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Tuna Salad Recipe with a Twist for a Delicious Meal

This Apple Tuna Salad is a fresh twist on a lunchtime classic—creamy, crunchy, and packed with protein. With sweet tart apple, creamy avocado, toasted almonds, and a lemon-kissed mayo dressing, this recipe is a flavor and texture explosion that’s perfect in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 20 oz canned tuna in water well-drained (four 5-oz cans)1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1⅓ cups)1 medium Granny Smith apple, seeded and diced1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced¾ cup real mayonnaise, or to taste½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or to taste½ cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts, toasted⅛ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Method
 

  1. Toast the sliced almonds (or walnuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  2. Drain the canned tuna thoroughly by pressing the lid to remove excess water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, diced onion, diced apple, diced avocado, toasted nuts, and mayonnaise.
  4. Stir in fresh lemon juice and black pepper. Mix well until creamy and evenly coated.
  5. Taste and adjust with additional mayo or lemon juice, if desired.
  6. Serve immediately in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or halved avocados—or simply enjoy on its own.

Notes

Use a tart apple like Granny Smith to balance the richness of the mayo and tuna.
Toast the nuts fresh for best flavor and crunch.
If prepping ahead, add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayo for a lighter option.