If you love a classic tuna salad but want to take it up a notch, Barbie’s Tuna Salad is the perfect choice! This zesty, creamy, and herb-infused recipe is packed with bold flavors and just the right amount of crunch.
Whether you enjoy it on sandwiches, crackers, lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl, this quick and easy tuna salad is a delicious, protein-packed option for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Salad
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required!
- Packed with flavor – Sweet pickle relish, Parmesan, dill, and a hint of curry powder make this a standout dish.
- High in protein & low in carbs – A nutritious option for any meal.
- Versatile – Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or as a dip.
What Does This Tuna Salad Taste Like?
This tuna salad has a rich, creamy texture with a mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The pickle relish adds a touch of sweetness, the Parmesan brings a deep umami flavor, and the herbs and curry powder give it a unique twist that keeps every bite interesting!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (7 oz) can white tuna, drained & flaked
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
- ⅛ teaspoon dried minced onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- ¼ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 pinch garlic powder
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon for mixing
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Barbie’s Tuna Salad
1. Mix It Up
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- Flaked tuna
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet pickle relish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried minced onion flakes
2. Season the Salad
- Stir in:
- Dried parsley
- Dried dill weed
- Curry powder
- Garlic powder
- Mix well until everything is fully combined.
3. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Enjoy on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or in lettuce cups!
Best Ways to Serve Tuna Salad
- Classic Tuna Sandwich – Load it onto toasted bread or a croissant.
- Low-Carb Wrap – Use lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas.
- Tuna Salad Platter – Serve with crackers, fresh veggies, and sliced cheese.
- Stuffed Avocados – Scoop it into halved avocados for a creamy, nutrient-packed dish.
- Tuna Melt – Add tuna salad to bread, top with cheese, and broil for a few minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Tuna Salad
- Use high-quality tuna – White albacore tuna is firm, mild, and works best.
- Customize the texture – Like it creamier? Add more mayo. Prefer it chunkier? Use less mayo.
- Let it chill before serving – This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust seasonings to taste – Add more curry powder, Parmesan, or relish for extra flavor.
How to Store Tuna Salad
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as mayo-based salads can separate when thawed.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Tuna Salad – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad – Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed version.
- Crunchy Tuna Salad – Mix in diced celery, bell peppers, or chopped nuts.
- Mediterranean Tuna Salad – Replace pickle relish with chopped olives and feta cheese.
- Avocado Tuna Salad – Mash ½ an avocado into the mix for extra creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes! Grilled or seared tuna can be flaked and used instead of canned tuna.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Just reduce the pickle relish or replace it with diced pickles for a lower-carb option.
Can I meal prep this tuna salad?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it in advance for easy lunches.
Final Thoughts
This Barbie’s Tuna Salad is a simple yet flavorful twist on the classic tuna salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with bold flavors, making it perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or snacking.
Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest and leave a review!
More Quick & Easy Lunch Recipes
- Classic Egg Salad
- Chicken Salad with Grapes & Walnuts
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Make your next lunch delicious, effortless, and full of flavor with this easy tuna salad recipe!