This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure form more information.

Mom’s Tuna Salad Recipe with egg, mayo and celery is simple and delicious. This old fashioned tuna fish salad is perfect in a sandwich, lettuce wraps or with crackers.

bowl of tuna salad with egg and celery on the table.

Classic Tuna Salad with Eggs

My family has always made tuna salad with hard-boiled eggs added. I used to think everyone made it this way! Eggs add protein, flavor and creaminess to the basic salad, so you don’t really need a lot of other ingredients.

Growing up, tuna was a staple for lunch and dinner, especially on Fridays and during Lent. We had cold tuna fish salad sandwiches or salad over crackers in the summer and tuna casserole or fried tuna patties in the winter. My aunt liked to serve tomatoes stuffed with tuna salad for a light lunch!

This is such an easy recipe for tuna salad that you can make in minutes, especially if you usually keep a few hard boiled eggs on hand. You can definitely jazz up the flavor by adding more spices, red onion, dill pickle or relish or a squirt of Dijon mustard or hot sauce. But even my picky kids like this old fashioned tuna salad just as it is!

canned tuna, hard boiled eggs, chopped celery, mayo, salt and pepper.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients for this tuna egg salad recipe. Full amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

  • Canned tuna — I like albacore tuna for salad, but you can use any type of tuna here. You can also use tuna in pouches.
  • Eggs — I always make hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot, but any method works.
  • Celery — diced celery adds the perfect amount of crunch.
  • Mayonnaise — for the creamy dressing
  • Sea Salt and black pepper — to taste. Depending upon what type of tuna you use, you may not need to add salt.

How to Make Tuna Salad with Egg

First, drain and rinse the tuna in a colander. You can skip this step if you are using tuna that is not packed in liquid. Then, use a fork to break the tuna into smaller pieces if necessary,

fork in flaked tuna.

Peel the eggs and chop them into small pieces. Then, add all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl, and mix until well combined. You can add more mayonnaise if you prefer an even creamier salad.

mix tuna salad ingredients in large mixing bowl.

Storage

Store tuna salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. My husband uses the leftover salad to make a tuna melt with cheese! Be sure to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving. This salad does not freeze well.

tuna salad sandwich on sourdough with lettuce and tomato.

Recipe Tip

Add more mayo for an even creamier salad. For a lighter, healthier tuna salad, sub greek yogurt for the mayo.

More Easy Salads

Be sure to try my easy chicken salad or this flavorful ranch chicken salad or classic egg salad next. And check out more easy salad recipes your family will love!

5 from 1 vote

Tuna Salad Recipe with Egg

By: Dee
Mom's Tuna Salad Recipe with egg, mayo and celery is simple and delicious. This old fashioned tuna fish salad is perfect in a sandwich, lettuce wraps or with crackers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients  

  • 14 ounces canned tuna 2 cans
  • 2 hard boiled eggs peeled and chopped
  • 1 medium celery rib finely diced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • pinch sea salt
  • pinch black pepper
Save this recipe!
Enter your email and get this recipe sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Instructions 

  • Drain and rinse tuna in a colander
  • Flake into smaller pieces, if needed
  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl, and mix well
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve

Notes

Refrigerate within 2 hours of serving, and keep in airtight container in fridge for 3-4 days.
If you are using tuna from a pouch or that is not packed in oil or water, you do not need to drain and rinse it.
You can add more mayo for a creamier salad if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.4g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 285mg, Potassium: 143mg, Fiber: 0.01g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 139IU, Vitamin C: 0.02mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Like this? Leave a comment below!

For more easy recipes, sign up for the weekly newsletter and follow me on social media.

ebook cover.
Download my free eBook!
Fill out the download form to get this collection of easy dessert dips. You'll also receive free recipes each week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

You May Also Like

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. Debbie says:

    Easiest recipe for a good hearty sandwich! Love the egg added to it!5 stars

    1. Dee says:

      Thanks, Debbie. I’m so glad you enjoyed the salad!