This homemade tuna salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing and nutritious option for lunch or a light dinner. The combination of tuna, mayonnaise, and crisp celery with a hint of lemon juice makes it a crowd-pleaser.
If you're not familiar with capers, they are small pickled flower buds that add a tangy, briny flavor to dishes. Make sure to look for them in the pickles and olives section of your supermarket. Additionally, using fresh parsley instead of dried enhances the dish's flavor, so be sure to pick up a bunch from the produce section.
Ingredients for Homemade Tuna Salad
tuna: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base for the salad.
mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together.
celery: Adds a fresh, crisp texture to the salad.
red onion: Brings a sharp, slightly sweet flavor.
capers: Introduces a tangy, salty burst of flavor.
lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty note.
garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with a mild pungency.
parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
dijon mustard: Provides a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
salt: Enhances all the flavors.
black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
One reader, Enrichetta Stiles says:
This homemade tuna salad recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend perfectly, and the capers add a delightful twist. It's easy to make and tastes fresh and delicious. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Making Homemade Tuna Salad
How to drain tuna: Open the cans of tuna and use a strainer or the can lid to press out the excess water. How to chop celery: Wash the celery stalks thoroughly, then use a sharp knife to dice them into small, even pieces. How to dice red onion: Peel the red onion, then cut it into small, uniform cubes. How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves, then finely chop them using a knife or a garlic press. How to chop parsley: Wash the parsley, remove the stems, and finely chop the leaves. How to mix ingredients: Use a large mixing bowl and a spoon or spatula to combine all the ingredients evenly.
How To Make Homemade Tuna Salad
This homemade tuna salad dish is another noteworthy twist to a classic tuna recipe. Power up the tuna taste by adding lemon, mayo, and some fresh herbs.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2canssolid white albacore tuna in water,(5 ounce), well drained
- ⅓cupmayonnaise,heaping
- ⅓cupcelery,minced
- 3tbspred onion,minced, rinsed, and drained
- 2tbspcapers,rinsed, or 2 minced baby dill pickles, optional
- 1tbsplemon juice
- ½tspgarlic,minced
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
- 1tspDijon mustard,optional
- ¼tspsalt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Add tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, capers, lemon juice garlic, parsley, and dijon mustard to a mixing bowl.
-
Toss ingredients together while seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 335.71kcal
- Fat: 23.34g
- Saturated Fat: 3.89g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.91g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.18g
- Carbohydrates: 2.43g
- Fiber: 0.76g
- Sugar: 0.77g
- Protein: 27.61g
- Cholesterol: 58.17mg
- Sodium: 744.37mg
- Calcium: 31.68mg
- Potassium: 344.05mg
- Iron: 1.47mg
- Vitamin A: 20.55µg
- Vitamin C: 6.82mg
Pro Tip for Elevating Your Homemade Tuna Salad
For a more flavorful tuna salad, try toasting the capers in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become slightly crispy. This will add a delightful crunch and a deeper, more intense flavor to your salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tuna Salad
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop celery, red onion, and parsley ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use a food processor: Quickly mince garlic and parsley using a food processor.
Opt for pre-squeezed lemon juice: Save time by using bottled lemon juice instead of squeezing fresh lemons.
Choose easy-open cans: Select tuna cans with pull tabs to avoid using a can opener.
Measure ingredients beforehand: Have all your mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and capers measured and ready to go.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Tuna Salad Recipe
solid white albacore tuna in water - Substitute with canned salmon: Provides a similar texture and flavor profile, while offering a different type of fish.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Offers a creamy texture with fewer calories and added protein.
celery - Substitute with cucumber: Adds a similar crunch and freshness to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with green onions: Provides a milder onion flavor and a bit of color.
capers - Substitute with green olives: Adds a briny, salty flavor similar to capers.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Offers a similar acidic brightness to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Provides a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note with a different but complementary flavor.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Offers a similar tangy flavor with a bit more texture.
salt and freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with sea salt and white pepper: Provides a slightly different but equally balanced seasoning.
