Wawa’s tuna salad is the stuff of legend in the Northeast The perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, this tuna salad sandwich has achieved an almost cult-like following But did you know you can easily recreate this iconic recipe in your own kitchen?
In this step-by-step guide we’ll break down exactly how to make authentic Wawa tuna salad from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time you’ll be able to enjoy this sandwich shop favorite anytime.
Behind the Wawa Tuna Salad Craze
First opened in 1964 in Pennsylvania, Wawa convenience stores are now found throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. And their prepared foods like hoagies, sandwiches, and salads have earned quite a reputation over the years.
The tuna salad is one of Wawa’s most beloved menu items. Fans rave about the perfect chunky yet creamy texture and great flavor. The secret is in the balance of tuna, mayo, relish, and vegetables.
Recreating the taste you know and love is easy to do at home. Let’s look at how to whip up a batch worthy of this cult favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes Wawa’s tuna salad so delicious is that it’s simply made with high quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 (5 oz) cans chunk light tuna packed in water, drained
- 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons minced white onion
- 2 tablespoons minced celery
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
And that’s it! Now let’s get to the fun part – putting it all together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making tuna salad really couldn’t be easier. Just follow these simple steps:
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Drain the canned tuna well in a colander and flake it into bite-sized chunks with a fork. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
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Add the mayonnaise, relish, onion, celery, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Stir everything together well until fully blended and combined.
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Taste and adjust any seasoning as needed.
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Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
And your homemade Wawa tuna salad is ready! The whole process takes just 10 minutes of active prep time.
Handy Tips for Tuna Salad Success
Here are some useful tips to take your tuna salad to the next level:
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Use high-quality tuna packed in water, not oil. This prevents greasiness.
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Drain the tuna very well so the salad isn’t watery. Press with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
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Chill for 1-2 hours for best flavor. This allows the ingredients to marinate together.
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Add extra celery or onion for more crunch. Diced apple or bell pepper also work nicely.
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For creaminess, use real mayonnaise, not low-fat. Duke’s or Hellmann’s work great.
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Zest some lemon over the salad or drizzle with olive oil for extra flavor.
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Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other favorite spices.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Tuna Salad
Now that you’ve made this popular recipe, how will you enjoy it? Here are some fun ways to serve your homemade tuna salad:
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Scooped onto sandwiches with lettuce and tomato
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Wrapped in lettuce leaves for lettuce wraps
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Topped on toast or English muffins for tasty open-faced sandwiches
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Added to a green salad or scooped into avocado halves
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Served with crackers or cucumber slices for an easy appetizer
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Added to stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers
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Used as a filling for deviled eggs
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Added to pasta salad or on top of mixed greens for entrees
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Rolled into balls and baked for crunchy, protein-packed snacks
As you can see, the possibilities are endless! Tuna salad is incredibly versatile.
Recreate the Wawa Magic at Home
Now you have all the secrets to making your very own version of Wawa’s iconic tuna salad. With this easy homemade recipe, you can enjoy the taste you love anytime.
Make a batch on the weekend to enjoy throughout the week in sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Pack it for hassle-free lunches or bring it along on picnics.
Let us know if you have any special tweaks or additions that take this classic tuna salad flavor to the next level. With just a few quality ingredients and a little prep time, you can recreate a major convenience store contender from the comfort of your own kitchen.
How To Make Tuna Salad | easy & delicious tuna salad recipe!
FAQ
What are the ingredients in Wawa’s tuna salad?
Why does restaurant tuna salad taste better?
What is tuna salad made of?
What is the best mayonnaise substitute for tuna salad?
How to make a tuna salad?
To make a tuna salad, drain the tuna well and combine it in a medium bowl with mayonnaise, dill pickles or relish, celery, green onion, Dijon, and lemon juice. Gently toss the ingredients together. Taste and season with salt and pepper. This easy tuna salad recipe is a quick lunch time fix on a sandwich or bed of lettuce.
How do you make tuna salad with mayonnaise?
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the tuna, celery, onion, pickles, and parsley (if using). Fold gently until well coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed. Serve right away or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Can you add lemon juice to tuna salad?
The Best Tuna Salad Recipe from Food Network Kitchen suggests adding lemon juice, to taste, to the salad (optional) to brighten up the flavors. In a small mixing bowl, break up the tuna with a fork. Toss with the celery, onion, and parsley. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and season with pepper, to taste. Stir to combine.
How do you make a good tuna melt?
To make a good tuna melt, combine tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, relish, lemon juice, and garlic in a medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I like ½ teaspoons salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Serve the tuna mixture on toast, crackers, a bed of greens, or grill it as a tuna melt.