Tuna and Eggs Salad Recipe (Super Healthy and Variable)

Discover the ultimate tuna and eggs salad recipes with optional additions and unique twists. Packed with protein, omega-3s, and flavor. Perfect for lunch or meal prep.
You ever crave something quick, healthy, and seriously satisfying. Let us introduce you to a simple favorite. The tuna and egg salad. It’s not just your average throw-together lunch, this is a powerhouse of protein and healthy fats, perfect for anyone trying to eat smart without sacrificing taste.
Here is a fun fact: One can of tuna contains more than 20g of protein and a hefty dose of omega-3 fatty acids. That is the kind of nutrition win we all need. Whether you are meal prepping, craving something cold on a hot day, or just sick of boring salads, this one brings creamy, crunchy, salty goodness in every bite.
Tuna Fish and Eggs Salad Key Ingredients
When it comes to building a delicious tuna and eggs salad, it’s all about a solid base of simple, reliable ingredients. Here is what you will need for most variations.
- Canned Tuna: The star of the show! Tuna brings a big hit of protein and omega-3s. Go for good-quality tuna that’s flaky and not mushy.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: These add richness, texture, and even more protein. Chop them fine or leave them chunky, depending on your style.
- Mayo or Yogurt: Mayonnaise gives it that classic creamy texture, but Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative with a tangy kick.
- Celery: Crisp and fresh, celery adds a satisfying crunch and balances out the soft textures.
- Onions: Red or green onions work well here. They bring sharpness and extra flavor. You can also soak chopped onions in water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite.
Choosing Tuna for Salads Oil-Packed vs. Water-Packed
Not all tuna is created equal, so here is how to decide which type suits your salad best.
- Oil-Packed Tuna: Richer and more flavorful, this type blends smoothly into creamy salads. It’s a great option if you want extra depth and don’t mind a few more calories.
- Water-Packed Tuna: Lighter, cleaner, and lower in fat. This version works well for a fresher, less oily texture—especially if you’re mixing in creamy elements like mayo or yogurt.
Pro tip: Always drain the tuna well, no matter which kind you choose, to avoid a soggy salad.
Pasta Salad with Tuna and Eggs
Want to add some carbs to your salad, especially in a cold salad. These pasta shapes hold onto the creamy dressing and mix-ins best.
- Macaroni: Classic choice! Elbow macaroni soaks up flavor beautifully.
- Rotini: The spirals are perfect for trapping little bits of tuna and egg.
- Shells: These scoop up the good stuff—perfect for getting a bite of everything at once.
- Bowtie (Farfalle): Adds a fancy feel and still works well with chunky ingredients.
Stick to short pasta shapes that won’t fall apart when mixed and stored in the fridge.
Tuna Eggs a Hearty Cold Salad
Want to level it up? Add pasta and turn your tuna and eggs salad into a full-on cold pasta salad. This can be perfect for picnics, parties, or meal prepping big batches.
Just cook your pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking, and toss it with your tuna, eggs, and mix-ins. The pasta stretches the dish and adds that satisfying, carby bite. Keep the add-ins chunky so they don’t get lost among the noodles.
Tuna and Eggs Recipe Dressing Alternatives Vinaigrette vs. Creamy
Not into mayo? No worries, there are loads of ways to dress up your tuna and egg salad.
- Creamy Options:
- Mayo (classic and rich)
- Greek yogurt (light and tangy)
- Sour cream (mild and smooth)
- Avocado mash (creamy and heart-healthy)
- Vinaigrette Style:
- Olive oil + lemon juice
- Balsamic vinegar + Dijon mustard
- Red wine vinegar + herbs
- Sesame oil + rice vinegar (for an Asian twist)
Creamy dressings make the salad feel hearty and indulgent, while vinaigrettes give it a lighter, zesty feel. Try both and see which one fits your vibe.
Tuna Fish Omega 3 and Other Benefits of this Dish
Tuna and eggs aren’t just a tasty combo they are a nutritional powerhouse. Both are packed with high-quality protein, which helps build muscle, repair tissue, and keep you feeling full for longer. Just one can of tuna can deliver over 20 grams of protein, while two eggs add another 12 grams to the mix. That is a solid meal for anyone trying to boost their protein intake.
Even better, tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids—essential fats that support heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote brain function. These healthy fats are hard to get from most everyday foods, so adding tuna to your diet is an easy way to fill the gap. Combined with the vitamins and minerals in eggs (think B12, choline, selenium), this salad is a legit superfood disguised as comfort food.
Tuna and egg salad is naturally friendly to most diets, but with a few tweaks, it can be tailored to fit keto, low-carb, or high-protein lifestyles even better.
- For Keto: Stick with full-fat mayo or avocado for creaminess, and skip any sweet pickles or sugary dressings. Add in high-fat extras like olives or cheese for bonus flavor and fuel.
- For Low-Carb: Keep the pasta out and bulk it up with chopped veg like cucumber, capsicum, or spinach. Lettuce wraps or stuffed avocados make great low-carb serving options.
- For High-Protein: Add extra egg whites, a second can of tuna, or even toss in some cooked lentils or cottage cheese. You can also sprinkle in hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra protein kick without changing the flavor too much.
This salad is versatile, so it’s easy to keep it aligned with your health goals without sacrificing taste.
