Serve It Up With Keto Friendly Dippers
Low carb tuna salad can be served a variety of different ways depending on how quick and easy you want serving to be. Some tasty lunch ideas to serve this delicious tuna salad are:
- Lettuce cups The classic keto diet serving boat.
- Pork Rinds This is my favorite because it gives a nice light crunch to a creamy meal. Plus its easy to make because you dont even have to make anything!
- Keto Crackers We have a whole blogpost talking all about keto crackers, our favorites and original recipes. They are easy to make and add an extra salty element.
- Cucumber and Celery These are the most refreshing by far. They are full of water which makes them light and hydrating.
- Bell Pepper Slicing up bell pepper into 1 cracker sized pieces makes for a great low carb tuna boat.
All of these are great low carb serving options if you make this recipe. They are great for a keto diet and have a minimal amount of prep work.
Tips For The Best Tuna Sandwich
- Toast the bread for your tuna sandwich to help it hold up to the tuna and to keep it from getting soggy. Try a hearty whole grain bread for a healthy and satisfying tuna fish sandwich.
- Make this tuna sandwich recipe your own by adding lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, or whatever you like in your tuna sandwich.
- Tuna sandwiches are best when you serve them right after making them. To make ahead, prepare the tuna salad, refrigerate, and wait to assemble your sandwich right before serving.
- For a low carb meal, serve your tuna stuffed into hollowed out tomatoes or in avocado halves.
How To Store Tuna Salad
You can easily halve this tuna fish salad recipe by using only one can and a tablespoon of mayonnaise. But if you have any leftovers, keep them fresh in the fridge in an airtight container.
Remember, oxygen is the enemy, so use the smallest container you can, and press plastic wrap directly on top of the tuna to prevent it from drying out.
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Ingredients For This Tuna Salad
The 3 simple ingredients for this tuna salad are: canned tuna, mayonnaise, and salsa. But here are a few tips for making this salad a success, as well as a few optional add-ins.
Jarred salsa can be pretty spicy for toddler palates, so make sure you use a super mild salsa or a homemade salsa / pico de gallo tomato salsa without any spice if your child can’t tolerate spice. The recipe calls for about ¼ – ½ cup salsa for 3 small cans of tuna, but you can totally adjust it to taste.
While this recipe is pretty darn great with just these three ingredients, here are a few delicious tuna salad add-ins to try if you want some variety or want to introduce your toddler to new flavors and ingredients:
- Salt and pepper
- Squeeze of lemon or lime juice
- A teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard
- Finely diced celery
- Finely diced cucumber or tomato
- Diced scallions, parsley, or dill
- Paprika or smoked paprika
If your toddler is anything like my son, he or she might freak out at the sight of parsley on their food . So getting your child to play with these ingredients and stir them into the salad as they are preparing it might be a good way for them to see that the ingredients are not “scary” and are OK to try!
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What Goes Well With A Tuna Salad Sub
This tuna fish recipe from Subway deserves a salty side dish to help balance the flavors. Potato chips are great the crunchier, the better.
Try crunchifying your sandwich by topping the tuna salad with a handful of your favorite thick-cut potato chips.
Are you more of a fries person? Thats great, too!
Of course, youll need something to wash everything down, and the best way to do that is with something bubbly. Soda, seltzer, or even beer go great with this copycat Subway tuna salad recipe.
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Why I Love This Recipe
You know those recipes that take you back to a simpler time? This classic tuna salad recipe is definitely one of those. As soon as I take a bite, Im immediately transported back to my Moms kitchen table. Its creamy, crunchy, filling, and healthy, so I feel good about feeding it to my kids, too.
This classic tuna salad is also lightening quick to throw together! Its ready in minutes and always handy to have when hunger strikes. This recipe is one where you probably already have everything on hand. Simple ingredients come together to create a delicious meal that is much more than the sum of its parts. The fact that it is something that both kids and adults like just adds to the magic, if you ask me!
Throughout the years my Mom has made her tuna egg salad a bit healthier by swapping in some yogurt for mayonnaise. This recipe still has a *bit* of mayo because who doesnt love that creamy and nostalgic flavor but the tangy yogurt, mustard, and lemon pepper also really shine through. Celery adds crunch, dill pickles add a briny, herby kick and chopped onions give a nice bite.
And if youve never tried adding eggs to your tuna salad, Im here to convince you that its simply the best. Not only do you get an extra hit of protein, but the boiled egg yolks add an extra layer of creamy goodness that is to die for. Seriously folks. Tuna egg salad = the BEST tuna salad in town. Mama knows best.
Tuna Sandwich Bread Choices
You can change the entire tuna sandwich with your choice of bread. For the sake of your teeth, you should probably stay away from any crusty bread, but ciabatta or even focaccia bread are excellent choices.
