Introduction
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a classic tuna salad — a dish that blends simplicity, nutrition, and freshness in every bite. For Lina Vexley, this recipe carries a touch of nostalgia. She recalls sunny afternoons when her grandmother would mix tuna with creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery, and a squeeze of lemon, serving it over crisp lettuce leaves. Today, Lina adds her modern twist with avocado and cherry tomatoes, creating a balance of creaminess and freshness that elevates the humble tuna salad into a vibrant, wholesome meal perfect for lunch, picnics, or light dinners shared with loved ones.
Creamy Tuna Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Fork
Ingredients
Tuna Salad Base
- 2 cans tuna in water drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise light or regular
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Serving Suggestions
- fresh lettuce leaves for serving
- whole grain bread or crackers optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix with a fork until creamy.
- Add chopped celery, red onion, and parsley. Stir gently to incorporate.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust lemon or mayo if desired.
- Arrange fresh lettuce leaves in a bowl or plate. Spoon the tuna salad on top.
- Garnish with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately with whole grain bread or crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Recipe
Creating a delicious tuna salad is refreshingly simple yet incredibly rewarding. Begin by draining two cans of tuna, ensuring all excess liquid is removed to maintain a creamy texture rather than a soggy mix. In a medium mixing bowl, flake the tuna with a fork and blend it with mayonnaise and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The lemon brightens the flavor, while the mayonnaise adds smoothness.
Next, add finely chopped celery and red onion for crunch and depth. Stir gently to combine, keeping the tuna chunks intact. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the balance to your taste.
Prepare your serving base by layering crisp lettuce leaves in a bowl or on a plate. Spoon the tuna mixture over the lettuce, shaping it lightly for presentation. Arrange avocado slices and halved cherry tomatoes on top for a colorful finish that adds both freshness and creaminess. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
If you’re serving this as a meal, pair it with whole grain bread or crackers. For extra zest, try mixing in a dash of Dijon mustard or chopped pickles. This salad is best served chilled and can be refrigerated for up to two days, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick lunch. Each bite delivers creamy, tangy, and crisp sensations that remind you how good simple food can be.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuna Salad by Lina Vexley embodies the perfect blend of ease and elegance. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a nutritious dish that satisfies both the body and the soul. Whether served over lettuce, on a sandwich, or with crackers, its balance of flavor and texture makes it a timeless favorite. Beyond convenience, this recipe celebrates wholesome eating — simple, colorful, and full of life’s little comforts — just as Lina remembers from her cherished family table.