Kitchies! There’s something so comforting about a good, old-fashioned tuna salad—especially when it’s made Southern-style. This recipe brings together the classic creaminess of mayo, a little sweetness from relish, and the perfect crunch from celery and onions. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile!
Whether you serve it on buttery crackers, between two slices of white bread, or over crisp lettuce, this Southern Tuna Salad is a quick and easy meal that’s always a hit. Bonus? It’s budget-friendly and high in protein, making it a staple in Southern kitchens for generations!
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Salad
✔️ Classic Southern Comfort – Creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor!
✔️ Quick & Easy – Just mix and serve—no cooking required!
✔️ Protein-Packed & Nutritious – A healthy, satisfying meal in minutes.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy it all week.
✔️ Versatile – Serve as a sandwich, wrap, dip, or salad topping!
A Family Recipe That’s Always a Hit
Growing up, Sunday lunch always included a big bowl of tuna salad in my grandma’s kitchen. She made it just the way Southern mamas do—with a touch of sweetness, a little crunch, and a whole lot of love. My husband swears this is the best tuna salad he’s ever had, and my little one loves it scooped onto Ritz crackers.
It’s now a household favorite, and I make a batch every week to have on hand for quick sandwiches, wraps, or even stuffed into tomatoes. Trust me, once you try this Southern-style tuna salad, you’ll never go back to plain old tuna!
Why This Southern Tuna Salad is a Must-Try
What Makes It Special?
✅ The Perfect Balance of Creamy & Crunchy – Mayo, relish, and celery work their magic.
✅ Sweet & Savory – The little hint of sweetness is what makes it Southern!
✅ No-Cook & Meal-Prep Friendly – Mix it up in 5 minutes and enjoy all week.
✅ Totally Customizable – Keep it classic or add fun twists to make it your own!
Cuisine: Southern / American
Recipe Tips for the Best Tuna Salad
✔️ Use Good-Quality Tuna – Solid white albacore is firmer and less watery.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Sweet Relish – It gives that signature Southern flavor!
✔️ Let It Chill – The flavors come together even better after 30 minutes in the fridge.
✔️ Adjust the Mayo – Add more or less, depending on your creaminess preference.
✔️ Make It Extra Creamy – Mix in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added richness.
Substitutions & Variations for Southern Tuna Salad
Make It Lighter:
✔️ Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or a mix of mayo & yogurt.
✔️ Use low-fat mayo to cut down on calories.
✔️ Skip the relish and add chopped cucumbers for natural sweetness.
Spice It Up:
✔️ Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for a kick!
✔️ Stir in chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
Turn It Into a Meal:
✔️ Serve over mixed greens for a light tuna salad bowl.
✔️ Make it a Southern-style melt—toast bread, add cheese, and broil until bubbly.
✔️ Wrap it in a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce and tomato.
Make It Healthier: Low-Carb & Keto Tips
For a low-carb version:
✔️ Serve in lettuce cups or avocado halves instead of bread.
✔️ Use sugar-free relish or swap for chopped dill pickles.
✔️ Reduce the amount of mayo or swap for full-fat Greek yogurt.
For a keto-friendly version:
✔️ Use real mayonnaise (no added sugars).
✔️ Add in extra hard-boiled eggs for more healthy fats.
✔️ Serve with pork rinds or cheese crisps instead of crackers.
Closing Thoughts: The Best Southern Tuna Salad You’ll Ever Make!
And there you have it! This Southern Tuna Salad is a classic crowd-pleaser that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making a sandwich, scooping it onto crackers, or eating it straight from the bowl (no judgment!), this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Make it today, and let me know how you love to serve it! Tag us with your creations, and check out our other Southern comfort food recipes!
Categories:
🥪 Lunch | 🥗 Healthy Eating | 🥘 Southern Comfort Food | 🍱 Meal Prep
Tags:
#SouthernTunaSalad #ClassicRecipes #HighProtein #EasyLunch #NoCookRecipes #HealthyEating #SouthernComfortFood
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Southern Tuna Salad
Description
There’s something so comforting about a good, old-fashioned tuna salad—especially when it’s made Southern-style.
Ingredients
The Salad Base:
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained (solid white albacore for best texture)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s for that classic Southern taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (or chopped sweet pickles)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon for extra tang)
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (adds brightness!)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Perfect Crunch:
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional but very Southern!)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (adds warmth and depth)
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce (for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill (for extra freshness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Drain the tuna well and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the celery, red onion, and hard-boiled egg (if using).
Step 2: Mix It Up
- Add mayonnaise, sweet relish, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the tuna.
- Stir in celery, onion, and egg until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve on sandwiches, crackers, lettuce wraps, or stuffed into tomatoes.
