If you’re looking for a dish that captures the spirit of easy, flavorful eating, the Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad is a true revelation. Bursting with bright herbs and tangy lemon, every forkful feels refreshing and satisfying—perfect for busy lunches or light suppers. This is not your average tuna salad; the mix of parsley, dill, and chives makes each bite lively and green, while red onion, celery, and Dijon mustard lend just the right pop of flavor. Whether you scoop it up with crackers, scoop it over lettuce, or pile it into a sandwich, this is the herby tuna salad you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad is simple, but each selection makes a delightful difference. The blend of herbs, crunchy veggies, and a silky dressing ensures a salad with vibrant color, texture, and flavor in every mouthful.
- Tuna: Use 2 (5 oz) cans of tuna in water for a lean, mild bite that’s a wonderful canvas for fresh flavors.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup adds rich creaminess—swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter option if desired.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon brings tang and a gentle kick, balancing the richness.
- Celery: 1 stalk, finely diced, gives that signature crunch and freshness.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped, offers sweet sharpness and a pop of color.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of fresh juice brightens and lifts the entire salad.
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped—this classic herb offers grassy depth and vibrancy.
- Dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped, adds a zippy, almost citrusy note that pairs beautifully with tuna.
- Chives: 1 tablespoon, chopped—subtle onion flavor rounds things out.
- Salt & Pepper: Add to taste for a perfectly seasoned, savory bite every time.
- Mixed Greens or Lettuce Leaves (optional): Serve your salad atop crisp greens for freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by prepping your vegetables and herbs. Dice the celery and red onion finely (the smaller, the better for more even bites), and chop your fresh parsley, dill, and chives. This quick bit of chopping fills the kitchen with a glorious herbal aroma and promises excellent flavor in every mouthful.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Use a fork to break up the tuna and blend everything together until the dressing looks cohesive and silky. This creamy base is the heart of the Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad’s irresistible texture.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Lemon
Toss in the finely diced celery and chopped red onion, followed by that squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir well so the sharp onion, crunchy celery, and bright citrus are evenly distributed, adding layers of taste and crunch.
Step 4: Stir in Fresh Herbs
Fold in the chopped parsley, dill, and chives, saving a pinch of each for garnishing if you like. As soon as these vibrant greens touch the salad, you’ll notice how much the Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad transforms—suddenly, it’s bursting with garden-fresh character.
Step 5: Season and Chill
Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go so it’s just right for you. For maximum flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving. This gives the herbs and seasonings time to meld beautifully with the tuna and dressing.
How to Serve Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped herbs or a few lemon zest curls over the top right before serving. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a grind of fresh black pepper makes the Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad look just as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad travels well alongside a simple soup, crisp pita chips, or sliced cucumber for extra crunch. Try pairing it with a classic tomato soup or a warm piece of crusty bread to round out your meal and make it extra comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine by stuffing the Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad into hollowed-out avocados, rolling it in lettuce wraps, or piling it high on toasted sourdough. Mini croissants or cucumber rounds also make a fantastic party-ready bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad delivers just as much flavor on the second or even third day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it keeps fresh and vibrant for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.
Freezing
Due to all the fresh herbs and creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended for this salad. The texture and flavor really shine when freshly made or chilled in the fridge—freezing can make the veggies and herbs watery or lose their pop.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad since it’s meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. In fact, serving it straight from the fridge is part of its refreshing charm!
FAQs
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned for this salad?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked fresh tuna (like grilled or poached), simply flake it and use it in place of canned. You’ll get a slightly heartier texture and even richer flavor.
What are some delicious additions or swaps for the herbs?
You can mix up the herb blend to suit your taste—try tarragon, basil, or cilantro for new twists. Each herb brings a distinct flavor, and the salad is very forgiving and adaptable!
Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?
Yes! Just make sure to use a dairy-free mayonnaise or plant-based mayo in place of regular mayonnaise. The rest of the ingredients in Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad are naturally dairy free.
How can I make it spicier?
For a little heat, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely diced jalapeno. It’s an easy way to give Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad a kick!
Can I meal prep this salad in advance?
Definitely. Prepare Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad up to two days ahead for meal-prepped lunches or quick snacks. Just pack it in single-serve containers with mixed greens or crackers, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
Give yourself a flavor-packed treat and make a batch of Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad soon—you’ll be amazed at how fresh herbs and a handful of simple ingredients can turn an everyday lunch into something truly special. Whether you’re looking for an effortless lunch, light dinner, or delicious meal prep option, this herby tuna salad is sure to win a spot in your regular recipe rotation!
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Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad is a delightful and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own, over greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Packed with protein and fresh herbs, it’s a perfect option for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving:
- Mixed greens or lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, and lemon juice.
- Add Herbs: Stir in parsley, dill, and chives. Mix until evenly combined.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled on its own, over greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayonnaise.
- This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Enhance the flavor by adding chopped pickles, capers, or hard-boiled egg.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
