Make Tuna Salad Tastier With This Easy Ingredient Swap

Tuna salad is a lunchtime classic, but let's be honest. It can be a little predictable. A basic tuna salad recipe made with mayonnaise is a favorite comfort food. However, another creamy, ivory-hued condiment can give the fishy dish the zesty upgrade it deserves. With its tangy buttermilk base and just the right amount of garlic and onion, ranch dressing takes a modest tuna salad to a new level. Whether you swap out mayo entirely or use both for a complex blend, ranch offers an unmatched layer of brightness.

Mayonnaise is a workhorse, binding everything together with its smooth, dense consistency, but its flavor is often mild. Ranch, on the other hand, is loaded with character. The buttermilk lends a gentle tang, while herbs like dill and chives instill every bite with freshness. Instead of the singular richness mayonnaise provides, ranch brings a contrast that makes each forkful more interesting. If you still want the familiar foundation of mayonnaise, a half-and-half approach works beautifully, too. Mixing ranch with mayo balances the former's piquancy with the latter's velvety consistency.

Replacing (or supplementing) mayo with ranch is a minor tweak that pays off significantly. Since ranch has a built-in mix of herbs and acidity, it pairs exceptionally well with add-ins like chopped celery, red onion, diced pickles, or jalapeños for a kick of heat. It also enhances the tuna's natural umami notes, meaning you don't need as much extra seasoning to highlight its best qualities.

Ranch-infused tuna salad works its magic in various settings. For instance, it holds its own in a simple tuna salad sandwich or wrap, but it's just as satisfying when spooned into lettuce cups or spread on crispy crackers. For a high-protein dip, serve it with sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, julienned bell peppers, or your crunchy veggie of choice. The depth of the iconic dressing keeps it from seeming one-note and makes it easier to repurpose in different meals throughout the week. Not a superfan of ranch or mayo but love tuna? Luckily, there are plenty of ingredients that will seriously upgrade your tuna salad, including Greek yogurt and avocado.