How Much Mayo Should Go In Your Tuna Salad?

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Seemingly everyone has a strong opinion on what should (and shouldn't) go into tuna salad. Some people prefer to stick to traditional recipes, while mavericks like Matthew McConaughey add unexpected spicy ingredients to their tuna salad. There's also the question of exactly how much mayo to add to the mix for that perfect creamy texture. When you're adding mayo to your tuna salad, we recommend that you start with 1 tablespoon of mayo for every 5 ounces of drained tuna. 

Why this ratio in particular? This is the best starting point for achieving a balance of silkiness without making the salad overly heavy. The amount may seem like it's on the low side — and it is. In fact, you may prefer a ratio as high as two tablespoons of mayo per 5 ounces of tuna. Just remember that, while no one wants dry tuna salad, you can always add more mayo later but you will have a much harder time removing it. So, while there are ways to fix tuna salad after you've added too much mayo, it's far easier to add more to taste later in the process.

The fat in mayonnaise gives it its signature richness, but it's also why too much mayo can feel like it's coating your mouth in a bad way. One tablespoon of mayo per 5 ounces of drained tuna achieves a texture that's on the low end of perfectly creamy. If you decide to add more mayo, add a very small amount, blend, and taste before adding more. 

That fat content is also why "regular" (full-fat) mayo is the traditional move. Low-fat or reduced-calorie mayos will result in a less creamy texture. Make sure you're also using a high-quality mayonnaise, as that makes a big difference here. If you've ever wondered why tuna salad tastes better at restaurants, one key reason is the quality of the mayonnaise. If you really want to go for restaurant quality tuna salad, you can even use extra-heavy mayo, which has more egg in the mix than the regular variety. However, standard grocery stores are unlikely to carry extra heavy mayo, but you can order the well-regarded Hellmann's version on Amazon or are likely to find it at a restaurant supply store.

Of course, tuna salad remains highly customizable. There are almost countless ways to ways to upgrade your tuna salad, like adding herbs, nuts, and even fruit — just be aware that you may need to adjust your ratio accordingly. If you're not a fan of mayo, you can even swap out mayo for avocado in your tuna salad to bring a similar richness.