Tuna Egg Salad

The smell of dill and mayonnaise always takes me back to Nana’s kitchen. She made the best tuna egg salad, and it was always a staple at our family picnics. I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years, making it even easier for busy weeknights, and I’ve made this classic tuna egg salad countless times in my Texas kitchen. This version is packed with flavor, protein, and it’s ready in minutes. Trust me, this tuna egg salad is about to become your new go-to lunch or light dinner!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom of two, I need recipes that are quick, easy, and that the whole family will enjoy. This tuna egg salad ticks all the boxes! Here’s why it works so well:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes. Seriously!
• Kid-Approved: Even my picky eaters love it.
• Make-Ahead: Perfect for meal prepping or a grab-and-go lunch.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or even straight from the bowl.

Ingredients

• 5 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna, packed in water, drained well
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Tuna: I prefer tuna packed in water to keep it lighter, but you can use tuna packed in oil for a richer flavor. Just make sure to drain it well!

Mayonnaise: Feel free to use your favorite brand. I usually go for a full-fat mayo for the best flavor and texture, but a light mayo works great too.

Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang that really balances the flavors. If you don’t have sweet relish, you can use dill relish and add a pinch of sugar.

Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is best, but dried dill works in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs. Gently place hard-boiled eggs into a large bowl. Chop the eggs into small, even pieces. I like to use an egg slicer for this part – it makes it super quick and easy!

Step 2: Drain the Tuna. Open the cans of tuna and drain the water really, really well. Nobody wants watery tuna egg salad. Flake the tuna into the bowl with the chopped eggs.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Relish. Add the finely chopped celery and red onion to the bowl, followed by the sweet pickle relish. These ingredients add a nice crunch and a burst of flavor.

Step 4: Mix in the Wet Ingredients and Seasonings. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and chopped dill to the bowl. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Gently stir everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the tuna will become mushy. After testing this several times, I learned that a light hand is key!

Storage & Meal Prep

This tuna egg salad is perfect for meal prepping! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. I love making a big batch on Sunday and having it ready for lunches throughout the week.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can hard-boil the eggs and chop the veggies a day or two in advance to save time. Just store them separately until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Serve the tuna egg salad on gluten-free bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Avocado Tuna Egg Salad: Substitute half the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a healthier twist.
• Mediterranean Tuna Egg Salad: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How can I make this healthier?

You can use light mayonnaise, add more veggies, or substitute half the mayonnaise with mashed avocado. Using tuna packed in water instead of oil also helps reduce the fat content.

Can I freeze tuna egg salad?

I don’t recommend freezing tuna egg salad. The mayonnaise tends to separate when thawed, resulting in a watery and unpleasant texture.

What’s the best way to serve tuna egg salad?

My favorite way is on toasted bread with lettuce and tomato. But it’s also great on crackers, in lettuce wraps, or even as a dip with raw veggies.

My tuna egg salad is too watery. What did I do wrong?

Make sure you drain the tuna really well. Also, don’t overmix the salad, as this can release moisture from the ingredients. If it’s still too watery, you can add a little more mayonnaise or some chopped hard-boiled egg to absorb the excess liquid.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Most kids love tuna egg salad. You can make it even more appealing by cutting the sandwiches into fun shapes or serving it with their favorite crackers.

Can I use flavored tuna?

Yes, you can! Flavored tuna, like lemon pepper or jalapeño, can add a fun twist to the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the other seasonings accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve tuna egg salad:

• Sandwiches: Serve it on toasted bread, croissants, or bagels. Add lettuce, tomato, and a slice of cheese for extra flavor.
• Crackers: Serve it as a dip with your favorite crackers.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve it in lettuce cups.
• Salad: Serve it on top of a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.

For a simple plating idea, garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a few sprigs of fresh dill.

I hope y’all enjoy this tuna egg salad as much as my family does! It’s a classic for a reason: it’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more easy family recipes, be sure to check out FamiliesRecipes.com for more simple, family-friendly meals like this tasty tuna egg salad. Happy cooking!

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