Stop what you’re doing. This is not your average tuna salad. Pickle lovers, this one’s for you.

This creamy, crunchy tuna salad is packed with tangy flavor from chopped pickles, lemon juice, and a mayo-yogurt dressing that hits all the right notes.

Want to take it even further? Add a sprinkle of Trader Joe’s Dill Pickle Seasoning recipe for an extra dill-icious twist.
High in protein and perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, or scooping onto crackers—this is the tuna salad you’ll want to make on repeat.

Three Reasons Why I Love This Dill Pickle Tuna Salad

Canned tuna is a pantry staple in my house. Having cans of tuna on hand is one of the easiest ways to whip up a high-protein, nutritious meal. This easy recipe comes together in under 5 minutes, and there are endless ways to make it. Lately, I’ve been loving this dill pickle-inspired version with a creamy mayo-yogurt base and a sprinkle of Trader Joe’s Pickle Seasoning for extra tangy flavor.

1. High in Protein: This recipe makes it easy to hit your protein goals. Enjoy it in a sandwich, wrap, or with crackers for a quick and satisfying meal.

2. Quick and Customizable: Just chop, mix, and you’re done. It’s a 5-minute recipe that’s flexible and fun to tweak depending on your mood or what you have on hand.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep: I like to make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy lunches. It keeps well and gets even more flavorful after a day or two.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large bowl: For mixing everything together.

• Small bowl: To quickly whisk up your sauce.

• Measuring cups and spoons: For seasoning and sauce ingredients.

• Rubber spatula: Makes mixing easy without breaking up the tuna too much.

Ingredients for Easy Dill Pickle Tuna Salad Recipe

Here are the ingredients in this creamy, crunchy salad—and what each one brings to the dish:

• Canned Tuna (in water or olive oil): A convenient, high-protein base that’s affordable and packed with omega-3s.

• Celery (diced): A classic tuna salad add-in for crunch and fresh, clean flavor.

• Red Onion (finely chopped): Adds sharpness and color. Tip: Soak in water for 5–10 minutes to mellow out the bite if desired.

• Pickles (diced): Crunchy, salty, and briny. They add texture and that signature dill pickle punch.

• Sea Salt: Enhances flavor. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste, especially if your pickles are salty.

Dressing

• Dill Pickle Juice: A splash brings the whole salad to life with a bold, zippy finish.

• Lemon Juice: Brightens the salad and balances out the richness of the mayo.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle kick and depth without overpowering the dill flavor.

• Regular Mayo: Classic, creamy base that binds everything together.

• Optional – Pickle Seasoning Blend (like Trader Joe’s): Adds even more tangy, herby dill flavor. The amount of pickle flavor is totally up to you.

How to Make This Dill Pickle Tuna Salad

Once you prep your ingredients, this recipe only has 2 steps!

Prep your ingredients: Chop the veggies and drain your tuna.

1. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the dill pickle seasoning, lemon juice, pickle juice, and salt.

2. Combine and taste: Add everything to a large bowl and mix well. Taste and adjust with more lemon, salt, or pickles to make it your own.

More Ingredient Add-Ins & Swaps

Mix it up with these optional touches to make this tuna salad your own:

• More Pickles: Can’t get enough? Add extra chopped pickles or a spoonful of dill pickle relish for even more tang and texture.

• Trader Joe’s Dill Pickle Seasoning or make your own!

• Red Bell Peppers: A pop of color and natural sweetness that pairs well with the briny flavors.

• Drizzle of Olive Oil: Adds richness, healthy fats, and a silky finish—especially nice if you’re using tuna packed in water.

• Garlic Powder: A quick way to boost savory depth without chopping anything extra.

• Fresh Herbs (Dill, Parsley, Chives, or Green Onions): Add brightness, flavor, and a little visual flair.

• Plain Greek Yogurt or More Mayo: Want it creamier? Stir in 1–2 tablespoons at a time until it’s just right.

Easy Meal Prep Tips

This is one of my go-to Sunday meal prep recipes. It takes just minutes to make and keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Tip: Easily double or triple the batch if you’re feeding a crowd or want lunches ready for the week.

