Delicious Tuna Egg Salad Recipe – Quick & Easy Tuna Salad

A well-made tuna egg salad is both satisfying and versatile, perfect as a sandwich filling, salad topper, or standalone meal. This classic dish combines the rich tuna flavor with creamy, hard-boiled eggs, creating a protein-packed option ready in minutes.

Originating in the early 20th century, tuna egg salad became popular during the Great Depression and World War II as an affordable, nourishing meal. Over time, it evolved into a beloved comfort food with regional variations worldwide. History of Tuna Salad.

Beyond taste, this salad offers excellent nutrition. Tuna provides lean protein, omega-3s, and essential vitamins, while eggs add more protein, healthy fats, and choline for brain health. A creamy mayo or Greek yogurt base, along with crisp celery and onions, enhances both texture and flavor.

What sets this recipe apart is its perfect balance—just the right mix of tuna and eggs, brightened with fresh herbs and a hint of Dijon mustard. Whether for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dish, this classic remains a go-to favorite.

Ingredients Tuna Egg Salad Recipe

To make this delicious tuna egg salad, you’ll need simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create something truly satisfying. This recipe serves 4 people and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cans (5 oz each) chunk light tuna in water, drained well
• 4 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup finely diced celery (about 1 stalk)
• 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish (or finely chopped dill pickles)
• 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup grated carrot for extra color and nutrition
• 1/2 avocado, diced, for added creaminess
• 1 hard-boiled egg (additional) for a more egg-forward salad
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika for color and mild flavor
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions for a milder onion flavor
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce for a spicy kick

For the best tuna salad, high-quality ingredients make a difference. Look for solid albacore tuna if you prefer a milder, less fishy flavor, or chunk light tuna for a more robust taste. When choosing eggs, fresher is always better for the best texture and flavor in your salad.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you can adjust the mayo or Greek yogurt amount based on how creamy you like your tuna salad. The same goes for the seasonings, which can be increased or decreased according to your taste preferences. If you’re watching your calorie intake, light mayo or plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute without sacrificing too much flavor. Check out MyPlate for more on nutrition and ingredient choices

How to Make Tuna Egg Salad Recipe

Creating the perfect tuna egg salad is all about technique and timing. Follow these simple steps to achieve a delicious balance of flavors and textures every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs

For the best tuna salad with hard-boiled eggs, start by cooking your eggs properly:

1. Place 4 large eggs in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by about an inch.
2. Bring the water to a full boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat, cover with a lid, and let the eggs sit in the hot water for exactly 10 minutes.
4. After 10 minutes, transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
5. Once cool enough to handle, peel the eggs and chop them into small, even pieces.

Pro Tip: To make peeling easier, gently tap the cooled egg all over a hard surface, then roll it between your hands to loosen the shell before peeling under cold running water.

Step 2: Prepare the Tuna

1. Open your cans of tuna and drain them thoroughly. Excess moisture can make your tuna salad watery.
2. Empty the drained tuna into a medium mixing bowl, breaking it apart with a fork to your desired consistency. Some prefer larger chunks for more texture, while others like a finer mix. Learn how to drain tuna effectively at Serious Eats
3. If using water-packed tuna, you might want to press it with paper towels to remove any additional moisture.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

1. Finely dice the celery to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
2. Mince the red onion into small pieces to avoid overwhelming bites.
3. Chop the fresh dill and measure the other ingredients so they’re ready to add.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients

1. Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the tuna.
2. Add celery, red onion, dill, pickle relish, and any other optional add-ins you’ve chosen.
3. In a small, separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Pour the mayo mixture over the tuna and egg mixture.
5. Gently fold everything together with a fork or spatula until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the texture too much.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding more as needed.

Step 5: Let the Flavors Develop

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Taste again after chilling and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your tuna egg salad is now ready to enjoy! Serve it chilled on bread, with crackers, or over a bed of greens.

