Tuna Salad Recipe with Egg

Introduction

Looking for a quick, protein-packed meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious? If so, this Tuna Salad Recipe with Egg is a total game-changer! Whether you’re craving a simple lunch, a make-ahead meal for busy weekdays, or a light appetizer for your next gathering, this dish has you covered.

To begin with, it uses pantry staples like canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing. In just 15 minutes, this recipe comes together effortlessly. As a result, it’s perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or even as a dip with crackers. Moreover, it’s keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free, making it a great fit for most diets.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s, making this tuna salad both satisfying and nutritious. If you’re curious about its nutritional value, check out the Health Benefits of Tuna to see why this ingredient deserves a spot in your diet!

So, are you ready to whip up a delicious, no-fuss dish? Let’s dive in and find out why this recipe is an absolute must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish—making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute meals. In other words, it’s a lifesaver for busy schedules!.
Healthy and Protein-Rich: With eggs and tuna as the stars, this salad is loaded with protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s. Because of this, it’s both filling and nutritious, keeping you energized throughout the day.
Customizable: What’s more, you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. For example, swap mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier twist.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This dish is ideal if you’re watching carbs. Enjoy it as a lettuce wrap or on its own for a guilt-free treat. Plus, it’s keto-approved and gluten-free!.
Versatile: No matter the occasion, this salad fits right in. Serve it as a sandwich filling, dip, or salad topping—making it the perfect choice for lunch, dinner, or snacks.

Whether you’re following a keto, paleo, or Whole30 diet, this recipe is tailor-made to fit your needs. Looking for more inspiration? Check out these Healthy Lunch Recipes and bookmark this one—it’s about to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Ingredients

Canned Tuna (2 cans) – Opt for light tuna in water for a low-fat option or albacore tuna for a firmer texture.
Hard-boiled eggs (3 large) – Adds richness and texture while packing in protein.
Mayonnaise (1/3 cup) – Creamy base for the dressing. Try Greek yogurt or avocado as healthier options.
Dijon Mustard (1 tsp) – Adds tang and depth of flavor.
Celery (1/4 cup, diced) – Crunchy and refreshing for added texture.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped) – Gives a mild bite and vibrant color.
Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped) – Brightens up the dish with fresh herbal notes.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Balances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
Paprika (1/2 tsp) – A subtle hint of spice and color.
Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Simple seasoning to bring everything together.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Crunchy Additions: Chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha.
Sweet Touch: Diced apples, cranberries, or grapes for a hint of sweetness.
Extra Herbs: Dill, cilantro, or chives to elevate the flavor profile.
Cheese Lovers: Try adding crumbled feta or shredded cheddar for creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions

– Prepare the Eggs

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool quickly—this makes peeling easier.
Peel and chop the eggs into small pieces.

– Prep the Tuna

Drain the canned tuna and use a fork to flake it into small chunks.
Press out any excess water or oil to prevent the salad from becoming watery.

– Chop the Veggies

Dice the celery, red onion, and parsley into small, even pieces for consistent texture.

– Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.

– Combine and Chill

Add the chopped eggs, tuna, and veggies to the dressing.
Gently fold until everything is coated.
Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs

Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the timer—overcooked eggs can turn rubbery.
Use an Ice Bath: Cooling eggs quickly stops cooking and makes peeling a breeze.
Store Smartly: Hard-boiled eggs can be prepped ahead and kept in the fridge for up to a week.

Health Benefits of Tuna Salad with Egg

This Tuna Salad Recipe with Egg isn’t just tasty—it’s a nutritional powerhouse!

Protein Powerhouse: This keeps you full longer and supports muscle growth.
Rich in Omega-3s: Promotes heart health and reduces inflammation.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Perfect for weight management.
Vitamin Boost: Eggs provide vitamin D, B12, and choline, while tuna is loaded with selenium and iodine.

Want to know more? Check out the Health Benefits of Tuna for an in-depth look.

Serving Suggestions

For Lunch or Dinner

Sandwich Fillings: Serve on toasted sourdough, bagels, or croissants.
Low-Carb Options: Scoop onto lettuce wraps or stuffed avocados.
Snack Ideas: Use as a dip for crackers, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices.
Side Pairings: Pair with Air Fryer Hash Browns for a complete meal.

