Easy Whole Food Shredded Carrot and Tuna Salad Recipe

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Looking for a quick and delicious twist on the classic tuna salad recipe? This easy whole food tuna salad with carrots recipe combines ingredients like carrots, celery, and onion for a flavorful and satisfying crunchy lunch.

Whether you need a high-protein lunch, a quick meal, or a filling for sandwiches and wraps, this no-fuss tuna salad is the perfect recipe. We love to make up a big batch of this to take to the park for picnics with friends for easy lunches to make and only takes 10 minutes!

a serving of carrot tuna salad in a blue ceramic bowl next to the large glass serving bowl

Unlike traditional tuna salads that rely on tons of mayonnaise, this version keeps things light with just a little bit of mayo and lots of added crunch for texture. Carrots add a natural sweetness and a pop of color, while celery and onion add crunch and freshness to the salad.

Using simple ingredients, this recipe has the perfect balance of flavors and will soon become a family favorite for a healthy lunch. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, making a quick lunch, or looking for a healthy snack, this tuna fish salad recipe is a must.

Be sure to try out our Homemade Mayo for this recipe. And don’t forget to save your Carrot Tops for Pesto!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Recipe for Crunchy Tuna Salad

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes!
  • Crunchy & Flavorful – Carrots, celery, and potato sticks add the perfect texture.
  • Healthy & Protein-Packed – Great for meal prep, sandwiches, on-the-go lunches, or lettuce wraps.
  • No Cooking Required – Just mix and enjoy!

Carrot and Tuna Salad Recipe

Tools

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Can Opener
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients for Carrot & Tuna Salad

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
  • 8 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cups shredded carrots
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • ¼-½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Crispy potato sticks or chips for topping (optional)

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Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Drain the canned tuna thoroughly and place it in a large bowl. Chop the celery, shred the carrots and add to the bowl.

ingredients in a glass bowl for carrot and tuna salad

Mix the Salad: Combine tuna and veggies with mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Mix until everything is combined.

large glass bowl full of shredded carrots and celery

Serve & Enjoy: Serve tuna mixture immediately on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or lettuce cups, or top with chips in a bowl!

a blue bowl filled with carrot and tuna salad

NOTES:

  • Use water-packed tuna for a lighter version
  • White tuna or pink tuna work great
  • Try using white or red onion
  • Make our Homemade Mayo for this recipe
  • Use more or less veggies depending on your preference
  • Makes about 8-10 servings

Best Ways to Serve Crunchy Tuna Salad

Our favorite way to eat this whole food carrot & tuna salad is in a bowl topped with crispy shoestring potatoes or regular potato chips for extra salt and crunch. Try serving in a few in different ways:

  • Spread it between slices of whole-wheat bread, sourdough, a roll, or a croissant for an easy tuna salad sandwich
  • Use romaine or butter lettuce for a low-carb, gluten-free lettuce wrap
  • Serve with crackers for a quick snack or side
  • Roll it up in a flour tortilla or spinach wrap for a grab-and-go meal
  • Spoon the tuna salad into an avocado half for a diet-friendly meal
  • A sourdough chocolate chip cookie on the side!

Storage Tips

You can make this salad ahead of time and put in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to keep the potato sticks or chips crunchy out and mix them in just before eating.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is so easy to customize and change depending on your mood. Try these ideas:

  • Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños
  • Garlicky Version: Add in 1/2 teaspoon powdered garlic and 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • Pickle Version: Add in chopped pickles and some fresh dill
  • Extra Protein: Mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas

This quick, delicious salad is a simple yet satisfying recipe that you can make in just a few minutes, great for picnics and on the go lunches! The carrots and celery add the perfect crunch, making this a delicious twist on a classic tuna salad that will satisfy your cravings. 

Carrot & Tuna Salad Featured Image

Easy Whole Food Shredded Carrot and Tuna Salad Recipe

Yield: 8-10 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes

This quick and easy carrot tuna salad recipe is packed with flavor and texture! Made with carrots, celery, and crispy potato sticks.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
  • 8 stalks celery, chopped
  • 3 cups shredded carrots
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • ¼-½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Crispy potato sticks or chips for topping (optional)

Instructions

    1. Prepare the Ingredients: Drain the canned tuna thoroughly and place it in a large bowl. Chop the celery, shred the carrots and add to the bowl.
    2. Mix the Salad: Combine tuna and veggies with mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Mix until everything is combined.
    3. Serve & Enjoy: Serve tuna mixture immediately on sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or lettuce cups, or top with chips in a bowl!

Notes

Use water-packed tuna for a lighter version

White tuna or pink tuna work great

Try using white or red onion

Make our Homemade Mayo for this recipe

Use more or less veggies depending on your preference

Makes about 8-10 servings

Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 203Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 9mgSodium 307mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 2gSugar 3gProtein 1g

*This has not been evaluated by the FDA

© ahintofhomestead
Cuisine: American / Category: Meals

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FAQS

Can I make this tuna salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep the potato sticks or chips separate and add them before serving.

What type of tuna is best for this recipe?

Use chunk light tuna in water for a lower-calorie option, or tuna in oil for a richer flavor.

Can I use chips instead of potato sticks?

Potato sticks add a crispy texture, but you can use any chip or even crushed tortilla chips for a similar crunch.

How can I make this tuna salad low-carb?

Skip the potato sticks and serve it on lettuce wraps, cucumbers, or avocado halves.

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7 Comments

  2. Great recipe! It’s so good to have quick meal options made with real food, ingredients you would usually have on hand, and even, in this case, budget-friendly. This looks so good and simple– probably just as good with canned salmon, too.

    Reply

  5. I love tuna sandwiches, but I’ve only ever had the typical version. I would love to try this recipe, it sounds super delicious and healthy with the carrots, celery and onions in it. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply