna Confit is a Portugal-originated salad with a modern twist. You need to use the best quality canned tuna and olive oil to make this traditional and classic tuna salad recipe. This is again one of the quickest good tuna salad recipes. The ingredients you need to make this finger-licking meal are Tuna Confit: coriander seed, fennel seed, black peppercorns, sprigs thyme, garlic, bay leaves, lemon peel, extra-virgin olive oil, tuna belly, kosher salt, fennel pollen, Celery, Lovage and Pistachio Purée: celery, garlic, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, pistachios, toasted and roughly chopped, kosher salt, lovage leaves, roughly chopped, Heirloom Tomato Toast: extra-virgin olive oil, crusty white bread, garlic, heirloom tomatoes, kosher salt, white vinegar powder, Fried Capers: canola oil, capers, For Serving: white onion, thinly sliced, micro arugula, micro herb mix, flaky sea salt. Try adding burrata cheese for a creamy texture and rich flavor. You can also add grilled corn and avocado for extra sweetness.
Bacon-Wrapped Tuna Steaks with Frisée
These Bacon-Wrapped Tuna Steaks with Frisée are moist, smoky, and packed with high protein and good fats. This dish is quick to make and a show-stopper for any and every occasion. One of my friends asks me for this dish often and he is a super fan of this meal. The key ingredients include smoked bacon, tuna steak, salt and freshly ground pepper, extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, frisée, torn into bite-size pieces, and Hass avocados, thinly sliced. You need a total time of 30 minutes to prepare and serve the dish. You can add roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color. This is the best salad with tuna.
Italian Tuna and Bean Salad with Olives
This Italian Tuna, Green Olive, and Tangerine Salad is for the hot summer days. It is a tasty, hearty, and refreshing salad that belongs to the mac salad recipe with tuna category. This recipe is packed with healthy beans, tuna, and fresh crunchy salad vegetables, perfect for barbeque parties. The salad is brightened with tangerine and green olives and served on garlicky grilled bread. The key ingredients are medium tangerine, Italian tuna in olive oil, drained and lightly flaked, mayonnaise, pitted Picholine olives, chopped, minced chives, minced shallot, salt and freshly ground pepper, baguette, split lengthwise, extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing, large garlic clove, peeled. Try adding arugula and shaved fennel for a peppery and aromatic flavor. You can also include sliced almonds for a crunchy texture.
New York Deli Tuna Salad
This New York Deli Tuna Salad is one of the best deli tuna salad recipes. This is dish is very simple and easy to make with some easy-to-find ingredients. This dish is packed with deliciousness, flavor, and health benefits. The key ingredients include solid water-packed tuna, finely diced onion, finely diced celery, celery salt, sweet relish, soy sauce, mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste. This dish is perfect for every occasion and your guests will fall in love with this traditional dish. This salad is perfect for the best tuna fish sandwich recipes, salads, or even by itself. You can add chopped hard-boiled eggs and diced green apples for a creamy and tangy taste.
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
This Mediterranean Tuna Salad is one of the healthiest and quickest good tuna salad recipes. By adding macaroni to the dish you can make this salad as a tuna macaroni salad recipe. This tuna salad can be prepared in just 10 minutes. So, if you have less time but want something delicious, this tuna macaroni salad recipe is the best pick for you. The key ingredients include red bell pepper, onion, cucumber, tuna fish albacore, carrot, feta cheese, garlic, chickpeas, black olives, parsley, salt, black pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise, oregano, Italian seasonings, mixed herbs, basil leaves powder. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture. You can also replace the feta cheese with goat cheese.
Spicy Sriracha Tuna Wraps
These Spicy Sriracha Tuna Salad Wraps are one of the most popular good tuna salad recipes for weight loss. If you love some spice and are conscious about your health too, then this tuna salad is the must-pick for meal prep. This salad is loaded with albacore tuna, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, onion, celery, and sriracha of course. These wraps taste just like spicy tuna rolls for a fraction of the price. The key ingredients include tuna, sriracha, mayonnaise, onion, diced, celery, diced, flour tortillas, romaine lettuce leaves, tomato, and sliced, spinach leaves. For low-carb or keto, use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas. As some optional ingredients, you can add Olives, thinly sliced matchstick carrots, avocado, and cucumber.
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
This Creamy Ranch Tuna Pasta Salad is perfect for summer days BBQ parties and potlucks. It’s easy to make and has a creamy and bright texture. This simple tuna salad recipe can be converted to noodle salad with tuna, if you prefer noodles over pasta then. Canned tuna is so versatile and inexpensive, and it adds protein to make this creamy pasta salad. The key ingredients include uncooked macaroni, tuna, red onion, chopped, little tomatoes, halved, celery, chopped small, mini cucumber (or 1/4 English cucumber), chopped, red bell pepper, chopped, fresh parsley, chopped, Dressing: mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, fresh dill, salt, and pepper to taste. You can add chopped hard-boiled eggs and diced pickles for extra texture and tanginess. You can also substitute the red onion with green onions. So, if you are looking for the best tuna fish salad, please choose this one for your kids.