How to Serve This Tasty Tuna Salad

• With crackers: For a quick protein snack or light lunch.

• On a bed of lettuce: Think tuna salad lettuce cups!

• In a wrap, in pita bread, or a sandwich: Cold and crunchy between two slices of wheat bread, or…

  • Tuna melt style: Serve it open face on a slice of bread with melted American or cheddar cheese.

• Over rice: My favorite way! Serve it warm or cold with chopped pickles and sauerkraut for a tangy twist.

Craving Something Heartier? Try My Protein Pasta Salad

If you love this Dill Pickle Tuna Salad but want something a little more filling, I’ve got you. My Protein Pasta Dill Pickle Tuna Salad combines everything you love about classic tuna salad! It has a creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and bright pickle flavor, with the added bonus of high-protein pasta to make it a more complete meal.

Store it in an air-tight container and it’s perfect for meal prep and meal planning, potlucks, or whenever you want a satisfying lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition.

 Recipe Coming SOON!

Optional but Delicious: A DIY Dill Pickle Seasoning Blend

Trader Joe’s makes a seasonal Dill Pickle Seasoning! But if it’s out of season or sold out, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat year-round.

Try making your own DIY dill pickle seasoning blend at home. It’s simple, customizable, and made with pantry staples.

DIY Dill Pickle Seasoning Blend:
Mix together the following ingredients in a small jar or spice container:

• 1 tablespoon dried dill

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon True Lemon –True Lemon is a non-GMO, shelf-stable powder made from real lemon juice and peel. One packet adds a clean, citrusy punch that works great in seasoning blends.

• ½ teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon mustard powder

• Optional: pinch of celery seed or dill seed for extra flavor

Tip: Taste and adjust as you go, add more salt or citric acid if you want it tangier.

10 Ways to Use Your own DIY Pickle Seasoning or Trader Joe’s Pickle Seasoning

This tangy, dill-forward blend adds a punch of flavor to more than just tuna salad. Besides blended into a Tuna Salad, here are 10 easy and delicious ways to use it:

1. Popcorn: Sprinkle it over freshly popped popcorn to make dill pickle popcorn!

2. Chicken Salad: Stir into mayo or Greek yogurt-based chicken salad for extra zing.

3. Soup: Add to creamy soups like potato, cauliflower, or broccoli cheddar for a subtle tang.

4. Cottage Cheese Dip: Mix with cottage cheese and a splash of pickle juice for a protein-rich dip.

5. Freshly Scrambled Eggs: Add a pinch just before serving to brighten up your breakfast.

6. Cream Cheese Bagel Spread: Stir into softened cream cheese and spread on a toasted bagel.

7. French Fries Seasoning: Combine with vinegar powder and sprinkle over fries or roasted potatoes.

8. Greek Yogurt Dip: Mix with yogurt, lemon juice, pickle juice, dill, and parsley for a dill-licious dip!

9. Potato Salad: Use it as a flavor booster in classic or mustard-based potato salad recipes.

10. Impossible or Beef Burgers: Mix the seasoning into Impossible meat or ground beef to make impossible or ground beef patties. Grill and top with plenty of sliced pickles for the ultimate dill pickle burger experience.

More Recipes You Will Love

Blended Southwest Cottage Cheese Sauce

Trader Joes Harvest Grain Greek Style Salad

Trader Joes Thai Wheat Noodles Peanut Stir Fry

Dill Pickle Tuna Salad

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN

This creamy, crunchy Dill Pickle Tuna Salad is packed with tangy flavor and high-protein ingredients, making it the perfect quick lunch or meal prep staple.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large bowl
• 1 Small bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• rubber spatula

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Dressing

• ½ cup plain Greek Yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 2 tbsp pickle juice
• ½ tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Tuna Salad

• 15 oz canned tuna, drained
• ¾ cup finely chopped dill pickles
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, mix the tuna, pickles, celery, red onion, and dill.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, pickle juice, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• Chill for 20 minutes before serving for the best flavor (optional but recommended).

Notes

Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice. Always consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 28gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 815mgPotassium: 353mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 114IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg

Keyword salad, tuna

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN

Registered Dietitian at Addy Bean LLC | Website |  + postsBio

Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!

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