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Craving a quick and delicious lunch or dinner on the go? Look no further than this easy and customizable Tuna Salad For One! This single serving recipe transforms the classic, comforting dish into a hassle-free meal, perfect for those who want to enjoy tuna salad without the leftover headaches. This tuna salad is made with 1 can of tuna and a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Enjoy this flavorful tuna salad in a variety of ways! Create a classic sandwich with hearty bread slices, tortillas, a buttery croissant, or crusty French bread. Craving something lighter? Spoon it over a bed of fresh salad greens drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. For a fun twist, scoop it up with crunchy tortilla chips. Feeling extra hungry? Pair it with a steaming bowl of curried carrot soup for a satisfying and complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Salad Recipe
- Simplicity: Easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients, making it perfect for a quick meal.
- Versatility: Whether in a sandwich or on a bed of greens, this tuna salad can be served in countless ways.
- Nutrition: Loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavors to suit your preferences, adding or omitting ingredients as you wish.
Check out our other Single Serving Salad ideas!
Ingredients And Substitutions
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serve tuna salad recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tuna: Water-packed tuna is leaner, but oil-packed tuna can add richness.
- Mayonnaise: Substitute with yogurt for a lighter version.
- Celery: Adds crunch, but can be replaced with other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers.
- Pickle Relish: Can be substituted with chopped pickles or omitted as per preference.
- Olive Oil: Adds smoothness but can be substituted with any neutral oil.
Tuna Salad Add-Ins
The joy of a classic tuna salad lies in its flexibility. It’s a recipe that welcomes creativity, allowing you to tweak it to your heart’s content. Whether you’re looking to add a little extra crunch, a burst of flavor, or even some more nutritional value, here are some delicious add-ins to consider:
- Chopped Nuts: Almonds or walnuts can bring an unexpected but pleasant crunch to the salad.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of dill, parsley, or chives will elevate the flavors and add a touch of freshness.
- Fruits: Adding in chopped apples, grapes, or a dash of lemon juice can introduce a sweet and tangy twist.
- Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado can add texture and a nutritious boost.
- Spices: If you’re a fan of heat, consider a dash of cayenne, chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Mediterranean Twist: Include olives, feta, and lemon juice.
These add-ins not only provide additional flavors and textures but also allow you to personalize your tuna salad, making it as unique as you are! Experiment and find the combinations that you love the most.
How To Make Tuna Salad
- Drain the Tuna: Open the can of tuna using a can opener. Hold the can over the sink, and while leaving the lid in place, gently press down and tilt the can to drain out the water. Once drained, remove the lid and transfer the tuna into a medium-sized bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add mayonnaise, celery, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and pickle relish to the bowl with the tuna. Use a fork or a spoon to mix everything together, breaking up any large chunks of tuna as you stir. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional mayonnaise or salt if needed.
Expert Tips
- Draining Tuna: Ensure the tuna is well-drained to prevent a soggy salad.
- Chilling: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature, as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Absolutely! Customize as you like.
A tuna melt is a delightful twist on a grilled cheese sandwich, incorporating the rich flavors of tuna salad. It’s comfort food at its best, and here’s how you can make one:
Prep the Bread: Butter one side of two slices of bread.
Heat the Skillet: Place a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
Start Cooking: Place the buttered side of one slice of bread in the skillet.
Layer the Sandwich:
First, place a slice of cheese on top of the bread in the skillet. American or Cheddar works well.
Next, add a generous scoop of your prepared tuna salad.
Place another slice of cheese on top of the tuna.
Finally, top with the second piece of bread, buttered side facing up.
Cook the Sandwich: Allow the bottom bread to brown, then use a spatula to flip the sandwich over. Cook the other side until it’s browned, and the cheese has melted.
The result is an incredibly delicious tuna melt, crispy on the outside with a gooey cheese and savory tuna salad center. This recipe takes the tuna salad to the next level and is perfect for a quick lunch or indulgent snack. Enjoy!
RELATED: Easy Dinner Ideas For One
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Meatless Meals
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Tuna Salad For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (5-ounce can) water-packed tuna fish , drained
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 stalk celery , diced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon pickle relish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, break up the tuna with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, celery, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and relish if using and stir to combine.
- Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or cover and chill until serving.
Notes
- Draining Tuna: Ensure the tuna is well-drained to prevent a soggy salad.
- Chilling: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serving: Serve chilled or at room temperature, as desired.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I like to add a diced up slice of apple to it. It sweetens it up and taste’s good too.
Thanks for the yummy recipe!!
I want to give a thumbs up to you!