If you are a bit daring, try something sweet, like raisin-nut bread, for a totally unique taste experience.
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Why Youll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Its my go-to recipe when I need a quick and easy lunch during the workweek.
- Make-Ahead: For best results, make this recipe ahead. Tuna salad is always better after the flavors of the ingredients have time to meld together in the refrigerator overnight.
- Few Ingredients: Just open a can of tuna, drain, chop, and stir all the goodness together.
- Versatility: can be used in a sandwich, wrap, or served as an appetizer on crackers.
Questions About Tuna Salad
What can I substitute for mayo in tuna?
Instead of mayo, you can use Greek yogurt for some added tang or mashed avocado for more creaminess.
What else can I add to tuna to make it taste better?
The beauty of this recipe is that you can truly make it your own. You can add minced onions or shallots, shredded carrots, finely chopped apples or cucumbers, and/or chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley.
How long does tuna salad last?
I recommend transferring any leftover tuna salad to an airtight container and placing it in the fridge for no more than 3-5 days. I do not recommend freezing tuna salad.
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Easy And Healthy Tuna Salad
It took me a few years to come up with healthy tuna salad recipe I like. I am more of a salmon salad girl but my kids love tuna salad, so I kept trying.
My passion for salads runs deep. But to be honest, I tried all healthy versions of tuna salad with avocado, and with yogurt instead of mayo. Not the same although I do quite love avocado egg salad. Just not with tuna.
I already struggle with the whole concept of tasty tuna salad, so it took a few tries to come up with what I consider a healthy tuna salad that is healthy yet tastes great. I am finally happy to share the best healthy tuna salad recipe I can eat too haha. There just has to be a touch of mayo. The end.
#olenafact: A healthy lifestyle is all about balance and can include healthy tuna salad.
Variations Of Tuna Salad:
Want a stronger flavoring or add in an extra crunch? This salad is so versatile and tastes delicious with extra ingredients. Have fun with this salad and make it personal every time you make it with these quick and simple variation ideas.
- Mayonnaise: If you are looking for an even light dish but still creamy, try it with greek or regular yogurt.
- Avocado: Mash up an avocado as creamy as you can and substitute the mayonnaise for it. Turn your tuna salad into a green salad!
- Fruit: Add in raisins, craisins, chopped up apples or sliced grapes for a fruity, fresh taste.
- Vegetables: Try it will shredded cabbage, diced up cucumbers or even shredded carrots.
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans or almonds are a delicious crunch to this salad.
- Seasonings: Sprinkle some oregano, thyme or rosemary over top and blend in to the salad mix.
- Spicy: Red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or curry powder adds a twist of spice that leaves a zing in your salad.
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Questions Or Comments About A Recipe
If you have questions or feedback about a recipe, the best place to say something is on the post. That way everyone can see and benefit from our interactions. I love answering reader questions!
However, I dont have any expertise in specialty diets and Im not a registered dietician. I provide nutrition information within the recipe card, but those are generated by a program and may vary.
Variations For Tuna Salad Recipe
Cold healthy tuna salad over a sourdough rye bread toast, tuna melt and zucchini fritter with tuna has grown on me a lot. Here are a few variations I also tried:
- Curried tuna salad: Add desired amount of fresh curry powder for curried tuna salad. I used the same yellow curry powder I make chicken curry with and salad turns out so flavorful!
- Pasta tuna salad: Mix with cooked whole wheat macaroni pasta for healthy tuna pasta salad.
- Avocado: Love avocado? Substitute mayo with mashed avocado.
- Egg: Add a few chopped hard boiled eggs my fave too!
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Swaps And Suggestions For Tuna Salad
Im strictly a mayo kind of gal, but if you prefer Miracle Whip or light mayo, go for it. Ive never tried it with yogurt, but Greek yogurt might work, especially if you add a little lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
To toast or not, its up to you, if you’re turning this into a sandwich. Sometimes, Im in a toasty mood and crave a little crunch, and sometimes I just want the comfort of soft bread.
No bread in the house? My better half always prefers tuna salad on saltines, but you could make some of these biscuits or homemade soda bread.
Tuna Salad: A Simple Pleasure
I have memories as a child sitting atop Mt. Chocorua in New Hampshire with my camp friends after a days climb. Lunch was always oranges and tuna or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. And for dessert? Well, lets just say a Hershey bar never tasted so good!
And now, in these times, that sandwich brings just as much pleasure . Spare me the bells and whistles Ill get to them in a minute.
Right now, a classic tuna salad sandwich is all Im after. That means canned tuna, mayo, celery, lemon juice, and if you like, red onion. Period. Slather it on some good bread and Im that happy camper again. In fact, Im taking my sandwich out to the back porch to eat in the sunshine.
