Tuna Dip Recipe (Quick And Easy) (2024)

Home Appetizers Tuna Dip Recipe (Quick And Easy)

By Heather

5 from 2 votes

Apr 15, 2022

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This easy tuna dip recipe can be put together in minutes. A great appetizer made with tuna and a few other simple ingredients.

Tuna Dip Recipe (Quick And Easy) (2)

Have some canned tuna in the pantry? Give this simple tuna dip recipe a try. It’s the perfect appetizer or even light lunch to make when you are short on time.

Need some more easy dip ideas? Be sure to try this crack dip, olive dip, and Knorr spinach dip.

Why this recipe works

  • This dip can be made in less than 10 minutes.
  • A wonderful way to use canned tuna.
  • Great for a fast party appetizer that your guests are sure to enjoy.

Ingredients needed

Tuna – You can use your favorite canned tuna. I used the chunk light tuna that is packaged in a pouch.

Cream Cheese – Use full fat or low fat. Make sure it’s softened so it’s easier to mix. I like to leave it out on the counter 30 minutes before making.

Mayonnaise – This adds a little extra creaminess. It can be substituted with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Green Onions – I love green onions for a pop of color but they can be substituted with diced sweet onion or red onion.

Lemon Juice – This adds a fresh, bright flavor to the dip.

Seasonings – Garlic powder, Old Bay Seasoning, Salt, and Ground Black Pepper

How to make tuna dip

Step one: Place cream cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl. Mix until creamy. Stir in tuna, diced green onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Tuna Dip Recipe (Quick And Easy) (4)

Step two: Completely stir to combine. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

What to serve with tuna dip

This dip can be served in several ways. Here are a few suggestions:

Dip: The classic way is to serve this as a dip with things like your favorite crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, potato chips, pita chips, and more.

Bread: This tuna mixture is great served on toasted bread as a sandwich, on a croissant, toasted or bagel.

Salad: Add a scoop of tuna dip on top of a bed of lettuce for a protein packed salad.

Tuna Dip Recipe (Quick And Easy) (6)

Recipe tips

  • Since this is such a simple recipe with few ingredients, make sure to use quality tuna.
  • To make this a spicy tuna dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or 1-2 drops of hot sauce into the mixture.
  • If you don’t like Old Bay seasoning, try substituting with Cajun seasoning.
  • Garnish the dip with some chopped green onions or fresh chopped parsley to the top of the dip for added color.
  • I think this dip is best chilled but it can be eaten immediately after making.

How to store

Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving.

This dip does not freeze well. The cream cheese and mayonnaise looses it’s creamy texture when it thaws.

More dip recipes

  • Bread dipping oil – A copycat Italian restaurant appetizer.
  • Sausage beer cheese dip – Hot, cheesy dip filled with sausage.
  • Cranberry jalapeno dip – One of our favorite holiday appetizers.
  • Cucumber avocado dip – Fresh, creamy and crunchy dip.
  • Chipped beef dip – A classic cream cheese dip filled with chipped beef.

If you made this dip recipe, please be sure to let me know in the comments and leave a star rating.

Tuna Dip Recipe (Quick And Easy) (7)

5 from 2 votes

Tuna Dip

By Heather

Easy, cream tuna dip appetizer.

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Chill time: 30 minutes mins

Total: 32 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

  • 6-7 ounces tuna
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 salt
  • 1/4 ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Place softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until creamy.

  • Add tuna, green onions, lemon juice, Old Bay Seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in the bowl. Stir together until combined.

  • Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 97mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 327IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

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Tuna Dip Recipe (Quick And Easy) (8)

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Tuna Dip Recipe (Quick And Easy) (2024)

FAQs

What is tuna dip made of? ›

It is usually made with oil-packed tuna and either mayonnaise, butter, or soft kind of soft, spreadable cheese. You blend it in a food processor with some capers, lemon juice and anchovies, although I think you could easily do without them. So easy! We would serve this dip with crostini (i.e. toast.)

What can I mix with tuna to make it taste better? ›

If you're not interested in a formal recipe, you can bring a can of tuna to life using this simple formula: Simply swap your regular mayo for a combo of mustard and Greek yogurt and use a fork to mix it with your tuna. Next, throw in any salty (capers or chopped pickles, anyone?) or sweet (grapes, perhaps?)

What sauce for canned tuna? ›

Mayo, dijon mustard, fresh lemon or lime juice, hot sauce, tuna is truly so versatile. How to make cheap tuna taste good? There are so many things you can do with a can of tuna. Make a tuna dip, tuna salad, cook tuna into a casserole, or mix it with things like fresh herbs to boost the flavor.