For Entertaining

Appetizers: Serve in mini phyllo cups for bite-sized snacks.
Party Dips: Pair with pita chips or veggie sticks for crowd-pleasing appetizers

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Meal Prep

This tuna salad recipe with egg is a dream meal-prepping recipe! You can whip up a batch at the start of the week and have lunches or snacks ready in minutes.

Plan Ahead: Prep hard-boiled eggs and chop vegetables in advance to save time.
Portion Control: Divide the salad into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Avoid Freezing: Mayo and eggs don’t freeze well—they tend to separate and become watery after thawing. Stick to making this salad fresh!
Layering Tip: If serving with lettuce wraps or bread, keep the salad separate to prevent sogginess. Assemble just before eating.

Nutritional Facts and Dietary Considerations

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (Approximately 1 cup)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220–250 kcal
Protein	25–30 g
Fat	12–15 g
Carbohydrates	2–4 g
Fiber	0.5–1 g
Sodium	350–450 mg

Dietary Modifications

Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free mayo and stick to lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Paleo and Whole30: Replace store-bought mayo with homemade avocado mayo or olive oil-based dressing.
Low-Calorie: Swap regular mayo for Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo.

Need more protein-packed meal ideas? Check out these High-Protein Meal Ideas for inspiration!

Tips for Making the Best Tuna Salad with Egg

Pick the Best Tuna

Light Tuna in Water: Lower in calories and fat, great for lighter versions.
Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil: Richer flavor and firmer texture—perfect for indulgent salads.

Seasoning Tips

Add Acid: Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors.
Boost Flavor: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder for extra zest.

Texture Tricks

Crunch Factor: Dice celery, red onion, and pickles into small pieces for bursts of texture.
Creaminess Hack: Mash half an avocado into the dressing for added richness without mayo.

Flavor Boosters

Fresh Herbs: Try dill, parsley, or chives for fresh, vibrant flavors.
Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or crumbled feta into the mix for a creamy touch.

Pairing Ideas and Complete Meal Suggestions

Sides and Snacks

Crispy Options: Serve with Air Fryer Hash Browns for a satisfying crunch.
Fresh Greens: Toss a simple salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Soup Pairing: Try pairing with tomato soup for a classic comfort-food combo.

Bread and Wraps

Sandwiches: Spread onto bagels, whole-grain bread, or brioche buns for a hearty lunch.
Wraps and Tacos: Use lettuce wraps or flour tortillas for a handheld meal.

Seafood Lovers’ Options

Serve alongside Baja Shrimp Tacos for a seafood feast.
Elevate brunch with Crab Cake Eggs Benedict for a luxurious twist.

Recipe Add-Ins and Flavor Enhancers

Mix-Ins for Texture

Nuts and Seeds: Almond slivers, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts.
Crunchy Veggies: Cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Lovers: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Sweet and Savory: Toss in diced apples, raisins, or grapes for sweetness.

Herbs and Aromatics

Fresh Favorites: Dill, chives, or cilantro for a garden-fresh feel.
Zesty Upgrades: Lemon zest, garlic powder, or Dijon mustard for tangy flavor.

Recipe Card: Quick Reference

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 cans of tuna, drained
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil, cool, and peel the eggs. Chop them into small pieces.
Drain and flake the tuna in a large mixing bowl.
Add celery, onion, parsley, and eggs to the bowl.
Mix in mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir gently and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Final Thoughts and Takeaway

This Tuna Salad Recipe with Egg is more than just a quick and easy dish—it’s a true lifesaver for busy schedules and health-conscious eaters. Not only is it packed with protein and omega-3s, but it also offers endless flavor possibilities, making it the perfect go-to meal for any occasion.

Whether you’re planning brunch or need a simple appetizer, this recipe fits the bill. For instance, you can pair it with Air Fryer Hash Browns for a hearty breakfast. Alternatively, serve it with crackers at parties or transform it into a sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch. Because of its versatility, this dish ensures you’ll never get bored.

Still craving seafood? Why not try Baja Shrimp Tacos for a flavorful twist, or elevate your brunch game with Crab Cake Eggs Benedict? Whatever you choose, these dishes are guaranteed to impress!

FAQs About Tuna Salad Recipe with Egg

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prep and store in the fridge for up to 3 days for quick meals.

2. What’s the best tuna for this recipe?
Use light tuna in water for lower fat or albacore tuna for richer flavor.

3. How can I make it healthier?
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado to cut calories and boost nutrients.

4. Can I freeze tuna salad?
No, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can change the texture due to the mayo.

5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Skip the bread and serve it in lettuce wraps or on its own.