Timing Notes:

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time for eggs: 10 minutes
• Chilling time: 30 minutes (recommended)
• Total time: 55 minutes

Storage Instructions: Keep any remaining tuna salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often taste even better the next day as they continue to develop.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of tuna egg salad is one of its greatest strengths. This protein-packed dish can be enjoyed in countless ways, making it perfect for everything from quick lunches to elegant appetizers. Here are some delicious ways to serve your freshly made tuna salad with egg:

Classic Sandwich Options

• Traditional Sandwich: Spread tuna egg salad between two slices of toasted whole-grain bread with lettuce and tomato for a timeless lunch option.
• Open-Faced Sandwich: Top a slice of artisanal bread with tuna salad, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of microgreens for an Instagram-worthy meal.
• Croissant Sandwich: Stuff a buttery croissant with tuna egg salad for a more indulgent treat.
• Pita Pocket: Fill a whole-wheat pita with tuna salad and cucumber slices for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
• Wrap: Roll up tuna egg salad with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber in a tortilla or lavash bread.

Low-Carb Alternatives

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves as wraps for a crunchy, low-carb option.
• Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out large tomatoes and fill with tuna egg salad for an elegant presentation.
• Avocado Boats: Spoon the salad into halved avocados for a healthy fat-rich meal.
• Cucumber Rounds: Top thick cucumber slices with small dollops of tuna salad for a refreshing appetizer.
• Bell Pepper Cups: Fill halved and seeded bell peppers with tuna egg salad for a colorful, nutritious lunch.

Party and Appetizer Ideas

• Crackers and Crostini: Serve tuna egg salad with an assortment of crackers or toasted baguette slices for a simple appetizer.
• Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes: Use a melon baller to hollow out cherry tomatoes, then pipe in tuna salad for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.
• Endive Spears: Fill endive leaves with small amounts of tuna salad for an elegant, low-carb appetizer.
• Deviled Eggs with a Twist: Mix some of your tuna salad into the yolk mixture when making deviled eggs for a surprising flavor combination.
• Tea Sandwiches: Create dainty finger sandwiches with tuna egg salad for afternoon tea or brunch.

Salad Enhancements

• Green Salad Topper: Add a scoop of tuna egg salad to mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a complete meal.
• Composed Salad: Arrange tuna egg salad over a Niçoise-style salad with green beans, olives, and potatoes.
• Pasta Salad Addition: Mix tuna egg salad with cold pasta and additional vegetables for a hearty side dish.
• Stuffed Cucumber Boats: Hollow out cucumber halves and fill with tuna salad for a refreshing light meal.
• Protein Bowl: Create a nutrient-dense bowl with tuna egg salad, quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Garnishing Ideas

To elevate the presentation of your tuna egg salad:

• Sprinkle with paprika or fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives
• Add a lemon wedge on the side for a fresh citrus squeeze
• Top with thinly sliced radishes for color and crunch
• Garnish with capers or a few small cornichons
• Finish with a light drizzle of good olive oil and fresh cracked pepper

No matter how you choose to serve it, this tuna salad with hard-boiled eggs makes for a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and always pleases a crowd.

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Tips & Variations

A great tuna egg salad starts with quality ingredients and the right techniques. For the best results, use albacore tuna or chunk light tuna packed in water for a cleaner taste. If you prefer a richer flavor, opt for tuna packed in oil, but be sure to drain it well to prevent excess moisture.

Getting the perfect hard-boiled eggs is key. To avoid a sulfuric smell or overcooked yolks, boil eggs for 10-12 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath for easy peeling. This method ensures a smooth texture and better taste.

To achieve the right level of creaminess, balance mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich option. Adjust the ratios based on your preference for a richer or lighter consistency. Adding finely diced celery, red onion, and dill pickle creates a well-balanced texture, while a touch of Dijon mustard and lemon juice enhances the overall flavor. For the best taste, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

If you like variety, try some creative variations. Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or stir in a dash of hot sauce to add a fiery kick.. For extra crunch, mix in chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, or crispy bacon bits. A healthier alternative is swapping mayonnaise for more Greek yogurt or avocado mash. If you love fresh flavors, mix in dill, parsley, or chives. Looking for a low-carb option? Serve your tuna egg salad over a green salad or in lettuce wraps. For a warm and savory twist, turn it into a tuna melt by adding cheese and toasting it on bread.