How to make canned tuna good? ›

My general go to tuna combos are:
  1. tuna and mayo with or without pickles or celery.
  2. tuna and mayo with curry powder and chopped celery and dried or fresh fruit.
  3. tuna and broccoli dressed in mayo or olive oil and garlic.
  4. tuna and white beans and celery and /or parsley dressed in olive oil and vinegar.
Jun 26, 2018

Why do you put vinegar in tuna? ›

Experienced chefs will add some vinegar when cooking tuna. The vinegar can make the protein in the fish react to produce amino acids, which can be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body. In addition, adding vinegar when cooking tuna can remove the fishy smell and make the tuna more delicious.

Why do people put mayo in tuna? ›

According to The Kitchn, one of the main reasons to use mayo is that it can prevent fish (like tuna) from sticking to the grill, which as anyone who has ever grilled fish knows is one of the main risks with grilling fish. You need some kind of fat to coat the fish when grilling, and many people use oil.

What can I mix with canned tuna? ›

Dress up your canned tuna in these healthy recipes.
  • 01 of 05. Tuna Cakes: Add Eggs, Herbs & Breadcrumbs. ...
  • 02 of 05. One-Pot Pasta: Add Pasta, Olives & Lemon. ...
  • 03 of 05. Tuna Melt: Add Greek Yogurt, Veggies, Cheese & Bread. ...
  • 04 of 05. Niçoise Salad: Add Potatoes, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Green Beans & Dressing. ...
  • 05 of 05.
Aug 19, 2022

What do you put on canned tuna? ›

  1. What do you mix into your canned tuna/tuna salad?
  2. Mayo, garlic salt, pepper.
  3. all these others are optional.
  4. hot sauce.
  5. chopped onion ( I prefer the purple ones )
  6. small bits of celery.
  7. shredded carrot ( not very flavor able, bit astatically pleasing, and fiber )
  8. chop up a dill pickle ( small bits )
Aug 21, 2022

What can I use instead of mayo with tuna? ›

When you're ready to elevate your next lunch or dinner, here are 12 delicious substitutes for mayo in your tuna salad.
  1. Greek yogurt. Maslova Valentina/Shutterstock. ...
  2. Avocado. Irina Rostokina/Shutterstock. ...
  3. Hummus. Tempura/Getty Images. ...
  4. Olive oil. Maryia_K/Shutterstock. ...
  5. Dijon mustard. ...
  6. Ranch dressing. ...
  7. Sour cream. ...
  8. Cottage cheese.
Jan 24, 2024

Is mayo and tuna a good combo? ›

This homey dish takes comforting canned tuna to richer, silkier heights. Mayonnaise helps to hold the tuna together and toasted sesame oil lends incomparable nuttiness. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste: Use as much or as little soy sauce as you'd like for a savory accent.

Should I rinse canned tuna before using? ›

The American Heart Association says it's best to limit our sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams per day. The experts at Rutgers University suggest rinsing canned products, including tuna, beans, and veggies.

What is the healthiest way to eat canned tuna? ›

13 Healthy Recipes with Canned Tuna
  1. Open Faced Tuna Sandwich with Avocado. As you'll see on this list, my favorite way to make tuna salad sandwiches is open-faced. ...
  2. Canned Tuna Ceviche. ...
  3. Tuna Croquettes. ...
  4. Tuna Pasta Salad. ...
  5. Tuna Egg Salad. ...
  6. Tuna Noodle Casserole. ...
  7. Open-Faced Tuna Melt Sandwich. ...
  8. Tuna Salad Wraps.
Jun 9, 2023

Can you eat tuna straight from the can? ›

This means that they are always fully cooked in the sealed can and may be eaten straight from the can without the need for additional cooking. However, you can warm them up if that is how you like to eat them.

What is actually in canned tuna? ›

A: Tunas belong to the fish species “Thunnus.” There are many species of tuna, but only three that are commonly found in cans or pouches: skipjack, yellowfin and albacore. Skipjack and yellowfin are considered “light meat” tunas and albacore is “white meat” tuna.

What is actually tuna in a can? ›

More specifically, there are three species that are most often found in cans: skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin, also known as ahi (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye (Thunnus obesus).

What is fish dip made of? ›

Whisk together mayonnaise, cream cheese spread, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and Old Bay in a medium bowl. Pulse smoked fish in a food processor until finely chopped, about 10 times. Add chopped fish to mayonnaise mixture and fold to combine.

What is the crunchy stuff in my can of tuna? ›

These small fragments are crystals of a substance know chemically as magnesium ammonium phosphate, commonly called "struvite." If you find glass-like crystals in your canned seafood, don't be alarmed. These are natural occurring minerals called struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate).

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