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10/03/13

Classic Tuna Salad

A classic, old-school tuna salad recipe with just the right about of mayo just like your favorite deli makes.


Really? A recipe for tuna salad? Well, yes, really. For two reasons: 1) because my friends assure me that people do, indeed, actually need even the most basic recipes and 2) because this the only way Husband likes tuna salad and he feels pretty strongly about it.

Husband doesn't like relish or celery in tuna salad and it must – simply MUST – have diced onion in it or his whole week is RUINED. Ruined, I say!

Classic Tuna Salad! A classic, old-school tuna salad recipe with just the right about of mayo just like your favorite deli makes.

I grew up eating tuna salad with sweet pickle relish in it (probably because Mama's a yankee and it was her way of getting a little of that Miracle Whip sweetness she would have preferred).

I like it that way too but as I've made it the way Husband likes it I've realized it's very close to what I enjoy in big city delis - just a basic, savory tuna salad that's not drowning in mayonnaise.

Classic Tuna Salad! A classic, old-school tuna salad recipe with just the right about of mayo just like your favorite deli makes.

I like this simple version because I think it makes wicked good tuna melts! I either make them like a grilled cheese or I spread some tuna salad on a hamburger bun, throw a piece of cheese on it and place it (and the top of the bun, split-side up) under the broiler until the cheese is melted and the top bun is toasted.

This recipe is just a jumping-off point for you. Add whatever you like to this basic recipe and make it yours! If you like celery or relish - go for it! If you hate onions, leave them out! If you like yours a little creamier, add more mayo!

Classic Tuna Salad! A classic, old-school tuna salad recipe with just the right about of mayo just like your favorite deli makes.


Be sure to check out my recipe for TUNA NOODLE SALAD as well! 

Classic Tuna Salad

Classic Tuna Salad
Yield: 4-6 Servings
Author:
Prep time: 5 MCook time: Total time: 5 M
A classic, old-school tuna salad recipe with just the right about of mayo just like your favorite deli makes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 12-oz can chunk light tuna, very well drained
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning*
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions:

How to cook Classic Tuna Salad

  1. Combine all ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Taste for seasoning then add more if desired.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve on sandwiches, crackers, salads or Tuna Melts.

Notes:

If you don’t have Old Bay, use a little more salt and a pinch of celery seed if you have it.
Add whatever you like to this basic recipe and make it yours! If you like celery or relish - go for it! If you hate onions, leave them out! If you like yours a little creamier, add more mayo!
Images and text © South Your Mouth
tuna, salad, tunafish, tuna fish, deli, jewish, tuna melt, classic, basic, base, starter, recipe, how to, old school, best
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8 comments:

  1. Jyl2207510/3/13, 12:29 PM

    As someone that has only recently taken any interest in cooking, I totally agree that some people (like myself) need the most basic of recipes. One of the reasons I enjoy your blog is because I feel like there is a good mix of easy stuff and tougher stuff. Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Our Way10/4/13, 7:23 AM

    Husband might like pickled jalapenos in it if he likes hot stuff. I think my husband would put our special Dr. Datil hot sauce on ice cream. Love your sense of humor!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown10/7/13, 8:02 PM

    My husband must come from the same neck of the woods. I made one w/everything for the rest of us and one for my husband w/just onions & mayo. This was only sandwich he would use mayo for, everything else was Miracle Whip.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Unknown1/12/14, 5:21 PM

    Just made this and used a little creole and seasoned salt since I didn't have any old bay. Turned out pretty good. :) thanks for the quick and simple recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous5/9/14, 11:59 AM

    After 20+ years, I just found out that my man does not like pickle relish in tuna salad, egg salad, deviled eggs or potato salad...go figure! Better late than never I guess! LOL Deana Mack

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous6/19/14, 7:16 PM

    My father (a husband) changed my mind when he told me he liked only scallions and Hellmann's in his tuna salad. Thing is, you have to let the flavors meld overnight. It is that much better. Occasionally I lose my mind and add lemon pepper, but it really doesn't need it. I also love a tuna melt: exceptional super sharp white cheddar atop the tuna salad atop toast, broiled. The frico is the best part. Loving the site (I'm new)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Unknown12/26/15, 3:39 PM

    Try Old Bay BLACKENED seasoning. Even better!

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Warrior12/26/15, 5:09 PM

    I also do not like relish or celery in my TS. Just mayo, onions, a little seasoned salt. Period! End of Story! I have spoken!

    ReplyDelete

Hi there! While I’m not able to respond to every comment, I try hard to answer any questions that haven’t been addressed in the post, recipe or in other comments.

I can tell you now 1) I have no idea if you can substitute Minute Rice or brown rice in my recipes because I’ve never used them and 2) If I know how to convert a recipe to a Crock Pot version, I will make a note about it (otherwise, I don’t know).

And though I may not respond to them all, I do read each and every comment and I LOVE to hear from you guys! Thanks, y’all! - Mandy