| | | | | |

The Best Southern Tuna Salad Recipe

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.

Are you ready for the Best Southern Tuna Salad Recipe? Made with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, silky mayo, pickle relish, and a dash of smoked paprika, my classic recipe is great for meal prep, low-carb, sandwiches and making an open face tuna melt.

This tuna salad is great for a quick and simple snack, a low-carb meal, and just in time for Lent and fish Friday’s! I love having healthier and easy-to-make recipes on our dinner or lunch rotation. Elevating a regular ho-hum tuna sandwich into a great tuna salad sandwich.

For more fresh and tasty salads, try my Sherried Chicken Salad, Tarragon Chicken Salad or this Italian Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

Classic Southern tuna salad on butter lettuce with grapes and tomato slices.

Why You Will Love this Easy Recipe

  • Easy to Double – This recipe serves four to five people. However, it can easily be doubled to serve a crowd.
  • Versatile – Use this southern tuna salad recipe in a wrap, sandwich, bed of lettuce, open face tuna melt or as a side dish or entree for lunch or dinner.
  • Nostalgic – If your mother or grandmother used to serve you a tasty tuna salad sandwich regularly, this recipe is sure to give you those warm nostalgic feelings!

What is Southern Tuna Salad?

I love the twists that our Southern friends put on the classics, that’s what makes our country so great! Who doesn’t love Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole!

It’s debated, even amongst Southerner’s as to whether or not you use dill pickle relish or sweet pickle relish, but my family recipe includes a bit of both! The truly unique part is adding chopped hard boiled eggs – a Southern tradition! The best-tasting tuna salad sandwiches you’ll make.

Southern Tuna Salad recipe on sandwich brioche bread, with chips and grapes.

Healthy Twist

  • Low-Carb Meal or Snack – Serving the tuna salad on a bed of lettuce with tomatoes or in a lettuce wrap, or inside a scooped out tomato or an avocado. A keto wonder!
  • Tuna with Greek Yogurt – Swap out the mayo for plain Greek yogurt, adjust your spices to taste and enjoy a little tangier, but still delicious tuna salad.

Simple Ingredients

Ingredients, directions and nutritional information in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

  • Tuna | I like to use white tuna packed in water for this recipe. You may use tuna in oil if you prefer.
  • Eggs | Just like with potato salad, adding hard-boiled and peeled eggs provide more protein and texture to the salad recipe.
  • Celery | Fresh celery adds a subtle crunch to the texture of the tuna salad.
  • Red Onion | Chopped red onion gives the salad a deeper flavor and vibrant pops of color.
  • Pickle Relish | Use dill relish or sweet pickle relish, depending on your taste, or both!
  • Mayonnaise | I recommend using high-quality mayo to attain the best flavor, personally I like avocado mayo.
  • Dijon Mustard | A little Dijon mustard adds some spice to the salad recipe.
  • Salt and Pepper | Sprinkle in kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to meld the flavors together.
  • Celery Salt | Celery salt is mixed with celery seeds to add a slightly bitter and earthy flavor to the tuna salad.
  • Smoked Paprika | Adding smoked paprika, gives a subtle but unique flavor, like in this 10 Vegetable soup.
Labeled ingredients for southern tuna salad recipe.

How to Make this Tuna Salad Recipe with Egg and Relish

Before getting started, boil the eggs, then plunge into an ice bath of cold water and allow them to cool. You can make these up to 3-4 days ahead.

Finely chop the celery and red onion with a sharp knife.

How to take the “bite” out of raw onions

  • Take the “bite” out of raw red onions (or any onions) by soaking chopped or sliced onions in ice water, for about 10 minutes. I used the ice bath my hard-boiled eggs were chilling in to soak the red onion. Drain and use.

And once the eggs are peeled, chop them into tiny bits or use an egg salad chopper like this one.

Then, begin this delicious tuna salad recipe by mixing the creamy dressing. Grab a medium or large mixing bowl and add the mayonnaise, spices, and pickle relish. Stir the ingredients to combine.

Pro Tip

  • When making a creamy dressing; add all of the ingredients into the bowl you will add your protein to, mix well, then add your protein to coat evenly.

Next, drain the tuna and add it to the mixed dressing. Then drop in the chopped eggs, celery, and red onions and mix well to combine.

Serve this classic southern tuna salad recipe immediately. However, you may also make it ahead of time. Just store the recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Fresh Tips

  • The finer you chop the veggies for this recipe, the more the flavors really blend and the less likely your picky eaters will turn up their noses to it!
  • You must drain the canned tuna, or the salad will be runny with the excess liquid.

