This Tuna Salad with Apples is a winner and it doesn’t get any easier! It is loaded, with flaky tuna, creamy avocado, crisp green apples, and crunchy almonds – the combination of flavors and textures makes this Apple Tuna Salad completely irresistible!
We love creamy and comforting salads from Macaroni Salad to Egg Salad and this Apple Tuna Salad is definitely at the top of our list.
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The Best Tuna Salad with Apples
This is hands down the best tuna salad recipe I’ve tried and the flavors are exciting! My sister Anna was the genius behind this recipe and called me to share. I rushed to her house for a taste…and that taste turned into an entire bowl. This salad is fresh, loaded, and delicious; in an “I can’t stop eating it” kind of way.
The surprising addition of green apple and avocado creates a nice contrast between the crisp tartness and delicious creaminess. It also gives this tuna salad a southern spin. There’s some serious chemistry going on in this salad! If you love tuna recipes, check out our Avocado Tuna Salad.
Ingredients for Apple Tuna Salad
This tuna salad recipe is the elevated version of classic tuna salad with the addition of apple, avocado, and toasted almonds. This may just become your go-to tuna recipe. You will need:
- Canned Tuna – the main ingredient is a pantry staple. We used tuna in water but canned tuna in oil will work, just be sure it is well-drained.
- Green Apple – diced green apples add a crisp bite to this and make the salad taste so fresh. If you don’t have apples, you can substitute celery for a more traditional tuna salad.
- Avocados – add creaminess and flavor so you can get away with using less mayonnaise.
- Toasted Almonds – add nice texture and crunch. You can easily omit almonds if you don’t have them on hand.
- Lemon Juice – use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and avoid concentrate. If you don’t have lemons on hand, try substituting with ½ Tbsp dijon mustard.
How to Make Tuna Salad with Apples
- Toast your almonds in a dry skillet until golden brown. Remove them and let them cool slightly.
- Drain the tuna. I open the lid and then press it down firmly over the tuna to drain off as much water as my gigantic muscles (not) can squeeze out. If your tuna is too wet, your salad will be wet = no.
- Combine everything in a large mixing bowl and add a pinch of black pepper and lemon juice to taste.
Make-Ahead
When stored properly, tuna salads can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since we are working with fish and mayonnaise, keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve.
To Serve
This salad is a versatile dish that can be served in countless ways! Some of my favorites ways to serve this recipe include:
- Tuna sandwiches with soft bread or toasted bread
- Tuna salad wraps in a homemade tortilla or pita wrap
- Lettuce Wrap – For low-carb options, consider serving inside a lettuce wrap or in a halved avocado
- As a dip with crackers or tortilla chips
If you’re looking to change up your Tuna Salad routine, this Apple Tuna Salad is a must-try. It will make your lunches exciting!
Apple Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 oz tuna in water, (four, 5-oz cans), well drained.
- 1 medium onion, 1 1/3 cup finely diced
- 1 medium granny smith apple, seeded and diced
- 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup real mayonnaise, or added to taste
- 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice, or to taste
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts, toasted
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Toast nuts on a dry skillet until golden. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- To drain tuna, I open the lid then press it down firmly over the tuna to drain off as much water as I can squeeze out. If your tuna is too wet, your salad will be wet.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and add a pinch of black pepper and 1/2 tsp lemon juice, or to taste. Add mayo to taste.
Nutrition Per Serving
More Easy Salad Recipes
- Broccoli Salad – classic and so creamy
- Chickpea Salad – easy and comes together fast
- Chopped Greek Salad with Lettuce and Avocado
- Chicken Salad – a meal in itself & so satisfying
- Caesar Salad– with homemade croutons and caesar dressing
- Chicken Avocado Salad – our #1 salad recipe