Tuna salad

Tuna salad

10 min
You can never go wrong with a classic tuna salad recipe. Ours features a blend of rich tuna, zesty lemon, and smooth crème fraiche with a bit of a kick from crisp red onion, tangy pickles, and fresh herbs. Briny, salty capers add flavour when sprinkled on top before serving, and you can serve it as is or on fresh rye bread. Ideal for a light lunch or a midday snack, this is a favourite amongst kids as well as adults.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/tuna-salad/

Instructions

  • Drain the tuna and place it in a bowl.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  • Season to taste and top with capers.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about tuna salad

If you are looking for more information on this recipe, read our answers to some of the most common questions about tuna salad below.

Which type of tuna should I use for this salad?
You can use canned tuna in oil as well as water. Tuna in oil tends to retain more of its natural flavour and moisture, resulting in a richer, more tender texture. It adds a robust dimension to the salad. Tuna in water has a milder flavour and firmer, flakier texture. This type blends easily with the other ingredients, allowing the other flavours to shine through without being overpowering. Both choices work well depending on whether you want the tuna's flavour to stand out or complement the freshness of the other salad components.
How long can I keep tuna salad in the fridge?
For the freshest taste, eat the tuna salad within 2 days. Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. Before serving it again, stir it gently. Remember to always keep the salad cold and do not let it sit out for too long to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.
Can you freeze tuna salad to use later?
Freezing tuna salad is not the best idea. The crème fraiche might not hold up well after thawing, leading to a change in texture. Because of this, we do not recommend freezing it. However, if you need to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and keep it for no longer than 2 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, drain any extra liquid and stir well to mix the ingredients again.

Ingredients

Tuna in water or oil
2 cans
Creme fraiche
100 ml
Red onion, finely chopped
½
Lemon juice
1 tbsp
Pickles, finely chopped
50 g
Fresh dill or chives, finely chopped
100 ml
Coarse salt
½ tsp
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
To serve
Capers
Rye bread, if desired

Tips: Make the best tuna salad

Follow our tips to make the best tuna salad.

Chop uniformly

Get the best texture by chopping the onions, pickles, and herbs as finely as possible in uniform pieces. This ensures that each bite has a balanced flavour and a pleasant, uniform texture with no ingredient overshadowing another. It also makes it easier to spread on bread.

Let it chill before serving

Serve the tuna salad chilled for a refreshing taste, especially if it is being served on warm days. Placing the salad in the fridge for about an hour before serving also enhances its flavour, giving you the best taste.

Select your favourite fresh herbs

When choosing between dill or chives, consider the flavour you prefer. Dill will give a slightly sharp and fresh flavour, whereas chives will be milder and onion-like. You can also consider using a mix of both for a more complex taste.

Try our easy recipe for tuna salad

If you are looking for something tasty and completely hassle-free, you have come to the right place. Our salad is perfect for whenever you are in the mood for a creamy, tasty spread on a slice of rye bread or the like. A classic tuna salad is incomparable, boasting irresistible flavours from rich tuna, sour crème fraiche, sharp onion, tangy pickles, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

Deliciously creamy with onion and pickles

The best tuna salad features delightful flavours and textures that make each bite tasty and satisfying. Our recipe includes finely chopped red onion and pickles that provide a satisfying crunch, creating a nice contrast to the soft, rich texture of the tuna and the smooth crème fraiche. The meticulous chopping of the ingredients ensures that every taste includes just the right amount of crunch, perfectly complementing without overwhelming the delicate balance of flavours and textures in the salad.

Fresh flavours from herbs and lemon juice

The fresh herbs and splash of lemon juice bring a vibrant, refreshing dimension to the tuna salad. Whether you use dill or chives, they introduce a distinct aromatic note that complements the creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the salad. The addition of lemon juice plays a crucial role, cutting through the richness of the crème fraiche and tuna.

Great for a quick lunch

Lunches sometimes need to be quick, but that does not mean they cannot be delicious! Our tuna salad recipe is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and almost no time. This makes it perfect for lunch, offering you a light dish that you can serve on bread or with a light salad on the side. For a fancy lunch serving, serve it as a cold spread with other delicious bread toppings like a classic chicken salad, cold meat, and eggs.

If you are looking for more delicious lunch options, try our recipes for frittata with cheese, traditional Vietnamese pho, or spicy pasta arrabbiata.

Make it your own

Get creative with your tuna salad and experiment with some tasty additions. For more crunch and freshness, consider tossing in quick-pickled fennel or fresh, diced cucumbers. If you are craving more vibrancy in both colour and taste, add sweet red peppers, crisp celery, or fresh peas, which bring a lovely colour and a fresh crunch to every bite.

If you simply love spices, add a sprinkle of curry powder or smoked paprika, which introduces a smoky warmth, making each mouthful more complex and inviting. Alternatively, incorporate a mix of fresh herbs like thyme and oregano or parsley to deepen the flavour and add a fresh, herby touch without overwhelming the delicate tuna.

In addition to serving it on a slice of rye bread, keep it light and elegant by serving it in avocado halves or as a lettuce wrap. For a warm and comforting twist, transform your tuna salad into a delicious tuna cheese sandwich, also known as a tuna melt. Simply layer your tuna salad onto your favourite bread, top with slices of cheese such as cheddar or Swiss, and grill until the cheese is deliciously melted and the bread is toasted to perfection.