Tuna Egg Salad Recipe

Tangy Tuna Egg Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Lunchtime Classic

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this delightful tuna egg salad recipe offers a quick and delectable meal for busy afternoons.

Creamy eggs blend perfectly with flaky tuna, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.

Fresh herbs and a zesty mayo dressing enhance every single bite of this classic dish.

Crunchy celery adds a refreshing texture that complements the soft ingredients.

Each spoonful delivers a harmonious mix of rich and light flavors that dance on your palate.

This simple recipe comes together in mere minutes, making it an ideal lunch or quick snack option.

You’ll love how easily this salad transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that keeps you full and energized.

Ingredients for Classic Tuna Egg Salad

Main Ingredients:
  • Tuna: A protein-rich seafood that adds a savory flavor to the salad.
  • Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs provide additional protein and creamy texture.
  • Vegetables: A fresh and crunchy mix of produce that enhances the salad's nutritional value.
Vegetable Mix:
  • Lettuce, Carrot, Cucumber, Onion, Tomatoes: A colorful combination that adds crunch and freshness to the dish.
Dressing Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: A creamy base that binds the salad together and adds richness.
Liquid Enhancers:
  • All-Purpose Cream, Milk, Lemon Juice: Ingredients that adjust the dressing's consistency and add a tangy flavor.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Sesame Oil: Seasonings that provide depth and balance to the overall taste of the salad.

Steps for Making a Fresh Tuna Egg Salad

Steps for Making a Fresh Tuna Egg Salad

Step 1: Chop and Prep Fresh Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and slice up fresh veggies into crisp, bite-sized pieces. You’ll want to chop:
  • Lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Onion
  • Tomatoes

Drain the canned tuna completely.

Crumble the hard-boiled eggs into small, chunky pieces. Toss all these ingredients into a roomy mixing bowl.

Step 2: Create Creamy Flavor Explosion

In a separate bowl, blend together a tantalizing dressing with:
  • Mayonnaise
  • All-purpose cream
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Sesame oil (optional)

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 3: Marry the Flavors

Pour the luscious dressing over your veggie and protein mixture.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the zesty sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Your vibrant tuna egg salad is ready to delight!

Serve chilled as a refreshing lunch or alongside your favorite main dish. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every forkful.

Notes for Tasty Tuna Egg Salad Bowls

  • Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for consistent texture and better flavor distribution in each bite.
  • Remove excess oil from canned tuna completely to prevent a greasy salad and maintain a fresh taste.
  • Add mayonnaise or milk gradually to control thickness, ensuring the salad isn't too runny or dry.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and lemon juice to enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and create a more refreshing experience.

Fun Add-Ins for Tuna Egg Salad Lovers

  • Greek-Style Transformation: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add diced feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap lettuce for fresh spinach leaves, use avocado instead of cream, and serve over mixed greens to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha sauce or chopped jalapeños to the dressing, incorporate red pepper flakes, and mix in diced bell peppers for extra heat and crunch.
  • Protein-Packed Alternative: Include cooked quinoa or chickpeas to boost protein content, use Greek yogurt as a lighter dressing base, and garnish with sunflower seeds for additional nutrition.

What Matches Well With Tuna Egg Salad Sandwiches

  • Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this zesty tuna egg salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy dressing and enhance the fresh vegetable flavors.
  • Crunch with Artisan Bread: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or whole grain baguette slices to add textural contrast and provide a perfect vehicle for scooping up the salad.
  • Cool Down with Sparkling Water: Select a citrus-infused sparkling water with lemon or lime to cleanse the palate and cut through the rich mayonnaise-based dressing.
  • Balance with Light Green Salad: Add a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to create a complete, nutritionally balanced meal that feels light and refreshing.

Keeping Tuna Egg Salad Chilled and Ready

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, keeping the salad cold and fresh in the fridge's main compartment.
  • Not recommended due to mayo-based dressing which separates and loses texture when thawed, compromising taste and quality.
  • Warm gently at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent dressing from breaking.
  • Consume directly from refrigerator within 24 hours for best flavor, letting it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating to enhance taste.

FAQs

  • Is this tuna egg salad healthy?

The recipe includes protein-rich tuna and eggs, plus fresh vegetables like carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes, making it a nutritious and balanced meal option packed with essential nutrients.

  • Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tuna egg salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the salad’s freshness.

  • What can I do if I don't have all the suggested vegetables?

Feel free to use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand. The recipe is flexible, and you can substitute or omit certain vegetables based on your preference or availability.

Why Tuna Egg Salad Feels So Satisfying

  • Blend with Ease: Super simple recipe requiring just a few ingredients and basic blending skills, perfect for beginners and smoothie lovers.
  • Tropical Nutrition Boost: Packed with fresh fruits offering natural sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants for a delicious health-supporting drink.
  • Quick Energy Kick: Fast preparation method delivers an instant refreshing beverage that energizes and satisfies hunger without complex cooking steps.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable drink suitable for breakfast, post-workout recovery, summer gatherings, or as a delightful quick snack for kids and adults.
Print
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Tuna Egg Salad Recipe

Tuna Egg Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Creamy Mediterranean Tuna Egg Salad brings ocean-fresh flavors to your plate, blending protein-packed ingredients with zesty herbs. Crisp vegetables and tangy dressing create a light, satisfying meal you’ll crave for lunch or quick dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 can tuna in oil
  • 1 to 2 hard-boiled eggs

Vegetables:

  • 1 small cucumber
  • 1 medium white onion
  • 1 small carrot
  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • Fresh lettuce

Seasoning and Others:

(no additional seasoning or other ingredients mentioned in the original recipe)


Instructions

  1. Finely dice lettuce, carrot, cucumber, onion, and tomatoes into uniform, small pieces for balanced texture and even distribution.
  2. Thoroughly drain canned tuna, eliminating excess oil to prevent wateriness in the salad.
  3. Chop hard-boiled eggs into precise, bite-sized cubes using a sharp knife for consistent sizing.
  4. Transfer chopped vegetables, tuna, and eggs into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for the salad.
  5. Create the dressing by whisking mayonnaise, all-purpose cream, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, optional sugar, and sesame oil in a separate container until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Gently drizzle prepared dressing over the vegetable-protein mixture, using a folding motion to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated without breaking delicate components.
  7. Allow salad to rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature, enabling flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste profile.
  8. Serve immediately as a refreshing standalone dish or accompaniment, garnishing with additional herbs if desired for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Customize vegetable sizes for texture variety, ensuring each bite offers a delightful crunch and mix of flavors.
  • Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent watery salad and maintain a rich, creamy consistency.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that boosts nutritional value.
  • Try fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate the salad’s freshness and add a vibrant green touch.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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