This isn’t the tuna salad from the deli case. A quick homemade mayo, crunchy celery and a hit of pickle relish make it tangy, fresh, and ready in about 12 minutes. Pile it on toasted sourdough or wrap it in lettuce.
Why this works
- Homemade mayo (egg, Dijon, lemon and oil, made with a hand blender) is fresher and brighter than jarred.
- Relish, celery salt and lemon pepper give it tang and depth.
- Celery adds crunch in every bite.
My tips
- Use a tall, narrow container for the mayo and lift the blender slowly; it comes together in about 30 seconds.
- Drain the tuna well so the salad isn’t watery.
- Start with ¼ cup relish and add more to taste.
Want 5 restaurant-quality dinners?
Get my free guide, Restaurant Quality at Home: 5 signature dinners, each with one chef’s move.
The story behind it
There’s something about tuna salad that hits all the right notes—it’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and full of satisfying flavors. My wife and I love a good tuna salad, and while there are many variations out there, adding pickle relish has become our go to. The tangy sweetness of the relish gives the dish a delightful pop, contrasting beautifully with the creamy homemade mayonnaise that I use for an added layer of flavor. My Pickle Relish Tuna Salad is a a flavorful dish on a classic.
Jump to RecipeSpeaking of mayonnaise, making it from scratch may seem like an extra step, but it’s worth every moment. The freshness and richness of homemade mayo elevate the entire dish, giving it a gourmet feel. You can also add subtle flavors adding more to the dish. My mayo has dijon mustard and lemon juice which both complement the tuna very well.
Why Tuna is a Healthy Choice
Tuna isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients. Rich in high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and an array of vitamins and minerals like B12 and selenium. Tuna is a great way to get lots of good things into your body while enjoying the sandwich. It’s also low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option for meals. Using Whole Planet’s wild-caught tuna ensures that you’re starting with a premium product that’s responsibly sourced and full of clean, natural flavor.
The Origin of Tuna Salad
Tuna salad has been a staple in American kitchens since early in 20th century. It likely gained popularity as canned tuna became widely available around the 1920s, offering a convenient and affordable meal. By combining tuna with mayonnaise and other pantry staples, home cooks created a dish that was both easy to make and tasty. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients—from crunchy celery to flavorful spices and, of course, tangy pickle relish.
Sharing with you a few other tuna salad dishes from my blog that highlights the flexibility of tuna.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This pickle relish tuna salad is a testament to how small additions can transform a classic dish. Whether you’re enjoying it in a sandwich, on crackers, or as a protein-packed topping for a fresh green salad, it’s sure to be a hit. And with the combination of homemade mayo and Whole Planet’s tuna, every bite is a celebration of high-quality, wholesome ingredients.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy tuna salad? Share your twist in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own!
The cast of characters.
The Pickle Relish Tuna Salad plated.
Make ahead & storage
- Keeps 1–2 days in the fridge.
- Because the homemade mayo uses a raw egg, a pasteurized egg is the safer choice, especially for kids, pregnant guests or older family members.
Variations
- Use jarred mayo to make it in 5 minutes.
- Add chopped hard-boiled egg or red onion.
- Serve on sourdough, in a wrap, or in lettuce cups.
Questions people ask
Sweet or dill relish?
I use sweet relish; dill makes it more savory.
Can I make it without homemade mayo?
Yes. Use ¼–½ cup of your favorite jarred mayo.
You might also like: DIY Spicy Banana Peppers · Peruvian Tuna Ceviche Is A Flavorful Fusion of Cultures · Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sourdough Sandwich
Made this? Leave a star rating in the recipe card below and tell me how it turned out in the comments. I read every one.
The Recipe
Pickle Relish Tuna Salad is a flavorful dish on a classic
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
- 1 Whole Egg, pasteurized recommended
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp White vinegar
- 1 Cup Olive oil or vegetable oil
Tuna Salad
- 2 Cans Tuna, drained
- 2 Stalks Celery, small dice
- 1/4 – 1/2 Cup Sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 – 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 – 3 Tsp Celery Salt
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Pepper
- 1 Leaf Romaine lettuce
- 2 Slices Sourdough bread, lightly toasted
Instructions
Mayonnaise
- Add all the ingredients to a container begging with the egg. Take a handheld mixer and begin by blending the egg at the bottom of the container. Slowly begin lifting the mixer up pulling in the oil. Mix until the mayonnaise has your desired thickness.
Pickle Relish Tuna Salad
- Begin by adding the celery spices and mayonnaise to a bowl. Next add in the tuna breaking apart the tuna and mixing well. Finish by adding in the relish. Check for taste and to see if you want more pickle relish.
comments – I answer every one.