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Classic Tuna Salad with Dijon, Celery & Fresh Herbs

Classic Tuna Salad with Dijon, Celery & Fresh Herbs

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Ingredients

  • 4 cans tuna, 5 oz each: Drain the tuna thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise: This provides the creamy base that binds the tuna and vegetables together.
  • 2 celery stalks, diced: Celery adds a crisp texture and a fresh savoury note.
  • 4 tablespoons red onion, diced: Red onion contributes a mild sharpness and additional crunch.
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped parsley, chives and/or other herbs: Use your preferred combination of fresh herbs for colour and freshness.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon adds brightness and balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
  • Kosher salt, to taste: Salt brings the individual flavours into balance.
  • Ground black pepper, to taste: Black pepper adds gentle warmth and savoury depth.

Instructions
 

  • Gather And Prepare Everything: Place all the tuna, mayonnaise, vegetables, herbs and seasonings on your work surface.
  • Open And Drain The Tuna: Drain the liquid thoroughly from all four cans before adding the tuna to the mixing bowl.
  • Dice The Celery: Cut the two celery stalks into small, even pieces.
  • Prepare The Red Onion: Finely dice four tablespoons of red onion.
  • Prepare The Fresh Herbs: Chop 2 to 4 tablespoons of parsley, chives and/or other fresh herbs.
  • Measure The Dressing Ingredients: Measure the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard before combining the salad.
  • Combine The Tuna And Vegetables: Add the tuna, celery, red onion and herbs to a large mixing bowl.
  • Add The Mayonnaise And Dijon: Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the tuna mixture.
  • Season And Mix: Add kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste, then stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
  • Check And Serve: Taste the salad, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.

Notes

A really good tuna salad does not need a long ingredient list to be memorable. The secret is in the balance between rich mayonnaise, sharp Dijon mustard, crisp celery and fresh herbs. This version has enough texture to keep every bite interesting while the tuna remains the unmistakable star of the dish. Red onion adds a gentle savoury bite without overwhelming the delicate fish. I particularly like the way Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and gives the finished salad a brighter character. The preparation takes only a few minutes, making it ideal when you need something satisfying without  cooking an elaborate meal. There is also plenty of room to adjust the seasoning according to your own taste while keeping the original character of the recipe intact. If you are new to making tuna salad, I will show you exactly how to avoid the two most common problems: a watery mixture and an overly heavy dressing. 

Nutrition

Serving: 110gCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 2.4gProtein: 24.8gFat: 18.2gSaturated Fat: 2.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 470mgPotassium: 245mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1.2gVitamin A: 285IUVitamin C: 2.4mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1.1mg