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March 4, 2023

Apple Tuna Salad Recipe

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.

Tuna salad with apples and avocado served with crackers

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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.

Tuna salad ingredients: remember the apples, almonds, and avocado

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.

Fresh tuna salad with apple recipe ingredients in a bowl before mixing

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

4.97 from 62 votes

Author: Natasha Kravchuk

Tuna Salad loaded, with flaky canned tuna, creamy avocado, crisp green apples, and crunchy almonds – the combination of flavors and textures makes this completely irresistible!

Save Pin Review Print

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 13

Ingredients

Servings: servings

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.

Nutrition Per Serving

209kcal Calories1g Carbs14g Protein16g Fat3g Saturated Fat34mg Cholesterol309mg Sodium147mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar54IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C17mg Calcium1mg Iron

Nutrition Facts

Apple Tuna Salad Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

209

% Daily Value*

Fat

Saturated Fat

Cholesterol

Sodium

309

Potassium

147

Carbohydrates

Fiber

Sugar

Protein

Vitamin A

Vitamin C

Calcium

Iron

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple tuna salad, tuna salad with apples

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $6-$8

Calories: 209

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.