There’s a reason this Black Folks Tuna Salad Recipe stays in rotation in my kitchen. It’s quick to pull together, packed with flavor, and works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for a potluck table.
What makes this the best tuna salad recipe? It’s all about balance—creamy mayo, tangy relish, and spices that give it that signature kick. I’ve been making this recipe tuna salad the same way for years, and every time I do, someone asks for the recipe.
If you’re learning how make tuna salad with boldness and heart, this is the place to start.
Black Folks Tuna Salad Recipe
Make this Black Folks Tuna Salad Recipe with tuna, eggs, mayo, and bold Southern seasonings for a quick, flavorful meal.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course, Salad
- Cuisine: Soul Food, American
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories Per Serving: 250
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouth-watering tuna salad:
- 2 cans of tuna in water, drained
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients
First things first, make sure your tuna is well-drained. Too much liquid can make the salad soggy. Chop your hard-boiled eggs, celery, and red onion.
Step 2: Mix The Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped eggs, celery, and red onion. Give it a good mix to break up the tuna chunks.
Step 3: Add The Creamy Components
Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard to the tuna mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Season To Perfection
Now, let’s bring in the flavors. Add the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the lemon juice for a hint of freshness. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 5: Taste And Adjust
Always taste your tuna salad before serving. This is the time to adjust the seasoning. Need a bit more salt? Go for it. Want more tang? Add a little more lemon juice or relish.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy
Transfer your Black Folks Tuna Salad to a serving bowl. You can garnish it with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve it chilled, and enjoy!
Tips For The Perfect Black Folks Tuna Salad
- Use High-Quality Tuna: The better the tuna, the better the salad. Opt for solid white albacore tuna if you can.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for at least an hour helps the flavors meld together.
- Eggs are Key: Don’t skip the hard-boiled eggs. They add a creamy texture and richness that’s essential to this recipe.
There you have it, folks! A simple yet delicious Black Folks Tuna Salad Recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
It’s a classic with a soul food twist, perfect for any occasion. I hope you get as much pleasure from cooking and eating this as I do.
Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any tweaks you make in the comments below. Happy cooking!

How To Make Black Folks Tuna Salad Recipe Like A Pro
Ingredients
- 2 cans of tuna in water drained
- 3 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients
- First things first, make sure your tuna is well-drained. Too much liquid can make the salad soggy. Chop your hard-boiled eggs, celery, and red onion.
Step 2: Mix The Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped eggs, celery, and red onion. Give it a good mix to break up the tuna chunks.
Step 3: Add The Creamy Components
- Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard to the tuna mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Season To Perfection
- Now, let’s bring in the flavors. Add the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the lemon juice for a hint of freshness. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 5: Taste And Adjust
- Always taste your tuna salad before serving. This is the time to adjust the seasoning. Need a bit more salt? Go for it. Want more tang? Add a little more lemon juice or relish.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy
- Transfer your Black Folks Tuna Salad to a serving bowl. You can garnish it with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Serve it chilled, and enjoy!
- Simple Matza Crack Recipe With Toffee & Chocolate - May 26, 2025
- Libby’s Pumpkin Pie Recipe With Sweetened Condensed Milk - May 10, 2025
- Creamy Scalloped Potatoes With Cheesy Layers - May 8, 2025