Creative Ways to Serve Homemade Tuna Salad
Use a ring mold: Shape the tuna salad into a neat, compact cylinder using a ring mold for a professional presentation.
Garnish with microgreens: Top the tuna salad with a small handful of fresh microgreens to add a touch of color and elegance.
Add a lemon twist: Place a thin twist of lemon peel on the side of the plate to enhance the visual appeal and hint at the lemon juice in the dish.
Serve with artisanal crackers: Arrange a few artisanal crackers around the tuna salad for added texture and sophistication.
Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil around the plate to add a glossy finish and a hint of richness.
Use a white plate: Present the tuna salad on a pristine white plate to make the colors of the ingredients pop and maintain a clean, elegant look.
Add a parsley sprig: Place a small sprig of fresh parsley on top of the tuna salad for a final touch of freshness and color.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tuna Salad
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.
Can opener: To open the cans of tuna.
Measuring cups: To measure the mayonnaise and celery accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the lemon juice, garlic, and dijon mustard.
Cutting board: A surface to chop the celery, red onion, and parsley.
Chef's knife: For chopping the celery, red onion, and parsley finely.
Mixing spoon: To toss all the ingredients together.
Colander: To drain the water from the canned tuna.
Lemon squeezer: To extract the juice from the lemon efficiently.
Garlic press: To mince the garlic if you are using fresh cloves.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Tuna Salad
To store homemade tuna salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The key is to keep it well-sealed to prevent the tuna from drying out and to maintain its freshness.
If you want to freeze your tuna salad, it's best to do so without the mayonnaise. Prepare the salad as directed, but omit the mayo and any other moisture-rich ingredients like celery or onion. Place the mixture in a freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen tuna salad, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, drain any excess liquid, add fresh mayonnaise, and mix well. You may need to adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
If you've already added the mayonnaise to your tuna salad and want to freeze it, be aware that the texture may change upon thawing. The mayo can separate and become watery, affecting the overall consistency of the salad. However, it will still be safe to eat if consumed within 2 months.
Interesting Trivia About Tuna Salad
A fun fact about this tuna salad recipe is that capers add a unique tangy and salty flavor, which complements the tuna perfectly. Capers are actually flower buds from the caper bush and are often used in Mediterranean cuisine.
Is Making Tuna Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The homemade tuna salad recipe is quite cost-effective. Using canned tuna and basic pantry staples like mayonnaise, celery, and red onion, this dish offers a nutritious meal without breaking the bank. The addition of capers, lemon juice, and dijon mustard adds a gourmet touch while still being affordable. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Tuna Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
This tuna salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals. The addition of celery and parsley provides some fiber and antioxidants. However, the recipe also includes a significant amount of mayonnaise, which is high in saturated fat and calories. The capers and Dijon mustard add sodium to the dish, which could be a concern for those watching their salt intake.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of mayonnaise or replace it with a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
- Increase the proportion of vegetables by adding more celery or other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or carrots
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added tuna to reduce the overall sodium content
- Use whole grain bread or lettuce wraps instead of white bread for added fiber and nutrients
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices like dill, chives, or paprika to enhance flavor without relying on salt
Editor's Opinion: Why This Tuna Salad Recipe Stands Out
This tuna salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The albacore tuna provides a hearty base, while the celery and red onion add a satisfying crunch. Capers and lemon juice introduce a zesty tang, perfectly balanced by the creamy mayonnaise and dijon mustard. Fresh parsley brings a burst of color and freshness. The seasoning of garlic, salt, and pepper ties everything together, making it a well-rounded dish. It's simple yet sophisticated, ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Enhance Your Homemade Tuna Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Tuna Salad
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Tuna Salad
Why trust this Homemade Tuna Salad Recipe:
This homemade tuna salad recipe is a must-try for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The solid white albacore tuna provides a rich, meaty base, while the celery and red onion add a satisfying crunch. The capers and dijon mustard introduce a tangy zest, complemented by the freshness of lemon juice and parsley. With a touch of garlic and the creaminess of mayonnaise, this salad is both delicious and easy to prepare. Trust this recipe for a delightful, nutritious meal.
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