Experiment with these tips and variations to make this tuna egg salad recipe your own. Whether you keep it classic or add a unique spin, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for any meal!

Nutritional Information

The following nutritional values are approximate for one serving (about 1/2 cup) of tuna egg salad made with the standard recipe:

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 15g (4g saturated)
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Cholesterol: 155mg

Key nutritional highlights:

• Excellent source of protein from both tuna and eggs
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from tuna
• Good source of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium
• Contains choline from eggs, which supports brain health. Check out the nutritional facts for tuna at FDA

Lower-calorie version: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories to approximately 195 per serving and increase protein content.

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific products used and any variations to the recipe.

Tips & Variations

Make Your Tuna Egg Salad Stand Out

Looking to take your tuna egg salad to the next level? These fresh ideas will help you create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

Smart Preparation Techniques

• Tuna selection matters: Try chunk white albacore for a milder flavor or skipjack for a stronger taste.
• Perfect egg texture: For the best texture contrast, leave some egg whites chunkier while fully mashing the yolks.
• Moisture control: Pat your tuna with paper towels before mixing if it seems too wet.
• Rest time: Let your salad sit for 1-2 hours in the fridge—the flavor improves dramatically.
• Seasoning gradually: Add salt last and in small amounts, as canned tuna already contains sodium.

Fresh Flavor Combinations

Garden Harvest: Mix in finely diced cucumber, radish, and carrot with fresh basil and a splash of rice vinegar.

Savory Umami: Incorporate a touch of anchovy paste, capers, sundried tomatoes, and fresh thyme.

Bright Citrus: Blend in orange zest, minced fennel, green olives, and a drizzle of good olive oil.

Smoky Twist: Add a dash of smoked paprika, roasted red peppers, toasted pine nuts, and fresh parsley.

Sweet & Tangy: Mix with finely diced apple, cranberries, pecans, and a small spoonful of honey.

Serving Beyond Sandwiches

• Stuff the mixture into hollowed tomatoes for an impressive appetizer
• Spoon over cucumber slices for a light snack
• Serve in lettuce cups with extra veggies for a low-carb lunch
• Use as a filling for twice-baked potatoes
• Mix with hot pasta for a quick dinner
• Spread on rice cakes with sliced avocado

Make-Ahead Success

• Store your tuna egg salad in a glass container rather than plastic to prevent odor transfer
• Place a paper towel on top of the salad under the lid to absorb excess moisture
• Add fresh herbs or crunchy elements just before serving
• Refresh day-old salad with a squeeze of lemon juice and a touch of fresh mayo
• Keep tuna egg salad away from the coldest part of your fridge to prevent freezing

These unique approaches will transform a simple tuna egg salad into a memorable dish your family and friends will request again and again!

FAQs

Conclusion & Call to Action

Tuna egg salad is a delicious, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for quick meals, meal prep, or a light snack. This recipe blends the creamy richness of hard-boiled eggs with the savory taste of canned tuna, creating a balanced and satisfying salad. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, with crackers, or on a fresh green salad, it’s a versatile option that fits any meal plan.

One of the best things about this tuna salad with egg is how simple and adaptable it is. You can customize the flavors with different seasonings, add-ins, and dressings to make it your own. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples and have a nutritious meal ready in minutes.

Have you tried this tuna egg salad recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Share your experience in the comments and let us know your favorite variations. If you enjoyed this recipe, explore our collection of easy salad recipes and quick meal ideas to keep your menu exciting.

For more inspiration, check out these related recipes:

• How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken
• Brine Chicken the Easy Way for Perfect Tenderness
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Eating well starts with simple, wholesome ingredients, and this tuna egg salad is a perfect example. Enjoy every bite!