Description
A quick and easy tuna salad recipe perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner. This flavorful mix combines tuna packed in olive oil with crunchy celery, fresh dill, tangy capers, and a zesty lemon dressing, all bound together with creamy mayonnaise for a deliciously satisfying dish ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna packed in olive oil (drained)
- ½ cup celery (diced, about 1-2 celery stalks)
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 2 tsp capers
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or to taste)
- ½ cup Kewpie mayo (or regular mayonnaise)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna: Open and drain the cans of tuna packed in olive oil, then transfer the tuna to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to break up the fish into small flaky pieces, ensuring an even consistency throughout the salad.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Dice the celery stalks and mince the shallot finely. Add both to the bowl along with the chopped fresh dill and capers, providing layers of texture and flavor to the salad.
- Incorporate Seasonings: Add lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright citrus note, and mix in the Dijon mustard to add a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the mixture.
- Mix the Dressing: Add the Kewpie mayonnaise (or your preferred mayo) into the tuna mixture. Fold gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly without breaking down the tuna too much.
- Season to Taste: Finally, season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Stir gently once more until fully integrated.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a blend of half mayo and half yogurt.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or avocado for extra creaminess and protein.
- Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, on top of greens, or with crackers for a quick snack.
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor; bottled lemon juice will not provide the same brightness.
- Adjust Dijon mustard quantity according to your taste preference for spice and tang.
