Traditional Tuna Salad Sandwich

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 2
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This Traditional Tuna Salad Sandwich is a classic for a reason. It's quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Whether you're a tuna salad aficionado or a curious newbie, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Traditional Tuna Salad Sandwich

Tuna: The star of the show, tuna provides a hearty and protein-packed base for the salad. Canned tuna in water is ideal for a lighter, fresher taste.

Mayonnaise: This creamy staple binds everything together, adding richness and flavor.

Dijon mustard: A small amount adds a subtle tang and depth to the salad.

Celery: Finely chopped, it adds a delightful crunch and freshness.

Red onion: Offers a bit of sharpness and color contrast, finely chopped to blend well.

Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a slight zesty kick, balancing the richness of the mayo.

Sweet pickle relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Whole wheat bread, lettuce, and tomato: These components offer a wholesome base and fresh toppings, completing the sandwich.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, prepare the tuna salad in advance and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for 2-3 days.
  • For a lower-carb option, skip the bread and serve the tuna salad in lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens.
  • Experiment with different types of mustard or add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a side of crunchy chips or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a cup of tomato soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tuna in oil?
Yes, but drain it well to avoid an overly oily salad.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a lighter version.
What if I don't like onions?
Leave them out or substitute with green onions for a milder taste.

Traditional Tuna Salad Sandwich Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a medium-sized bowl. Open your tuna cans, drain them well (you don't want any excess water diluting the flavors), and toss the tuna into the bowl. Add in your mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and sweet pickle relish. Mix everything together until it's nice and creamy.

Next, fold in the finely chopped celery and red onion. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the tuna mixture, so you get a bit of crunch and flavor in every bite. Season with a little salt and pepper—start small, you can always add more later!

Now, it's time to build your sandwich. Lay a crisp lettuce leaf on one slice of whole wheat bread. Spoon a generous heap of the tuna salad onto the lettuce. Top with a few slices of juicy tomato, then finish it off with another slice of bread.

For a classic touch, cut your sandwich diagonally. Serve it up right away for the freshest taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy.
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Great for meal prep or a last-minute meal.

Ingredients

2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices of whole wheat bread
Lettuce leaves
Sliced tomato

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and sweet pickle relish. Mix until well combined.
2. Add chopped celery and red onion to the tuna mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
3. Season the tuna salad with salt and pepper to taste.
4. To assemble the sandwich, place a leaf of lettuce on one slice of whole wheat bread.
5. Spoon a generous amount of the tuna salad onto the lettuce.
6. Top with slices of tomato and cover with another slice of bread.
7. Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.

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