Southern Tuna Salad

Growing up in the South, tuna salad sandwiches were more than just a meal—they were a tradition. From lunch at grandma’s house to picnic gatherings, those sandwiches held a special place at the table. The crunchy dill pickles, flavorful onions, and creamy mayonnaise combine beautifully with albacore tuna, making this dish as hearty as it is delicious. And let’s not forget the boiled eggs—an essential Southern touch that brings richness to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Tuna Salad Recipe

• Quick to Make: Ready in just minutes and perfect for busy days.
• Packed with Flavor: Dill pickles and onions add the perfect crunch and zest.
• Kid-Friendly: Great for meal prep or lunch boxes, it’s a nutritious option for the whole family.

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Tuna Salad Ingredients

Canned Tuna– Albacore tuna in water is what I prefer to use.

Diced Onion-Fresh diced yellow or white onion is a must have ingredient for a good tuna salad.

Dill Pickles– It wouldn’t be Southern Tuna Salad without dill pickles!

Eggs-Hard boiled eggs add more protein to dish.

Mayo-I really like Dukes Mayo, but any kind will work.

Salt and Pepper

How to Make THis Southern Tuna Salad Recipe

Tuna Salad really is so easy to make and perfect for quick lunches!

STEP 1

In a medium bowl add the drained tuna.  Using a fork, break up the tuna to smaller pieces.

STEP 2

Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve tuna salad on bread for a delicious sandwich.
• Make it a bit healthier by serving it on a lettuce wrap or on a bed of mixed greens.
• Crackers are always good with tuna salad. The go-to way to eat tuna salad at my house!
• Mix it into a salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Tuna wraps (flour tortilla) with lettuce and tomato are also great way to eat tuna salad.
• Serve on toast triangles for parties.

How to Store Southern Tuna Salad

Store tuna salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 4 days. Mix well before serving.

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Southern Tuna Salad

Whether you’re making sandwiches, loading up crackers for lunchboxes, or just enjoying it straight from the bowl, Southern Tuna Salad delivers a comforting, flavorful meal every time.

Author: Sky Pilgreen Cooking Method: Boiling Categories: Lunch Recipe Keys: S salad T tuna salad

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Prep Time 30 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 2

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 (5 ounce) can albacore tuna in water (drained)
• ¹⁄₄ cup onion (small diced)
• ¹⁄₄ cup dill pickle (small diced)
• ¹⁄₄ cup mayo
• 2 large eggs, hard boiled (small diced)
• ¹⁄₄-¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• to taste pepper

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl add the drained tuna.  Using a fork, break up the tuna to smaller pieces.

2. Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Enjoy!

Note

To make perfect boiled eggs every time start with adding your eggs to a small pot, cover with cold water.  The water should be at least an inch over the top of the eggs.  

Place the pot over high heat and bring to a boil.  Once the water begins to boil cover the pot and pull it off the heat. 

Set a timer for 12 minutes.  Once the 12 minutes are up, drain off the water and cover the eggs with ice and cold water.  This will stop the cooking.  After 5 to 10 minutes, you can peel the eggs.