If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying, and nutritious meal, the classic Tuna Salad Sandwich is always a great choice. With a combination of tuna, creamy cottage cheese, and mayonnaise, this tuna salad is packed with flavor and balanced by crunchy vegetables like celery and red onion. It’s perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or even a quick dinner. This recipe is not only easy to make but also provides a healthy dose of protein and omega-3s.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can make this sandwich in under 10 minutes.
- Nutritious: Tuna is rich in protein and healthy fats, making this sandwich both filling and good for you.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding or omitting anything to make the perfect tuna salad.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Tuna Salad Sandwich is for anyone who loves a classic, flavorful sandwich that’s quick to prepare. Whether you need a fast lunch, a snack, or something you can make ahead for work or school, this recipe is versatile and easily customizable to fit your tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 (5 or 6 oz) can tuna fish, drained
- ⅓ cup cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
- A pinch or two of dill
- 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Dijon or stone-ground mustard
- 2 slices of toasted bread
- Tomato and lettuce (optional)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Toaster
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by finely chopping ¼ cup of red onion, 1 celery stalk, and 2 tbsp of fresh parsley. Set them aside.
2. Mix the Tuna Salad
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 can of tuna, ⅓ cup of cottage cheese, 2 tbsp of mayonnaise, chopped red onion, chopped celery, 1 tbsp of capers, 1 tbsp of lemon or lime juice, a pinch or two of dill, 2 tbsp of minced fresh parsley, and 1 tsp of Dijon mustard.
Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more lemon juice or mustard if needed.
3. Assemble the Sandwich
Toast 2 slices of bread to your desired crispness. Spread the tuna salad mixture evenly on one slice of bread. If you like, add slices of tomato and some fresh lettuce for extra crunch and flavor. Top with the second slice of bread.
4. Serve
Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. You can also enjoy the tuna salad on its own, with crackers, or in a wrap.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Tuna: If you prefer, you can substitute canned tuna with freshly cooked and flaked tuna for a more flavorful result.
- Lighten It Up: For a healthier version, swap the mayonnaise with extra cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content.
- Make It Fancy: Add a sprinkle of paprika, some chopped pickles, or even a dash of hot sauce to give your tuna salad an extra kick.
