Best Classic Tuna Salad Recipe (Paleo and Whole 30)
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Here is a classic tuna salad recipe that will never get old. It is simple to make, low carb, paleo and whole 30 approved and absolutely delicious!
I found a large rock, which provided a fine seat and took a bite of my very late lunch. The sun beating on whatever part of me that wasn’t covered up, which wasn’t much. After all 43 is still cold but alfresco seemed like a good idea. Eyes closed, I soaked up the sun. My children’s gleeful voices cutting through jovial bird songs, as they made their way from mud to snow and back again, squealing with delight.
The sky was a piercing shade of blue. Next to me a cluster of snow drops swaying in the breeze. Picking one up, I studied its detail. Every year, I feel a jolt of excitement the moment I spot them. An announcement of what’s to come; green, life, a new season.
Seeing the familiar through fresh eyes occurs to me from time to time, particularly in the kitchen. Oddly enough this happened with nothing more than the very tuna I was eating. What? Tuna? Yes.
I’ve had years to figure out what I like and don’t like and am open to exploring and learning. But there’s something to be said about the tried and true. Flavors and combinations that work synergistically, that compliment each other the way an exposed collar bone and an off the shoulder sweater do. They’re sexy – they work.
So how do you make tuna salad sexy? You add the things you’ve probably eaten your whole life but you tweak them a bit and use St. Jude’s tuna as the base. When it comes to making a delicious tuna salad, quality is key. And for me, it doesn’t get better than using a delicious tuna, that’s sustainably and wild caught. And don’t forget about the mayo and mustard – make sure they’re of good quality too as they can really make or break a salad.
Tips for making classic tuna salad
There are some flavors that are quintessential. They just work. And this classic tuna salad recipe is no exception.
Start with good tuna
A good tuna salad beings with obviously great tuna. And this amazing canned tuna from St. Jude Tuna has all the elements you want in a great canned tuna. It’s sustainably sourced, wild caught and produced in small batches.
Good condiments make good tuna salad
I’m a big believer in home made mayo. It takes just a few minutes to make and requires a handful of pantry staples. If you want the recipe, you can find it right here. If you’d rather purchase, look for a quality mayo that doesn’t overpower.
Next is mustard. I don’t make my own but I do like using a good quality Dijon mustard. I do recommend using only Dijon and not regular yellow mustard for this tuna salad.
How to make classic tuna salad
Besides canned tuna, mayo and Dijon mustard, you’ll need red onion, celery, dill, chives, salt and pepper. It’s that simple. Combine all ingredients and serve.
I find that the tuna salad is actually even better after it’s had a little time to sit, as all the ingredients really get to know each other! 🙂
Substitutes for classic tuna salad
If you don’t have any chives on hand, don’t worry about it as the red onion will provide ample flavor. Also, if you want to substitute dried dill for fresh you can. Instead of 1 tbsp fresh, just use one tsp dried. I think fresh is always best but if you don’t have it, no worries.
Other tuna recipes you may like:
- Dill Tuna Chickpea Appetizer Bites with Lemon Caper Mayo
- Jalapeno Tuna Salad with Corn, Beans and Avocado
- Tuna Salad with Apple Dill and Lemon Vinaigrette
- Smoked Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowl
Classic Tuna Salad Recipe
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A classic tuna salad recipe that will never get old. It is simple to make, low carb, paleo and whole 30 approved.PREP TIME10 minutesTOTAL TIME10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cans St. Jude Tuna with juice
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup good mayo
- 1 tsp good Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp chives, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- optional: add salt to taste as the tuna already contains sea salt
Instructions
- Add tuna to bowl and break up with fork. Add remaining ingredients and combine well.
- Serve with greens and your favorite toppings.
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Nutrition Information:
YIELD:
4
SERVING SIZE:
1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 280TOTAL FAT: 21gSATURATED FAT: 3gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 17gCHOLESTEROL: 32mgSODIUM: 563mgCARBOHYDRATES: 9gFIBER: 0gSUGAR: 8gPROTEIN: 13g
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