Making Tuna Salad with Apples is a great way to change up a classic recipe. Loaded with crisp and sweet apples, celery, crunchy pecans, and of course… tuna! Ready in 10 minutes, this tuna apple salad is perfect for a light lunch.
Tuna Salad with Apples
If you’re tired of traditional tuna salad, this recipe is a nice change. It’s filled with sweet fruit, celery, pecans, and a few other simple ingredients. I love the contrast of the crunchy apples, creamy mayonnaise, and tender tuna together. It’s a tasty mashup of flavors and textures!
I like to make a large batch to have a quick and easy lunch on hand. But in all honesty, my kids end up eating it all before I can use it for our weekly lunches, lol!
Even so, it’s always nice having tuna and chopped apple for a sandwich in the fridge — it’s such an easy option that I know will fill me up. Whether you have a house full of hungry kids or not, once you make it, I know you’re going to start to rely on this recipe too!
Why You’ll Love Tuna and Apple Salad
- Tuna is inexpensive and easy to keep on hand
- It’s perfect for quick lunches
- Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Add it to sandwiches, wraps, or even on top of salads
- Would also be great for luncheons, showers, or other parties
Key Ingredients to Make Tuna and Chopped Apple for a Sandwich
- TUNA – Make sure to use tuna packed in water for this recipe. Any brand you like will do.
- APPLE – You can choose any apple you like to snack on! I like McIntosh, Granny Smith, or Red Delicious best, but opt for your favorite.
- MAYO – Homemade or store-bought is fine. Full-fat, reduced-fat, or low-fat would all work!
- CELERY – For even more added crunch. Its mild flavor also works well with the other ingredients.
- PECANS – Chopped pecans bring even more texture to the mix, and also add protein and flavor. If you don’t like pecans, you could try walnuts or pistachios instead. And if allergies are a concern, you can totally omit the nuts altogether.
- ONION – Adds a slight bite that cuts through the creamy mayo and sweet apples.
Instructions to Make Tuna Apple Salad
RECIPE PREP: Start by draining your tuna well — this is important because if it isn’t drained, your apple tuna salad will come out watery. Chop the apples, celery, onion, and pecans too.
MIX TO COMBINE: Place the tuna, chopped apple, celery, pecans, onion, and mayo in a large bowl. Gently stir together until combined.
SERVE OR STORE: If you plan to use your tuna and chopped apple for a sandwich, assemble it now with the ingredients indicated below. Otherwise, place the tuna and apple salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Enjoy!
Ways to Serve Apple Tuna Salad
- On toasted bread
- Croissant
- A bed of lettuce
- Bagels
- Pita pocket
- Stuffed in a tomato
- Stuffed in an avocado
FAQ
I find that canned tuna mixes really well with apples! The sweet and savory flavors complement each other well, and I love the added crunch from the chopped fruit. Celery, pecans, and onions also add more texture and flavor, and the creamy mayonnaise pulls it all together.
I know some folks can’t stand mayo — couldn’t be me, I love the stuff! — so if you need a substitution, plain yogurt or Greek yogurt is your best bet! If I had to choose, I’d go with Greek. It’s thick and creamy and also boasts a nice tang.
It’s all about preference. I didn’t want all of that excess oil mixed into this salad, which is why I used tuna in water. Other recipes swear by ones with oil for their added richness. Go for whichever one makes the most sense for you!
Tuna Salad with Apples Pro Tips
- Chop the ingredients evenly. This will help create an even texture and ensure that you get a little bit of something in every bite!
- Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust. After you’ve mixed everything together, taste your tuna salad with apples. You may need to add more mayo, or some salt and pepper. Play around with it until you get the flavor you’re looking for.
- Serve immediately or store for up to 3 days. If storing, be sure to add a layer of plastic wrap directly to the surface of your tuna salad to keep it from drying out.
- Use the tuna and chopped apple for a sandwich… or something else! There are so many ways to enjoy this salad. Remember to refer to the serving suggestions section above if you’re stuck on ideas.
More Salad Recipes To Try
Thanks so much for reading! Let me know what you think about this tuna and apple salad!
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Tuna Salad with Apples
Ingredients
- 1 (5oz)(142g) tuna packed in water, drained well
- ½ cup (65g) chopped apple (about 1/2 an apple)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (full fat, reduced fat or fat free)
- ¼ cup (30g) chopped celery
- ¼ cup (25g) chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Stir well to combine. Divide equally to make 2 sandwiches. Tuna salad can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Yum Yum Yum, is it wrong to eat the whole thing yourself?
I don’t think so!
Highly recommend this one…and it’s different!
LOL, I don’t think so!! Thanks for you comment!!
Love this in pita pockets. Makes a great lunch.
Yes it does!! Thanks Grandma!
I recently went to a baby shower and this was on the buffet table – I was skeptic before trying but so glad I did – I like it so much I googled the recipe and have now made your version for a picnic we are going on – thanks for sharing 🙂
WOW!! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!! I really appreciate it!
Great Recipes
Thank you very much!
I was looking for something light for lunch and came across this. I couldn’t resist! It was so delicious!
Thank you very much!
Yummy on a croissant or in a pita! Love to batch prep this for lunches.
Thank you!
My kids LOVED this recipe and so did I. It was quick and easy and perfect blend of flavors. Thanks!
Looks so delicious – I can’t wait to try this recipe next time we have company! Thanks for the recipe.
Thank you very much!
Made this last night for dinner with honey crisp apples and it was absolutely DELICIOUS! I added a little more red onions and pecans than the recipe called for. Will definitely be making this again!
Thank you very much!! I am so glad you liked it!!
I like apple in chicken salad. Will have to try it in tuna salad. Sounds good.
Thanks Grandma I know you will like it. 🙂
No Cooking!? Sign me UP! Every.Single.Day. Seriously. These are marvelous!
Right?! The story of my life right now!! Thanks, Julie!!
My crave-o-meter is tingling. I love the idea of crunchy apple with savory tuna!
Thank you so much, I really like it too! 🙂