Tuna Salad with Celery and Lemon
A fresh, zesty take on classic tuna salad. Flaky tuna, crisp celery, and sharp red onion are tossed in a creamy lemon-mayo dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the tuna and vegetables.
- Open the cans of tuna and drain them very well to remove all excess water.
- Place the drained tuna in a medium-sized bowl and use a fork to flake it into smaller pieces.
- Wash the celery stalks and finely dice them.
- Finely chop the red onion.
TIPGetting the tuna as dry as possible is key to preventing a watery salad.Combine the salad ingredients.
- Add the diced celery and chopped red onion to the bowl with the flaked tuna.
- Add the mayonnaise, olive oil, and the juice of half a lemon.
- Sprinkle in the black pepper and salt.
Gently mix and taste.
Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients together until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Taste the salad and add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if you like.
TIPOvermixing can make the tuna paste-like. A gentle fold keeps the texture light and flaky.Chill and serve.
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the tuna salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve on crackers, bread, or lettuce wraps.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, drain the tuna very well to avoid a watery salad.
- 2Don't overmix the salad, or the tuna will become mushy. Fold gently until just combined.
- 3For extra flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- 4Serve on crackers, in a sandwich, or over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.
- 5Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for an extra tangy kick.
- 6For a bit of crunch, you can add chopped pickles or nuts like walnuts.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a higher protein, lower fat version.
dairy freeDairy free
Ensure you use a dairy-free, egg-free mayonnaise to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add some sweet corn or finely grated carrots to make it more appealing for kids. You can also chop the onion and celery extra fine.
high proteinHigh protein
Add one chopped hard-boiled egg per serving for an extra protein boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Tuna is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and keeping you feeling full.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Tuna is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and brain function.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
This salad provides important nutrients like Vitamin D and selenium from the tuna, as well as fiber and vitamins from the fresh celery and onion.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the tuna. Using a moderate amount of mayonnaise and plenty of fresh vegetables keeps it balanced and nutritious.