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This keto tuna egg salad combines the savory flavors of everything bagel seasoning with protein-packed tuna and eggs for a perfect low-carb lunch option. The familiar seasoning blend brings the beloved bagel taste without the carbs, making it an instant family favorite that comes together in minutes.
I created this recipe during my first month of keto when I was desperately missing my morning bagel ritual. The everything bagel seasoning transformed a basic tuna salad into something I now crave more than the actual bagel!
Ingredients
- Canned tuna: 12 ounces gives this salad its protein foundation while keeping carbs at zero
- Hard boiled eggs: Add richness and a creamy texture while boosting protein content
- Green onions: Provide mild onion flavor without the harshness of raw onion. Look for bright, firm ones
- Mayonnaise: Creates the perfect creamy binding agent. Choose full fat for keto
- Red wine vinegar: Adds necessary acidity that brightens all the flavors
- Everything bagel seasoning: Delivers that iconic bagel flavor in every bite. Look for versions with larger seasoning pieces for best texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the proteins:
- Drain the tuna thoroughly by pressing the lid against the tuna inside the can. Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small consistent pieces, about quarter-inch cubes. The texture contrast between the flaked tuna and the chunky eggs creates the perfect mouthfeel.
- Create the base:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the well-drained tuna and chopped eggs. Use a fork to gently break apart the tuna into smaller pieces while maintaining some texture. This creates pockets for the dressing to distribute evenly.
- Add the dressing:
- Add mayonnaise and red wine vinegar to the tuna-egg mixture. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the mayo and adds brightness to the salad. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated.
- Finish with flavor:
- Add the chopped green onions and everything bagel seasoning to the mixture. The green onions provide freshness while the seasoning adds that distinctive bagel shop flavor profile. Stir well, ensuring even distribution of all ingredients. For maximum flavor, allow the salad to rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with additional everything bagel seasoning and fresh parsley before serving. This adds visual appeal and an extra pop of flavor that makes the dish feel special.
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The everything bagel seasoning is truly the star here. I keep a large jar in my pantry at all times after discovering how it transforms simple dishes like this one. My husband, who normally dislikes tuna salad, now requests this version weekly for his lunch rotation.
Make Ahead and Storage
This tuna egg salad actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to three days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors become more pronounced overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. If making ahead, consider adding the green onions just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and bright color.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this salad shines when served in creative low-carb ways. Scoop onto cucumber slices for a refreshing appetizer or stuff into avocado halves for a complete meal. For a lunch option, wrap in large lettuce leaves or pile onto cloud bread for a keto-friendly sandwich experience. My personal favorite is serving it on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of olive oil and extra everything bagel seasoning sprinkled on top.
Customization Options
This recipe welcomes many variations while keeping its keto-friendly status. Add diced celery for extra crunch, diced avocado for creaminess, or chopped dill pickles for tanginess. You can substitute the tuna with canned chicken or even smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. For heat lovers, add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños. The everything bagel seasoning can be adjusted to your taste preferences—add more for a stronger flavor or less if you prefer a milder taste.
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This recipe proves that simple ingredients can create bold flavors with minimal effort. Make it once, and it will surely become a staple in your meal plan!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long will this tuna egg salad keep in the refrigerator?
This tuna egg salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best flavor and texture, consume it within the first 2 days. Avoid freezing as the mayo can separate upon thawing.
- → What can I serve with this keto tuna egg salad?
Serve this salad in lettuce cups, with cucumber slices, on top of a fresh green salad, with keto-friendly crackers, or stuffed in bell pepper halves. For non-keto options, it's delicious on whole grain bread or wrapped in a tortilla.
- → Can I substitute the mayo with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or a combination of both for a different flavor profile. These alternatives will maintain the creamy texture while offering different nutritional benefits.
- → Where can I find everything bagel seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning is widely available in most grocery stores in the spice section. Popular brands like Trader Joe's carry it, or you can find it online. Alternatively, you can make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
- → Is this salad truly keto-friendly?
Yes, this salad is genuinely keto-friendly with minimal carbs and a good balance of protein and healthy fats. The main ingredients (tuna, eggs, mayo) contain virtually no carbs, and the small amount of green onions and seasoning keep the total carb count very low.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Finely diced celery, red bell pepper, cucumber, or avocado would make excellent additions while keeping the dish keto-friendly. Just be mindful of adding too many higher-carb vegetables if strictly following a keto diet.