Tuna Salad Sandwich

Tuna Salad Sandwich:
A Classic Favorite Reimagined

What's your favorite sandwich? A Tuna Salad Sandwich! I knew it—why else would you have clicked on this link? And you're in good company because tuna salad sandwiches are beloved worldwide for their versatility, comfort, and downright deliciousness.

Whether it's a creamy, traditional tuna salad layered between slices of soft bread, or a gooey, cheesy Tuna Melt served warm, there’s no denying it's so appealing to so many.

And let’s not forget tuna salad is not only tasty, but it’s also one of the easiest sandwiches you can whip up. It’s so simple that even kids can get involved, making it a fun and fuss-free option for family meals or lunch prep. With the right mix of ingredients and creativity, you can take this classic to new heights—and serve it for almost any occasion!

I'd like to share a recipe from one of my new favorite cookbooks - Snack Attack! by Ruth Glick. It's versatile. You can serve it as a sandwich, on a bagel half, or mounded on a bed of lettuce - whatever you like at the moment. You could even mix in 2 cups of cooked pasta to make pasta salad with tuna.

But first let's talk about some of the ingredients you can use to make your own tuna salad.

The Wonders of Tuna: Perfect Pairings

Tuna pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a canvas for culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to elevate your tuna salad game:

• The Creamy Base: Mayonnaise is a traditional favorite, but why not try Greek yogurt for a healthier option? Then add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley, dill, or chives will add a burst of freshness. Cilantro works wonders if you're going for a zesty flavor.
• Crunchy Add-Ins: Celery and red onions are tuna salad staples, but don’t stop there—try diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even jicama for a unique crunch. And don't forget the pickle relish - crunchy and sweet.
• Fruity Flair: Sweet and savory work beautifully together! Add chopped apples, sliced grapes, or dried cranberries for little bursts of sweetness.
• Zesty Kick: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce can add some excitement if that's your thing.
• Cheesy Goodness: Tuna loves cheese! Try cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack in your Tuna Melt or sandwich layers.
• Spices & Seasonings: A pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cumin can transform your tuna salad. For a Mediterranean twist, try sprinkling in a bit of oregano and black olives.

The combinations are endless—just have fun mixing and matching ingredients until you find your perfect blend!

The Ease of Making Tuna Salad

Here’s the beauty of tuna salad: it’s almost foolproof to make. With a can of tuna, a few basic pantry staples, and less than 10 minutes, you’ve got yourself a delicious filling. This simplicity also makes it a fantastic recipe to make with kids. Little ones can help mix the ingredients, spread the tuna salad onto bread, or even customize their own sandwiches with toppings. Not only is it a great bonding activity, but it’s also a way to introduce them to cooking.

Tuna Sandwich Menus for Every Occasion

1. Tea Party Elegance
For a tea party, keep it refined with tuna salad finger sandwiches. Use soft white or whole wheat bread with the crusts removed, cut into delicate triangles. Mix the tuna with dill and a touch of lemon for a light, refreshing taste. Pair these sandwiches with cucumber slices, scones, and a pot of Earl Grey tea to complete the theme.

2. Brunch Delight
Elevate your brunch spread with a Tuna Melt station! Offer toasted English muffins or bagel halves as a base, and let guests choose from toppings like sliced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions. Pop them under the broiler for a warm, cheesy delight. Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad and mimosas for a perfect mid-morning feast.

3. School or Work Lunch Hero
Tuna salad is a lifesaver for packed lunches. Spread it between two slices of whole-grain bread, layer it with lettuce and tomato, and wrap it up. Add a handful of veggie sticks, an apple, and a small pack of cookies for a balanced and satisfying meal. For a twist, pack tuna salad in a small container with crackers for a DIY lunchable!

A Quick Recipe: Classic Tuna Salad

Here’s a practically foolproof recipe for the perfect tuna salad to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
• 2 Tbsp mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 1 Tbsp red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
2. Mix in the celery, red onion, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve on your choice of bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps. Enjoy!

Share the Tuna Love

Tuna salad sandwiches are the unsung heroes of lunchtime, capable of being as classic or as creative as you like. Have your own secret ingredient or family recipe? Share it with us! There’s always room for more tuna inspiration.

Whether it’s for a tea party, brunch, or simple school lunches, tuna salad sandwiches bring a delicious touch to any table. So, what are you waiting for? Get mixing!

Another Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe

Preparation Time:

Serves: 3
Serving Size: 2 Tbsp

Ingredients:

• 1 3-oz can water-packed tuna, well drained
• 1 Tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp chopped chives or slice green onion tops or red onion

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, flake the tuna with a fork. Combine with the mayonnaise, pepper, vinegar, and chives. Stir to mix well.

2. Serve as an open-faced sandwich, a salad surrounded by raw vegetables, or of course, as a sandwich on two slices of whole wheat bread.

Exchanges: 1 lean meat
Calories: 48
Calories from fat: 16
Total Fat: 2 g, Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol: 9 mg
Sodium: 117 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 1 g, Dietary Fiber 0 g, Sugars 0 g
Protein: 7 g


(Snack Attack! 150 Guilt-free Treats for Healthy Munching, p. 12)

My Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe

My recipe is a little different from this low-fat version.

• 1 3-oz can water-packed tuna, well drained
• 1-2 Tbsp regular mayo
• 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 2 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 boiled egg, chopped (optional)

My recipe is not a dieter's, low-fat version, but it is delicious, non-the-less. If you leave out the egg and use reduced-fat mayonnaise, you should come out okay. And you can serve it pretty much the same way as the other recipe. Plus, it's inexpensive, even when you splurge and go for that can of white albacore tuna.

I think everyone over the age of 40 is familiar with Betty Crocker cookbooks. My mom had one and I've had several. Here's a classic tuna salad recipe from this also classic resource for cooks around the country. (Link will open in a new window)

Let us know how you liked either recipe by using the Rate the Recipe form below. If you have a favorite Tuna Salad recipe, click here to add your own version on the Salad Sandwich recipe page.

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