The BEST Keto Creamy Tuna Salad Recipe

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After hundreds of versions, I have finally created the BEST Keto Creamy Tuna salad recipe. Alight and fresh comfort food, made with a few simple ingredients along with one secret ingredient to take this classic keto tuna salad and make it over the top delicious!

a bowl filled with the BEST creamy keto tuna salad with parsley and fresh herbs scattered. A black spatula and tomato are beside the keto tuna salad bowl

Best Tuna Salad

This classic keto tuna salad with a twist is the perfect combination of creamy and crispy. Serve this in between two pieces of Keto Bread Recipe and add some cheese for a keto tuna melt!

You can also serve it with some Easy Plant-Based Keto Seed Crackers wrap it in lettuce, or stuff it in avocado halves for a healthy, throw-together quick keto lunch.

No matter how you mix it, making this keto tuna salad recipe at home is one of the easiest, most satisfying meals you can whip up from pantry ingredients

Why this Keto Tuna Salad Recipe Works

Highly rated - This recipe was adapted from America's Test Kitchen. It received a 4.9/5 star rating so you know it has to be good!
Easy - Although this recipe has 10 ingredients (not including salt and pepper!), you probably already have them all in your pantry and fridge! Plus, all you need is a mixing bowl and spoon to make this quick keto recipe!
Creamy - By adding just 2 tablespoons of roasted garlic hummus, this classic keto tuna salad turns into a delicious keto creamy tuna salad that definitely deserves "The BEST" in front of its title!
Healthy - This recipe contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids, can be made dairy free (just use dairy-free mayo), and is high in protein for a very satisfying meal!

Keto Creamy Tuna Salad Ingredients

All you need for this recipe are a few essential ingredients.

Tuna - I prefer tuna packed in water with a dolphin-safe label. I usually buy cans, but you can use packets instead. Or, substitute oil-packed tuna (feel free to decrease the amount of mayonnaise if you do). The 2 best brands on the market are American Tuna (more expensive) and Starkist Solid Albacore Tuna
Mayo - This is part of your creamy binder. You can use store-bought or use homemade mayonnaise (which is easy to make and REALLY makes a big difference so PLEASE try making your own mayo!) This recipe is heavy on the mayonnaise. Start with ¼ cup if you prefer and add more to taste.
Hummus - This is the secret ingredient to the creamiest and most delicious tuna salad. Adding just 2 tablespoons of roasted garlic hummus (my favourite brand is Sabra) takes this classic keto tuna salad and turns it into the best tuna salad EVER!
Celery - Celery adds a nice crunchy texture to this quick keto recipe
Red Onion - I like to finely chop my Sugar-Free Pickled Red Onions but feel to use raw red onion instead.
Parsley - A few tablespoons of fresh herbs really make this tuna salad recipe the best.
Dijon Mustard- This helps to balance out all the flavours
Salt and Pepper

Keto Tuna Salad Recipe Instructions

Grab a bowl and a spoon and let's get this recipe started!

top view of a white bowl filled with canned tuna, celery, hummus, mustard, mayo, chopped celery, spices and pickled red onions next to a black spatula and some scattered herbs

In a medium bowl, add tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, relish, lemon juice, garlic hummus, and garlic.

top view of a white bowl filled with classic tuna salad recipe and tomatoes and a spatual to the side

Stir to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper (I like ½ teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper).

top view of a bowl of a quick tuna salad recipe with tomatoes and parsley scattered

Hint: I like to make the tuna salad and let it sit in the fridge for about 1 hour before serving to allow for the flavours to blend.

Classic Tuna Salad Variations

Not a fan of mayonnaise or want a bolder flavour? Here are a few suggestions to switch this recipe up to suit your tastes or diet!

Replace the mayonnaise with dairy-free mayo or even some plain Greek Yogurt
Use mashed-up avocado either instead of the mayo or to reduce the amount of mayo and to add some fiber to this recipe
Add chopped broccoli or turn it into a broccoli tuna salad.
Make it extra crunchy by tossing in diced-up cucumbers or shredded cabbage.
Spice it up with some curry powder, other spice mixes, or chopped herbs.
Hollow out juicy tomatoes and fill each cavity with tuna salad for an old-fashioned, and super-delicious, lunch entrée.
Swap out any leftover Ahi Tuna for an ahi tuna salad recipe!

front view of quick keto tuna salad recipe in a bowl with tomatoes in the background

How much tuna salad does this make?

This recipe makes about 3 cups of tuna salad, enough for 6 sandwiches (½ cup per serving)

How long can I store tuna salad?

Tuna salad tastes the best when it’s eaten after about 30 minutes of making. This helps to allow all the flavours to blend. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Is hummus keto-friendly?

Although hummus is not the lowest carb option, adding some hummus to a dish is not a deal breaker. The Sabra hummus I used contains only 4 grams of carbs per serving and adds 5 grams of fat. For this tuna salad recipe, that means it only adds 1 gram of carbs total per serving. Well worth it if you ask me!

What are the best brands of canned tuna?

The best brands of canned tuna are American Tuna and Starkist Solid Albacore Tuna. The first is more expensive and harder to find but you can find Starkist Solid Albacore at almost all grocery stores.

What's the easiest way to drain tuna?

After cutting the lid with a can opener, press the lid against the tuna and tilt the can to drain all the liquid out over a sink.

Can I freeze tuna salad?

YES! Place the salad in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Just note that after you’ve thawed it in the fridge, drain out the excess liquid once more. Then, give it a good mix before eating.