Tuna Salad with Apples

Growing up, Tuesday nights meant one of two things: tuna salad or sloppy joes. With my mom working late, my dad took charge in the kitchen, often whipping up a simple tuna salad with mayo and chopped sweet pickles.

While I fondly remember those meals, my taste for tuna salad has evolved over the years. One of my favorite variations is this sweet tuna salad, where the diced apples and cranberries complement the savory tuna, creating a delicious balance.

If you’re in the mood for a more traditional tuna, check out my recipe featuring pickle relish and hard-boiled eggs.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Crunchy Tuna Salad with Apples

• Kid-friendly flavors without being boring
• Ready in 15 minutes – no cooking required
• Sweet, savory, and crunchy in every bite
• Works on bread, crackers, or lettuce cups
• Easy to make ahead – it gets better as it sits
• Budget-friendly ingredients from any grocery store

Simple Ingredients

Recipe Notes

• Tuna – I use solid white albacore for its firm texture and mild flavor. Chunk light tuna works just as well if you prefer a softer consistency. Drain it really well before mixing so the salad doesn’t get watery.
• Green Apple – Granny Smith is my go-to here. It stays crisp and its tartness balances the sweetness from the craisins. Dice it small so every bite gets a little bit of everything.
• Craisins – Give them a rough chop before adding them in. This keeps them from overwhelming any single bite and helps distribute that sweetness evenly throughout the salad.
• Pecans – Chop them small so the crunch shows up in every forkful. Walnuts work as a swap if that’s what you have on hand.
• Celery – Adds a clean crunch and keeps the salad from feeling too heavy. Chop it fine.
• Mayo – Use your favorite brand. For a lighter version, swap half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. It still holds together well and adds a little tang.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Jill’s Top Tips

• Chop the mix-ins fairly small, so every bite has a little of everything.
• Roughly chop the cranberries if they’re large to ensure they mix evenly.
• Chill the salad for 30 minutes if possible. The flavors blend together nicely.

How to make Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

Step 1: Drain the tuna well and add it to a medium mixing bowl. Break it up with a fork into small, even pieces.

Step 2: Add the diced green apple, chopped craisins, pecans, celery, and mayo to the bowl.

Step 3: Stir everything together until evenly combined and coated. Taste and adjust mayo as needed.

Step 4: Chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour if you have time. It gets even better as the flavors come together. Serve and enjoy.

Best Apples for Tuna Salad

Crisp apples work best because they add texture without becoming soft.

• Granny Smith for a tart flavor
• Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite
• Fuji for firm texture

Avoid softer apples like McIntosh, which tend to become mushy when mixed.

Serving Suggestions

• Charcuterie Board: Add a sweet and savory element to your charcuterie board by including this salad alongside cheeses and fruits.​
• Crackers: Scoop the salad onto your favorite crackers for a quick and satisfying snack.​
• Sandwich: Layer it between slices of multigrain bread for a classic tuna salad sandwich.​
• Lettuce Cups: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the salad in crisp lettuce leaves.​

What to Serve With Tuna Salad

This tuna salad makes an easy lunch when paired with simple sides like:

• deviled eggs
• broccoli cauliflower salad
• sweet creamy coleslaw

Variations

• Apple Walnut Tuna Salad – Swap the pecans for chopped walnuts.
• Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad with Apples – Replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
• Apple Tuna Salad Sandwich – Serve on toasted sandwich bread with lettuce.

Did you make the recipe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Thanks so much!