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!
More Easy Salad Recipes
- Broccoli Salad – classic and so creamy
- Chickpea Salad – easy and comes together fast
- Greek Salad – Mediterranean-inspired flavors
- Chicken Salad – a meal in itself & so satisfying
- Caesar Salad– with homemade croutons and caesar dressing
- Chicken Avocado Salad – our #1 salad recipe
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 mayo, 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.
Natasha I bought your book when it came out but all this popping ads is so annoying. It makes my recipe move and I have to re-look it up. The chicken salad is great but I do not like the lemon in it. Is it necessary?
Hi Sherri, The lemon juice does help to keep the avocado and salad fresh.
Thank you for sharing your concerns and feedback. The only way we can continue providing free recipes is by having ads on our site, so we are not able to remove those at this time. We find that most people would rather see the ads than pay to see the recipes. But we will definitely take note of your feedback and use it to improve our website.
I appreciate your feedback, and I hope you love every recipe you try.
Yum ! Loved the crunch of apples for a change
Made sandwiches for a picnic lunch on a hike.
That’s nice! Great to hear that you enjoyed it!
This tuna salad was amazing. I usually make the usual boring tuna salad with Mayo and onions. When I saw this I had to try it, and now this is my go to Tuna salad for now on. Had it in a wrap with Arugula. Love the crunch of the apple and walnuts. Delicious!
I made this for my party and it was such a HIT!! My MIL even asked for some to take home🤭🥰 I’m so happy Tysm!
You’re so welcome, Linda! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Natasha – I absolutely ❤️ Your recipes. This tuna salad is off the chain. Where can I purchase the type of crackers used to enjoy and eat this salad. AppreciIated!
Hi Uzo! Thank you, so glad you enjoy my recipe. This can be served with any cracker, or you can use a fancy cheese cracker. I believe this one was a multi-grain cracker.
I am going to definitely try this recipe my husband and I love tuna salad..this has a little different twist than mine.
Would like to add when my cat BJ hears the electric can opener she comes running because I give her the little dish of water I drain out of the tuna, she loves it!.
Sounds like a plan, please update us on how you liked the recipe! That is adorbs, I can imagine how cute your cat is!
I wonder about the avocado. I made an egg salad for my daughter and the avocado turned brown by the next day! Is there anything to do to help prevent this? FYI, I’m about to make your Egg Salad with the Best Dressing, yummy! I love your recipes, and your enthusiasm.
Glad you liked it! The lemon juice does help to keep the avocado and salad fresh. We’ve always finished it up by day 2 but it does keep overnight in the fridge.
If you’ll press a sheet of clear plastic wrap down directly on top of the salad in the bowl it shuts off the air and keeps the avocado from browning.
I also add shredded carrots. It adds a hint of sweetness to tuna salad. Very delicious. You should try it.
Yum! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Hi Natasha,
I very much love your recipes accept I am allergic to onions.. It seems every recipe has some in it, what can I use instead??
Hi Peggy, are you allergic to all onions? Maybe try a red or green onion if not. Otherwise, you can try celery.
I believe that shallots are a different family and may be worth trying. Check with your allergist or a registered dietitian.
Peggy, me too! I’m not allergic to onion but it bothers my stomach so I get it…..It’s too bad because I love onion, cucumber, and relish in my tuna salad too but all of these things dont agree with my stomach….
Tuna is kinda expensive where I live and sometimes fresh tuna is hard to access as I live in a mountainous region. Would canned tuna work as well for this salad?
Hi Diane, that’s exactly what we used here. 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.
I like tuna but, sometimes it just taste too fishy. I like apples & avocado. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
I hope you’ll love this recipe!
Bonnie, Canned solid white albacore tuna is not fishy. Don’t use chunk light tuna; it’s nasty fishy-tasting.
Hi Natasha,
How long does this salad keep in the refrigerator? I’m guessing not too long since it has apples in it.
Thanks for all your great recipes! ❤️
Hi Darlene, I love it most the day it is made because the apples are freshest on day 1, but it will still be good on day 2 with refrigeration.
Hello Natasha from Germany! I like your recipes most the salad ones. I add some corn into this salad and it was also very delicious.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
A nice variation. Fresh & delicious. I’ve made so many of your wonderful recipes. Thank you for the cooking tips & inspiration!
You’re welcome Anna Marie! I’m so happy you’re enjoying my recipes!
I’m constantly going to your page for inspiration and great tips! Thanks for making what I do better!
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles
Natasha, I just wanted to let you know I just found some of your recipes, Everyone that I have fixed has been the Best! I like the thoroughness of how to prepare, Makes cooking more enjoyable to read, see, and then taste the final product! I am 72 and I love to cook, but I have been excited with the ease in preparing. Keep up the good work, you and your husband have done a fantastic job!! Look forward to more great food!!!
Thank you for that wonderful compliment. I’m so inspired reading this!
Just made this and it came out great! I used red onions I added the avocado in chunks after mixing, and also put in dried cranberries. Delish!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!