This easy tuna salad with California grapes and walnuts is a fresh, flavorful twist on classic tuna salad. Made with creamy tuna, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a quick and satisfying lunch that’s perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or serving over greens.

If you love tuna salad, you have got to try it with California grapes added in.

I know tuna salad can be a polarizing food (my husband feels very strongly the opposite way as I do about it!), but I absolutely love it.

It makes such an easy, delicious, and nutritious meal that you can whip up any time. I almost always keep a few cans in my pantry!

So trust me, I know my tuna salad. And this one is not to be missed.

My favorite types of tuna salads are the ones that have a lot added to them. While I love it plain, I really love the added flavors and textures that different components add to tuna.

And California grapes are no exception.

California grapes add a delicious sweetness to tuna salad. You’ve probably had – or at least heard of – grapes in chicken salad. In tuna, it’s also so good. The sweetness complements the savory tuna so well.

As a dietitian, I also love the nutrition benefits that the grapes add.

Grapes are a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols. They also contain resveratrol and other flavonoids. Studies have shown that all these compounds help to support immune health – so important this time of year especially!

In addition to antioxidants, grapes are also hydrating, with 82% water content. Both beneficial to skin health!

And lastly, grapes are a heart healthy food. In addition to beneficial vitamin K and polyphenols, studies have found that eating grapes daily supports a healthy heart. In two studies conducted at the University of Connecticut, researchers found that women who consumed 1 ¼ cups of grapes every day saw reduced triglyceride and LDL levels.

Delicious and nutritious – always a win in my book.

The sweet California grapes in this tuna are also complemented by crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and fresh dill.

Then, instead of adding just mayo to tie everything together, this tuna incorporates lemon and Dijon mustard, too.

The end result is a perfectly savory, sweet, and satisfying tuna salad.

Add it to some freshly toasted bread with crisp lettuce. It’s a nutritious, tasty lunch that’s ready in no time and will last for a few meals.

This blog post is sponsored by California Grapes. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Why You’ll Love This Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is such a great, easy make ahead meal. And this version is packed with flavor.

This tuna is full of different textures and flavors that make it extra satisfying. It makes an amazing make ahead lunch.

You can prep a big batch and store it in the fridge to enjoy for easy lunches for the week.

Plus, tuna is so versatile too. Try it on a sandwich, over a salad, or with crackers and crunchy veggies to dip. Switching up the way that you enjoy it ensures that it’s never boring.

How to Make Tuna Salad with California Grapes & Walnuts

Prep ingredients

To make this healthy tuna salad, wash the California grapes and cut them in half. Cut the celery in half lengthwise and then slice into thin slices. Roughly chop the walnuts.

Optional: Toast walnuts

Add the walnuts to a hot pan over medium heat and toast them with a little salt for a few minutes, stirring frequently

Flake the tuna

Add the tuna to a large bowl. Use a fork to flake the tuna and break apart any big pieces.

Mix ingredients together

Add the California grapes, celery, and walnuts to your tuna salad.

Serve with toast

Add the lemon juice, mayo, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix tuna salad well until everything is combined.

If You Love This Tuna Salad with California Grapes and Walnuts, Try These

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grapes: Opt for red grapes to add the most sweetness to this tuna salad.
Celery: Thinly sliced celery adds a delicious crunch.
Walnuts: While toasting the walnuts is optional, I highly recommend it because of the way it heightens their flavors. Make sure to store walnuts in the fridge or freezer – because they contain so much of omega-3, ALA, they’ll go rancid at room temperature.
Canned tuna: I like using albacore wild tuna, but choose whatever you prefer.
Lemon: A little squeeze of lemon really brightens this tuna salad.
Mayonnaise: Mayo is traditional for tuna!
Dijon mustard: Mixing the mayo with a little Dijon adds a nice bit of flavor.
Fresh dill: A little fresh dill also adds plenty of flavor, but you can also use dried dill if preferred, just make sure to use less as the flavor is more concentrated.

Tuna Salad with California Grapes and Walnuts Tips & Variations

Nuts: Instead of walnuts, you can also use slivered almonds or even chopped pistachios.
Add ins: If you want to add more to your tuna, try adding other crunchy veggies like shredded carrots and finely chopped bell pepper.
Storage: Store tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albacore tuna is a great option for tuna salad because it has a firm texture and mild flavor. You can use tuna packed in water or oil depending on your preference; just be sure to drain it well before mixing the salad.

Homemade tuna salad can generally be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For the best texture, keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve it.

If you want an alternative to mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado can work well in tuna salad. Greek yogurt will give it a creamy, tangy flavor, while avocado creates a richer texture.

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American