Variations & Substitutions

  • If you prefer your tuna salad on the sweeter side, use all chopped bread and butter pickles or sweet relish.
  • Add more bulk to the recipe without doubling it by using an extra hard-boiled egg.
  • Sprinkle in finely chopped dill to heighten the dill pickle flavor. Or add in some fresh chives or parsley.
  • Toss in a dash of Old Bay Seasoning.
  • If you like your tuna salad more moist than dry, add one tablespoon of mayo at a time until the texture is as desired.
  • Squeeze in some lemon juice for a citrus kick.
  • Include chopped red bell peppers for extra flavor.
  • Use green onion instead of red onion or a combination of the two.
Tuna salad sandwich using brioche bread, served with pickle, chips and red grapes.

Tips for Two

Split the measurements in half or make the recipe as is and save the leftovers in the refrigerator for another day. This recipe lasts in the fridge for about three to five days.

Make it a Tuna Macaroni Salad (Tuna Pasta Salad)

Add up to ½ box of cooked elbow macaroni to the salad mixture and up to 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas. You might need to add up to an additional 1/3 cup of mayo. Stir to combine and refrigerate for an hour or more before serving.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: You might ask, how long is tuna salad good for? Store this southern-style tuna salad in the fridge for three to five days in an airtight container.

Freezer: For longer storage time, freeze the tuna salad in a freezer-safe bag or container. It helps to freeze the salad in portions, I love these silicone freezer cubes. Plus, it makes thawing a lot quicker. Place in the fridge overnight to thaw for a snack or meal the next day.

Traveling with Tuna Salad: Transport the salad in an airtight container or sealed Ziplock bag. Use an insulated container, like a small cooler or lunch box, place it on an ice pack.

Delicious 10 minute Southern Tuna salad recipe in bowl with hand spooning large scoop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you peel hard-boiled eggs without making a mess?

Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be a real headache. Avoid making a mess by first carefully dropping the eggs into the pot of water only after it has come to a boil. This helps the shell’s membrane not to stick to the egg’s protein.

Secondly, some people sprinkle a little salt into the boiling water, which is known to help with the peeling. And finally, make peeling the hard-boiled eggs a little easier by submerging them in an ice bath for 5 to 15 minutes after boiling

What tuna is best for tuna salad?

White tuna in water has a milder flavor, while light tuna typically sourced with Yellowfin and Skipjack tuna, is a bit stronger, but a softer tuna. Use tuna packed in oil or water, just drain well. Bottom line, use the tuna you normally would use!

What can I use instead of mayo in southern tuna salad?

If you’d like to swap the mayo for another similar ingredient, such as Miracle Whip, or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.

Can you freeze tuna salad?

Yes! You sure can and it’s so easy! Place in an airtight freezer container or baggie and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, give it a good stir and enjoy!

Open face tuna melt sandwich on tray with tomato salad.

Ways to Serve Southern Tuna Salad

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Use the following ideas to inspire your use of this delicious southern tuna salad:

  • Low-Carb Option – Top a bed of romaine or butter lettuce leaves with the tuna salad and a juicy ripe tomato wedge. Or make tuna salad lettuce wraps for the whole family to enjoy a tasty light dinner.
  • Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich – Dress a sandwich with this incredible tuna salad. Lightly toast the bread to avoid it getting soggy. Try it with lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and a homemade bread recipe, like some brioche or Russian Black Bread.
  • Keep it Simple – Serve this simple tuna salad recipe with buttery crackers, crispy potato chips, or Easy Air Fryer Steak Fries.
  • Southern-Style – This southern tuna salad is perfect for serving with more of your favorite southern recipes, like a refreshing Mint Julep Cocktail, Southern-Style Green Beans, and Sweet Cornbread.

How to Make an Open Face Tuna Melt

Little known fact about me, I dislike making lunch! Not because I don’t like eating lunch, but it’s just a thing with me! Let’s not get into the psychology of why! 🙂

So an open face tuna melt is one of my go-to lunches! Because I can make this southern tuna salad recipe ahead of time, enjoy it on some lettuce, then for a light lunch or dinner, make open face tuna melts!

Split an English muffin or your favorite bread (lightly toasting first so as not to get soggy). On a baking sheet, place toasted muffin halves or toast slices, then spoon ¼-⅓ of a cup of tuna salad onto each muffin half, spreading to cover the muffin.

Preheat the broiler, then top the tuna with a slice of your favorite cheese—try pepper jack, cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, or Muenster.

Broil for 1-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly – watch closely!

What to serve with Southern Tuna Salad

Easy Southern Tuna Salad on butter lettuce and as a Tuna Melt - to pin.

This is a great recipe for meal prep – make ahead and assemble as desired!