Tuna and Chickpea Salad
This Tuna and Chickpea Salad is one of my family favorites. My wife loves to eat this salad often as a weekday lunch. This light and refreshing chickpea and tuna salad that can be eaten as a main dish or served with pita chips. You can also add drained, chopped artichoke hearts to make the salad more filling and delicious. Again this salad is one of the quickest Good Tuna Salad Recipes for Healthier You. The key ingredients include Italian tuna packed in olive oil, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), black olives, chopped, Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, chopped, red onion, chopped, lemon, juiced, reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled, salt and ground black pepper to taste. Stir tuna, chickpeas, olives, parsley, red onion, lemon juice, and feta cheese together in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. You can add diced roasted red peppers and sliced cucumber for extra flavor and crunch.
Crunchy Tuna Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
This Crunchy Tuna Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing is simple and refreshing to eat. It has lots of health benefits like other dishes on the list. The dish is made with radishes, cilantro, shredded carrot, ginger, rice vinegar and sesame oil. This salad is Asian-originated and dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. Perfect for picnics and potlucks. It tastes best when chilled. The key ingredients include canned white albacore tuna packed in water, small radishes, cut into wedges, carrot, shredded, garlic, smashed and minced, minced ginger, serrano chili, seeded and minced, vegetable oil, dark sesame oil, seasoned rice vinegar, salt and black pepper, chopped cilantro, green onion, chopped, soba noodles or fresh lettuce. Try adding diced mango and sliced avocado for a sweet and creamy contrast. You can also include toasted sesame seeds.
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Health Benefits
- Tuna is a great source of lean protein. These tuna recipes are essential for tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting metabolic functions.
- All these Tuna Salad Recipes are packed with Omega-3 Fatty Acids which help lower blood pressure, and inflammation of the heart, and improve cholesterol levels.
- Tuna salads are low in calories and high in protein, making them ideal food for weight loss and weight management.
- The tuna fish salad recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, zinc, and selenium which help in a healthy immune system.
- The omega-3 fatty acids in tuna improve cognitive function and keep you healthy.
- Tina salad contains vitamin D and calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones.
- These good tuna salad recipes for weight loss lower the risk of depression and anxiety. Helps maintain good mental health.
Tuna salad recipes offer many health benefits while you enjoy restaurant-worthy and flavor-packed dishes in the comfort of your home. You can take your classic tuna salad recipe to a whole new level of innovation by adding fresh vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. The ingredients like lemon juice, Greek yogurt, or mustard add tanginess, and spices like paprika or dill enhance the taste and flavor of the tuna fish salad recipe. You can customize these tuna salads by using the fruits of your choice. Fruits like apples and grapes enhance the sweetness of the dish.
Whether it is a casual weekday lunch, a busy weeknight dinner, or a special meal for gatherings, these Tuna Salad Recipes are a satisfying and nutritious option for every day and every occasion. All the tuna salad recipes in this article are not only easy to make but also incredibly rewarding in terms of taste and health benefits. I’ve handpicked all these 21 recipes to support your creativity in the kitchen and for healthier you.
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Tips and Tricks
- Always try to use canned white albacore tuna packed in water for an enhanced taste and a firm texture.
- Make sure your radishes, carrots, and cilantro are fresh. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor and texture.
- These Good Tuna Salad Recipes taste best when chilled. Allow it to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- If you need some spicy kick add more minced serrano chili or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust according to your taste preference.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the tuna fish salad recipe just before serving to keep them crispy.
- You can use soba noodles for a heartier version or fresh lettuce for a lighter option. Experiment with both according to your taste preferences.
- Ensure the sesame-ginger dressing is well-balanced with rice vinegar and sesame oil. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to make good tuna salad recipes for weight loss.
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FAQs
Q. What are the health benefits of tuna salad?
A. These Good Tuna Salad Recipes Provide lean protein, Omega-3s, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Q. How can I make my tuna salad more healthy?
A. Add vegetables, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and include nuts or seeds.
Q. How can I lower the calorie content?
A. Use a light dressing, add more veggies, and reduce the amount of tuna.
Q. How can I make my tuna salad more filling?
A. Include high-fiber ingredients like vegetables and whole grains.
Q. What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise?
A. Greek yogurt, avocado, or a light vinaigrette work well.
Q. How long can I store tuna salad?
A. Typically, it lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
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