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This easy tuna salad is made with one can of tuna and a few simple ingredients for a flavorful, satisfying meal. It comes together in minutes and can be enjoyed as a sandwich, over greens, or with crackers. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner!

a tuna salad on a tortilla next to a half of an avocado.

Enjoy this delightful tuna salad in a variety of ways! Make a classic sandwich with slices of homemade French bread, a buttery croissant, or wrap it in a tortilla. For a lighter option, serve it over salad greens with a zesty vinaigrette or scoop it up with tortilla chips for a fun change.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Made with simple pantry staples for a fuss-free meal.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a sandwich, over greens, or with crackers.
  • Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
  • Doubles Easily: Double the ingredients to make tuna salad for two.

Check out our other single serving salad ideas!

tuna salad on a croissant sliced in half on a white plate.
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Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch tuna salad recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Tuna: Use water-packed tuna or oil-packed.
  • Mayonnaise: Substitute with yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Celery: Adds crunch. Bell peppers or other crunchy vegetables work too.
  • Pickle Relish: Use chopped pickles or leave it out if you prefer.
  • Olive Oil: Adds smoothness but can be replaced with avocado oil.

How To Make Tuna Salad

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

To make a small batch of tuna salad, start by draining the tuna and transferring it to a bowl. Add mayonnaise, celery, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and pickle relish. Use a fork or spoon to mix everything together, breaking up any large pieces of tuna as you stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

a blue bowl filled with tuna salad next to two croissants on a silver tray.

Expert Tips

  • Drain Well: Removing excess liquid keeps the salad from being watery.
  • Chill for Flavor: Letting it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the taste.
  • Serving Options: Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.

Ways To Customize Your Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is easy to adjust based on what you have on hand or what flavors you enjoy. Here are a few ways to change it up:

  • Crunchy Add-Ins: I love adding chopped almonds, walnuts, or diced bell peppers for extra texture.
  • Fresh Herbs: A little dill, parsley, or chives can brighten up the flavor.
  • Sweet or Tangy Additions: Add chopped apples, grapes, or a splash of lemon juice.
  • Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado can add texture and a nutritious boost.
  • Spicy Option: Mix in a dash of cayenne, chopped jalapeños, or a little hot sauce.
  • Mediterranean Style: Toss in olives, feta, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does tuna salad last in the fridge?

Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How do I make tuna salad less watery?

Be sure to drain the tuna well and avoid adding too much dressing or liquid ingredients.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients to make tuna salad for two.

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

If you’ve tried this single serving tuna salad recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Tuna Salad For One

4.77 from 13 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
This easy tuna salad is made with one can of tuna and a handful of simple ingredients. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in minutes. Enjoy it on a sandwich, over greens, or with crackers for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 (5-ounce can) water-packed tuna -drained
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 stalk celery -diced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ tablespoon pickle relish (optional)
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Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, use a fork to break up the tuna. Add mayonnaise, celery, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and relish (if using). Stir until well combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve right away or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

  • Drain Well: Removing excess liquid keeps the salad from being watery.
  • Chill for Flavor: Letting it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the taste.
  • Serving Options: Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 222kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 51mg, Sodium: 1062mg, Potassium: 104mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 180IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 16mg

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.

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Welcome!

Iโ€™m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, Iโ€™m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad youโ€™re here!

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4.77 from 13 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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17 Comments

  1. Sheri says:

    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!!

  2. ์ฝ”์ธํŒŒ์›Œ๋ณผ says:

    I want to give a thumbs up to you!