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Tuna Salad with Pickles

Easy Tuna Salad with Pickles

Tuna Salad with Pickles, The Best Creamy, Crunchy, Tangy American Lunch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Tuna Salad:

  • 2 cans 5 oz each chunk light tuna in water, well drained (Starkist or Wild Planet recommended)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise Hellmann’s or Duke’s recommended
  • 2 tablespoons plain full-fat Greek yogurt optional, for extra creaminess and lighter calories
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles finely chopped (about 3-4 spears; Claussen or Vlasic brand works great)
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice right from the jar — do not skip this!
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 2 green onions scallions, thinly sliced — both white and green parts
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Grey Poupon or French’s
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1 hard-boiled egg chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers drained
  • 1/4 red onion finely minced
  • A pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor

Instructions
 

Step 1 — Drain and Flake the Tuna

  • The cans of tuna are opened and the tuna is transferred to a fine mesh strainer or colander placed over the sink. It is pressed firmly with a fork or the back of a spoon to remove as much liquid as possible. Excess water must be removed; otherwise, the salad will turn watery.
  • Once fully drained, the tuna is transferred to a large mixing bowl and flaked apart with a fork until it reaches a fine, even texture.

Step 2 — Build the Creamy Dressing

  • In a small bowl, the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, pickle juice, lemon juice, and garlic powder are whisked together until smooth and fully combined. A taste test is performed at this stage, and seasoning is adjusted with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3 — Combine Everything

  • The chopped dill pickles, diced celery, sliced green onions, and fresh dill are added directly to the bowl with the flaked tuna. Everything is gently stirred together until the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout.
  • The prepared creamy dressing is then poured over the tuna mixture. Everything is folded together with a fork or spatula until the salad is fully coated. Care is taken not to over-mix, as some texture is desirable.

Step 4 — Taste and Adjust

  • A final taste test is performed. If more tang is desired, an extra splash of pickle juice is added. If a creamier texture is preferred, a small additional spoonful of mayo is stirred in. Salt and pepper are adjusted to taste.

Step 5 — Serve or Chill

  • The tuna salad is served immediately or covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It is absolutely at its best when made about one hour before serving.
Keyword Tuna Salad with Pickles