Spoon it into a croissant or mound it on a bed of lettuce - this is delicious!
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❤️ Why you'll love it
- The small list of ingredients makes grocery shopping easy.
- It's one of those classic recipes that never gets old.
- From start to finish, the full recipe is ready in minutes!
Just like Mom used to make, this southern-style tuna salad comes together with a pinch of sugar and fresh apples for a hint of sweetness no one can resist.
It's the perfect make-ahead lunch for those warm summer days! After all, who can turn down a good tuna sandwich?
Try it on this multigrain sandwich bread... it's the best!
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
🔪 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Drain the apples in lemon juice and cans of tuna.
- Blend the sugar and mayo.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl.
- Mix until everything is well-coated with the sauce.
🥫 Storage
Great to prep ahead of time, this simple tuna salad recipe should be stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 3-5 days.
📖 Variations
- Mix in a hard boiled egg or two.
- You can also use chunk light tuna but I don't think it's as tasty.
- Add a pinch of dijon mustard.
- Chop up a dill pickle for a tangy taste - but leave out the apple.
- Use red bell pepper for added crunch.
- Swap out the mayonnaise for Miracle Whip.
- Add a dash of onion powder.
- Swap out the albacore tuna for chicken.
- Mix in halved grapes for a sweeter taste.
- Sometimes I add in green onions for more fresh flavor.
💭 Things to know
Expert Tip: Drain tuna and pat it dry to prevent your tuna salad from becoming too runny.
- This easy recipe is best if you can let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Toast the pecans for added flavor and extra crunch.
- Adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. Add more or less mayo depending on how creamy you like it, and don't be shy with the sugar!
👩🍳 FAQs
No, the mayonnaise will separate in the freezer and doesn't bind back together once thawed.
It's not the healthiest meal on the planet, but it is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This recipe even has vitamins and nutrients thanks to the use of fresh fruit and celery!
📚 Related recipes
- Creamy southern chicken salad is a staple in any lunch rotation.
- Deviled ham salad couldn't be easier to toss together!
- The perfect comfort food, old fashioned tuna casserole is made with simple pantry ingredients.
🍽️ Serve with...
Add this classic southern tuna salad recipe to your lunch rotation for a delicious open-faced sandwich, savory tomato tuna melt, or an easy salad piled on a bed of lettuce!
- Nothing quite says summer like old fashioned macaroni salad with Hellman's!
- No knead sourdough bread and Cheddar cheese combine with tuna for an irresistible tuna melt.
- Or spoon it between two pieces of toasted Amish white bread.
- A side of potato chips is the best addition to make the simplest meal you'll ever serve.
- A bowl of Mom's homemade potato salad makes for a complete meal that is nothing but southern comfort.
📞 The last word
I like this so much better than a traditional tuna salad recipe. It's "tea room style" and the apples give it extra flavor and crunch.
On a croissant it makes the best-tasting tuna salad sandwiches ever! It's the perfect recipe for hot summer days.
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Southern Tuna Salad with Apple
Print Pin Recipe SaveEquipment Needed
Ingredients
- 24 ounces albacore tuna, drained
- 1 cup apples, diced
- ½ cup celery, diced
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup onion, diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sugar, optional
- ¼ cup lemon juice, mixed with 1 cup water
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Instructions
- Drop the diced apples in a mixture of 1 cup water to 4 tablespoons lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.
- Drain, pat dry and set aside.
- Drain the tuna and pat dry with paper towel.
- Add to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the apples, celery, pecans, and onion.
- Stir gently to mix.
- Whisk the sugar into the mayonnaise (if using).
- Spoon the mayonnaise mixture over the tuna mixture and stir to coat.
- Refrigerate or serve immediately.
Notes
- Drain tuna and pat it dry to prevent your tuna salad from becoming too runny.
- This easy recipe is best if you can let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Toast the pecans for added flavor and extra crunch.
- Adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. Add more or less mayo depending on how creamy you like it, and don't be shy with the sugar!
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