Achieve the texture you prefer by adding more mayonnaise, just a bit at a time, until the tuna salad is as moist as you like, taste and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.

I hope you loved this Southern Tuna Salad Recipe — if you did, would you share your creation on InstagramFacebook and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!

Like this recipe?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and comment below the recipe!

Classic Southern tuna salad on butter lettuce with grapes and tomato slices.

Best Southern Tuna Salad Recipe

Author: Kathleen Pope
5 from 14 votes
Are you ready for the Best Southern Tuna Salad Recipe? Made with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, silky mayo, pickle relish, and a dash of smoked paprika, my classic recipe takes a regular ho-hum tuna sandwich into a great tuna salad sandwich.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Easy Weeknight Meals, Lunch
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 5 servings
Calories 215 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 5 ounce cans canned albacore tuna, in water, drained (see notes)
  • 2 large hard boiled eggs, peeled, chopped fine
  • 1/4 cup celery, chopped fine, about 1 small stalk
  • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped fine
  • 2 tablespoons pickle relish, dill or sweet, or use 1 tablespoon of each
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise, I like Chosen Avocado Oil mayo, see notes for alternatives
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
  • teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl add mayonnaise, spices, pickle relish and stir to combine the dressing.
    Tip – Use a bowl with a lid, so you can make and store your tuna salad in the same bowl.
  • Add the drained tuna, eggs, celery, red onion and mix well to combine. Serve immediately or may be made ahead of time, store in an airtight container and refrigerate, covered for up to 3 days.

✱ Kathleen’s Tips

Tuna – Use your favorite tuna, whether that’s packed in water or in oil, Yellowfin or Skipjack (softer, more tender, but stronger fish flavor), just drain well. 
Ways to serve
  • Low-Carb Keto Tuna Salad – Top a bed of romaine or butter lettuce leaves with the tuna salad and a juicy ripe tomato wedge. Or make tuna salad lettuce wraps.
  • Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich – Dress a sandwich with this incredible tuna salad. Lightly toast the bread to avoid it getting soggy. Try it with lettuce, fresh tomatoes on your favorite bread.
  • Keep it Simple – Serve this simple tuna salad recipe with buttery crackers, crispy potato chips, or Easy Air Fryer Steak Fries.
Open Face Tuna Melt
    • Split an English muffin or your favorite bread (lightly toasting first so as not to get soggy). On a baking sheet, place toasted muffin halves or toast slices, then spoon ¼-⅓ of a cup of tuna salad onto each muffin half, spreading to cover the muffin.
    • Preheat the broiler, then top the tuna with a slice of your favorite cheese—try pepper jack, cheddar, Swiss, Havarti, or Muenster.
    • Broil for 1-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly – watch closely!
Variations & Tips
    • Place red onions in strainer in ice bath while chilling hard-boiled eggs, for about 10 minutes to take the “bite” and sharpness from them. 
    • Sweeter tuna salad, use all chopped bread and butter pickles or sweet relish.
    • Add an extra hard-boiled egg, for more bulk.
    • Sprinkle in finely chopped dill to heighten the dill pickle flavor.  
    • Toss in a dash of Old Bay Seasoning.
    • For moister tuna salad, add one tablespoon of mayo at a time until the texture is as desired.
    • Squeeze in some lemon juice for a citrus kick.
    • Include chopped red bell peppers or green onions. 
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Storage
Refrigerator: You might ask, how long is tuna salad good for? Store this southern-style tuna salad in the fridge for three to five days in an airtight container.
Freezer: For longer storage time, freeze the tuna salad in a freezer-safe bag or container. It helps to freeze the salad in portions, I love these silicone freezer cubes. Plus, it makes thawing a lot quicker. Place in the fridge overnight to thaw for a snack or meal the next day.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving Calories: 215 kcal Carbohydrates: 3 g Protein: 16 g Fat: 15 g Saturated Fat: 3 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 8 g Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g Trans Fat: 0.03 g Cholesterol: 105 mg Sodium: 6301 mg Potassium: 184 mg Fiber: 0.3 g Sugar: 1 g Vitamin A: 161 IU Vitamin C: 1 mg Calcium: 26 mg Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kathleen Pope, The Fresh Cooky.

About Kathleen Pope

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

24 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    BEST tuna salad recipe! I’ve made this several times and have wanted to write a review but didn’t get to it unt now. Love the flavor and texture. Pickled relish is a must!

  2. 5 stars
    Loved your tuna salad recipe, especially the bite of crunch from celery and red onion! As a Southern lady, I can vouch that good tuna salad must be made with hard-boiled eggs and sweet pickle relish!