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How To Serve Tuna Salad
- Tuna fish sandwiches are also a great picnic recipe that can be pre-made in big batches, chilled and brought out to serve for large groups.
- For picnics where we bring tuna salad as a potluck
- well serve it with some really great crackers or potato chips.
- Even a side of veggies like carrots and celery is a hit. E
- veryone loves tuna on crackers instead of a tuna fish sandwich and its a light and healthy way to share a crowd favorite at a potluck.
Drain And Flake Canned Tuna
Draining and flaking canned tuna properly is a life skill. You do not want watery or not fluffy tuna salad.
Here is how I open, drain and flake tuna salad:
- Prep: Get large bowl ready. I like glass one with a plastic lid. Work with 1 can at a time. Open can of tuna completely.
- Drain until dry: Holding onto lid, flip the can and drain into the sink while pressing hard on the lid.
- Flake: Using a fork, remove tuna from a can into a bowl and flake.
You can also add all 4 cans into a bowl and flake with a hand mixer.
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Tips From The Betty Crocker Kitchens
- tip 1 Cut the celery and any other vegetables youd like to add into a small dice so its still easy to make a sandwich. 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped sweet red bell pepper, dill pickle, pitted olives, or water chestnuts are all good stir-ins for the tuna salad.
- tip 2 Mayonnaise or salad dressingwhats the difference? They are both thick, creamy dressings that contain vegetable oil, lemon juice or vinegar and seasonings. Mayonnaise also contains egg yolk and is less sweet than salad dressing. They can be used interchangeably so you decide which you prefer.
- tip 3 Stuff tuna salad in hollowed out tomatoes or avocado halves for a fresh take on lunch.
- tip 4 Swap out the tuna for chicken or ham, adding some spicy brown or Dijon mustard with the mayonnaise in the dressing.
What’s The Best Tuna To Use
Any can or jar of tuna will work in a sandwich. Just make sure you drain the water or oil before mixing with the ingredients for tuna salad.
I prefer using water-packed tuna in tuna salad, because Im already adding mayonnaise to the recipe. I save oil-packed tuna for dishes where the oil matters a bit more, such as in this Salad Nicoise, because oil-packed tuna is richer than water-packed tuna.
That being said, tuna salad is no time to get pickyjust use what you have on hand.
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Olive Oil Or Avocado Oil Mayo
Above we did say that you can use avocado oil or olive oil in low carb mayo. The only reason most options above were avocado oil is because its difficult to find a clean olive oil mayo. Most companies are cutting their mayo with cheap oils to lower the cost, hence why avocado oil brands are so expensive.
So, either will be fine its just a matter of finding a brand that isnt cutting their high quality oil with a cheap less expensive option.
Tuna Salad Serving Ideas
- Crackerswith cheese
- Sandwich I love soft rye or Hawaiian sweet bread. Toasted or plain
- Dip this is great as a dip with veggies, corn chips, pita chips or more crackers
- Wrap this is great in a tortilla wrap
- Tuna Melt how can you not make this into a melt? Butter 2 slices of Texas toast, and place on a heated griddle. Brown and flip adding shredded or sliced cheese, tuna salad, optional pickle/sliced tomato and finish like a grilled cheese
- Lettuce Cups add a few spoons of this to Bib/Butter lettuce and enjoy
- Salad add some spring mix greens down, chopped bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and place an ice cream scoop portion of tuna salad in the middle
What are some of your favorite ways to serve tuna salad?
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How To Make Subway Tuna Salad
How To Make Classic Tuna Fish Salad
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How Do I Make Classic Tuna Salad Lighter
To make classic tuna salad light swap out the mayonnaise with a ripened avocado. The creamy texture of the avocado is similar to mayonnaise without all the calories.
Another option is to use plain Greek Yogurt instead of mayonnaise. I prefer avocado, but feel free to use yogurt if you love it.
I hope youll enjoy this tuna recipe as much as I do. If so, comment below!
- 1tablespoonred oniondiced
- 1teaspoonsweet pickled jalapenosminced
Best Tuna Salad Recipe
Everything about it is amazing and its hard to not sneak a few spoonfuls before its shared with others. Thats why we have to make a big batch! Its such an recipe that we make ahead of time because its great in tuna salad sandwiches. We are obsessed with tuna sandwiches, alfalfa sprouts and a few slices of cucumber. Its the perfect and satisfying lunch. Sometimes well mix it up a bit and add it on a bed of crisp salad greens. Its so good and flavorful that we dont even need salad dressing! and of course if heres any let over at all, Dad will make it into his absolute favorite tuna melt. But thats only if theres any leftover and if there isnt, he just has to make a separate batch for himself for his week of tuna melts!
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