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Creamy tuna salad with visible celery, capers, and dill in a white bowl with fresh lemon wedge
Dinner

Tuna Salad

Quite a few of my recipes are inspired by Subway. For example, my chocolate chip cookies are largely influenced by Subway cookies. My favourite sandwich from this restaurant chain is a tuna sub. Well, this recipe here is nothing like it!…

5.0 (2)
Prep
15 min
Cook
Total
15 min
Serves
4
Style
💰 Everyday

Quite a few of my recipes are inspired by Subway. For example, my chocolate chip cookies (the size and preparation) are largely influenced by Subway cookies. My favourite sandwich from this restaurant chain is a tuna sub. Well, this recipe here is nothing like it!

As much as I love the beloved rich and creamy tuna salad sandwiches, I just don't enjoy adding copious amounts of mayo to my dishes. The excitement behind this recipe comes from flavours, textures, and not from adding too much mayo. In fact, I often even further reduce the amount of mayo mentioned in this recipe (reducing it down to only 2 tablespoons) and instead add a tablespoon or so of olive oil to add some moisture to the dish.

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 3 (5-oz/142g) cans oil- or water-packed tuna, well drained
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp capers, coarsely chopped
  • 1–2 dill pickles, chopped
  • 1 large shallot, finely minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise, plus more to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the celery, capers, pickles, shallots, and lemon zest, then squeeze the lemon juice into the mixture. Stir in the mayo.

  2. 2

    Fold in the tuna until you reach the desired consistency. Add more mayo to taste. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

FAQ

Can I make tuna salad ahead of time?+
Yes, you can make it up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually improve as it sits, though you may need to add a bit more mayo before serving since the bread-like ingredients absorb moisture.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad?+
Greek yogurt works great as a lighter alternative and adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with the lemon and capers. You can also try a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt, or use avocado for a creamier texture without the mayo.
Why is my tuna salad watery?+
This usually happens when the canned tuna isn't drained well enough or sits for too long before eating. Make sure to drain your tuna thoroughly in a colander and squeeze out excess liquid, and if you're making it ahead, store it separately from bread or crackers until serving.
What are the best ways to serve tuna salad?+
Serve it on crusty bread or croissants for a sandwich, over mixed greens as a salad, in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or with crackers and cucumber slices as an appetizer. It's also delicious stuffed into avocado halves or tomato shells.

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Tuna Salad Recipe | Quick & Easy | Food 400°