Tuna Salad — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Tuna salad nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 187 kcal
Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Carbs | 3 g | 1.09% |
Fiber | 0 g | - |
Sugars | 1 g | 2% |
Glycemic Index | 0 | - |
Protein | 25 g | 50% |
Sodium | 383 mg | 16.65% |
Total Fat | 8 | 10.26% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
25 g
💪 High Protein Content
Tuna salad facts & tips
Health benefits
- High in protein from tuna, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals from added vegetables and seasonings, enhancing overall nutritional value.
- Versatile and nutritious, allowing for the inclusion of various healthy ingredients like vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
- Low in calories (depending on preparation), making it a healthy option for weight management.
Health risks
- High mercury content particularly in larger species of tuna used in the salad, which can pose significant health risks if consumed in large quantities, especially for pregnant women and young children.
- High fat content particularly if the salad is made with mayonnaise or other high-fat ingredients, which can contribute to increased calorie intake and weight gain.
- High sodium content particularly in commercial or pre-packaged tuna salads, which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks.
- Potential for histamine poisoning (scombroid poisoning) if the tuna salad is not properly stored or handled, leading to symptoms like rash, diarrhea, and headaches.
How to choose tuna salad
Tuna salad should be creamy with well-balanced flavors, incorporating crisp celery or other fresh ingredients. The tuna should remain chunky, and the dressing should not be overly mayonnaise-heavy.
Avoid tuna salad that is watery or where the ingredients have become soggy. Salads that smell sour or have an unusual color should also be avoided, as they are likely not fresh.
How to store tuna salad
Tuna salad should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Refrigeration helps keep it fresh and safe to eat for up to three days. Ensure it is kept in the coldest part of the fridge.
Room temperature can cause tuna salad to spoil quickly. Avoid using metal containers for storage, as they can react with the ingredients. Always use clean utensils to scoop out portions to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Tuna salad can last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover tuna salad can be used in a variety of fresh and savory dishes. Use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or pita pockets, or serve it over a bed of greens or grains for a light meal. Tuna salad is also great when mixed into a pasta salad with additional vegetables, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Use tuna salad as a topping for crackers, toast, or cucumber slices for a quick appetizer, or mix it into a rice bowl with avocado, tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon juice. If you have a lot of tuna salad, consider making a batch of stuffed avocados by scooping out the avocado flesh and mixing it with the salad, then serving in the avocado shell. Tuna salad can also be used as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers, or served alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing meal. For a quick snack, enjoy tuna salad on its own, or serve it with chips or bread for dipping.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
Discover products from other categories
Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
Get the top-rated shopping list app