Tuna and Egg Salad Ingredients Options

How to Balance Creaminess, Crunch, and Seasoning. To get that perfect bite, balance is key. Use just enough mayo or yogurt to coat the ingredients, don’t drown them. Add crunchy elements like celery, red onion, or even chopped nuts for contrast. Taste as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and acidity. A dash of mustard or lemon juice can brighten the whole thing. And stir gently as nobody wants mush!
Classic Mix-Ins: Dill Pickles, Mustard, Sweet Relish, Red Onion. These are the flavor boosters that never fail. Dill pickles add a salty tang, while sweet relish brings that classic creamy salad sweetness. A spoon of Dijon or yellow mustard adds zing and depth. Red onion offers bite and crunch—just dice it fine so it doesn’t overpower. Together, they make a nostalgic, deli-style tuna salad you’ll keep coming back to.
Herbs and Spices to Elevate the Flavor Profile. Want to remix it up even more? Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives bring a burst of brightness. A sprinkle of paprika, garlic powder, or celery seed can add layers of flavor. For something bolder, try a pinch of curry powder or smoked paprika. These little additions take the salad from basic to bold in seconds.
Texture Boosters: Diced Cucumber, Shredded Carrot, Radish Slices. Texture is what makes a good salad great. Diced cucumber keeps things fresh and juicy, while shredded carrot adds natural sweetness and a bit of crunch. Thinly sliced radishes give a peppery snap. These mix-ins are perfect if you’re skipping bread and want the salad to stand alone as a satisfying, fork-only meal.
Tuna and Egg Salad Unique Additions for a Creative Twist
Mediterranean-Style: Stir in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta for a bold, salty twist. Add a splash of olive oil and oregano, and suddenly you’ve got a Mediterranean mezze-style salad.
Asian-Inspired: Drizzle in sesame oil, a splash of soy sauce, and top with chopped green onions or even some shredded nori. This combo delivers umami, crunch, and something totally unexpected.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a bit of sriracha mayo, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat. It wakes the whole salad up—great on toast or tucked into wraps.
Sweet-Savory Combo: Chopped apples, raisins, and a dash of curry powder bring a warm, sweet-savory twist. This combo’s surprisingly addictive and works well served in lettuce cups or over rice.
Tuna Fish and Eggs Salad Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Tuna and eggs salad keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in a sealed container. It is totally ideal for meal prep. Just portion it out in small containers for grab-and-go lunches. If you are worried about sogginess, store mix-ins like celery or pickles separately and stir them in just before serving.
Feeding a crowd? Double or triple the recipe with ease, just use a bigger bowl and scale up your ingredients. Prep the salad a few hours ahead so the flavors can meld. Bring it chilled in a cooler, and consider serving it in individual cups or lettuce boats for easy, mess-free portions. Sprinkle with chopped herbs or paprika for a touch of flair.
Tuna Egg Sandwich Recipe
This salad is super versatile when it comes to serving. Pile it high on wholegrain toast or crusty bread for a classic sandwich. For a low-carb twist, spoon it into lettuce wraps or cucumber boats. It’s also a hit on crackers, rice cakes, or even stuffed into halved avocados. Whatever the base, it delivers bold flavor and satisfying crunch.
How to Boil the Perfect Egg (With Timing Tips)
Boiling the perfect egg is essential for this recipe. Fortunatly its easy and it’s all about timing. Start with eggs in a pot of cold water. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. For hard-boiled eggs, set a timer for 10–12 minutes. Want a slightly softer yolk? Go for 9 minutes. After boiling, plunge the eggs into ice water for at least 5 minutes. This stops the cooking and makes peeling a breeze.
Best Tools to Use
You don’t need fancy gear, but a few tools make life easier. A large mixing bowl is a must for tossing everything evenly. An egg slicer helps get consistent egg pieces in seconds—perfect if you like clean, even texture. A good can opener (seriously underrated), a rubber spatula, and an airtight container for storage round out your basic toolkit.
How to Make Tuna and Egg Salad
Making this salad couldn’t not be easier. Start by boiling your eggs (around 10–12 minutes), then cool and peel them. Drain your canned tuna and flake it into a mixing bowl. Chop the eggs and toss them in. Add mayo, mustard and other ingredients, and mix it all gently. Season with salt, pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice. That is it! Simple, satisfying, and done in under 20 minutes.
Tuna Egg Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cans canned tuna, 5 oz / 142g each drained
- 4 hard-boiled eggs peeled and chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise add more to taste
- 2 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- 2 celery stalks finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- 2 dill pickles finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked then cooled bowtie pasta, about 9 oz / 200g Optional
Instructions
- Boil the Eggs: If your eggs aren’t cooked yet, follow the instructions above. Cool under cold water, peel, and chop.
- Prep the remaining Ingredients
- Drain the tuna and flake it into a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped eggs, diced celery, onion, and pickles.
- Mix the Dressing in a separate small bowl. Stir together the mayo, mustard, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine Everything. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture. Gently mix until everything is coated. If you’re adding pasta, fold it in now.
- Serve warm, room temperature or chill it for 30min. Its up to you!
There you have it, a tuna and eggs salad recipe that is anything but boring. So if you are keeping it classic or loading it with bold flavors, this dish is as flexible as it is filling. Plus it’s a great source of omega-3s and lean protein, making it a smart choice for health-conscious foodies.
So go ahead grab those cans of tuna, boil a few eggs, and make something that’s delicious, nutritious, and ready in no time. And hey, don’t forget to experiment with those unique additions. You just might stumble on your new favorite version.
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