20 Seasonings You Should Add To Tuna Salad

Tuna salad gets exciting the moment you upgrade the seasoning. A few smart shakes can turn a humble can into a craveable lunch that tastes restaurant worthy.

You will find bright, savory, spicy, and herby ideas here that match any mood. Dive in and discover easy flavor boosts you can use today.

1. Dill

Dill brings a bright, grassy pop that wakes up tuna instantly. Its feathery aroma cuts through richness, keeping every bite lively and fresh.

You get a delicate anise whisper that feels clean, light, and summery.

Sprinkle finely chopped dill into mayo or Greek yogurt before folding in tuna. Add lemon juice to amplify that green sparkle and balance saltiness.

Dill is especially great with cucumbers, celery, and capers for refreshing crunch.

Use dried dill when fresh is unavailable, but taste as you go. Dried is more potent, so start small.

Your tuna will taste garden fresh.

2. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika adds gentle campfire depth without overwhelming tuna. Its sweet, smoky notes make the salad taste warm and rounded.

The color also gives a gorgeous red-orange glow that looks appetizing.

Blend it into the dressing with a squeeze of lemon and a dash of olive oil. The fat helps carry the smoky aroma through every bite.

Try pairing with roasted red peppers, olives, and parsley for a Spanish vibe.

Start with a half teaspoon, then adjust. Too much can taste dusty.

A little creates remarkable complexity and cozy richness.

3. Celery Seed

Celery seed gives concentrated celery flavor without extra chopping. It brings a peppery, herbal snap that lifts the tuna.

You will notice the classic deli salad character come alive fast.

Crush the seeds slightly between fingers to release oils before mixing. Combine with chopped celery, onions, and a touch of mustard for balance.

The seeds cut through creaminess and add savory backbone.

Use sparingly, since the flavor is potent. About a quarter to half teaspoon per can is plenty.

Your salad will taste crisp, aromatic, and nostalgic.

4. Lemon Zest

Lemon zest brings vivid citrus aroma that tastes cleaner than lemon juice alone. The oils in the peel deliver perfume and brightness.

One swipe and tuna feels lighter, fresher, and more balanced.

Grate zest directly over the bowl so nothing is lost. Pair with a squeeze of juice, cracked black pepper, and parsley for a deli style upgrade.

The zest also tempers any fishiness gently.

A microplane works best for fine texture. Avoid the bitter white pith underneath.

Your tuna salad will sparkle with sunshine and lively citrus notes.

5. Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard adds tang, heat, and silky body to tuna salad. Its vinegar bite sharpens flavors while the mustard seeds add subtle warmth.

The creamy texture helps bind everything together beautifully.

Whisk Dijon with mayonnaise or yogurt before mixing into tuna. Add a drizzle of honey if you want gentle sweetness.

It pairs well with capers, dill, and pickles for bistro style flair.

Start with a teaspoon, then build. You can always add more for bolder zip.

Expect a polished flavor that tastes purposeful and balanced.

6. Capers

Capers bring salty, briny bursts that make tuna come alive. They add a pickled brightness that cuts richness.

Each bite delivers a tiny pop of savory excitement.

Rinse capers to tame excess salt, then chop roughly for even distribution. Stir into your dressing with lemon, parsley, and black pepper.

The combo tastes Mediterranean and fresh.

Try caper brine as a splash in place of vinegar. It adds layered tang without harshness.

Use sparingly so the salt stays balanced and every taste remains snappy.

7. Everything Bagel Seasoning

Everything bagel seasoning delivers an instant deli crunch. Garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds add layered savoriness.

The texture keeps bites interesting without heavy effort.

Fold some into tuna, then sprinkle extra on top for contrast. Pair with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for that bagel shop vibe.

Chives and tomato slices make it feel brunchy and fun.

Mind the salt in store blends. Taste before adding more salt to the salad.

You will get big flavor with minimal work and maximum satisfaction.

8. Fresh Parsley

Parsley adds clean, green brightness that refreshes tuna. It is not just garnish, it is flavor.

The slight bitterness balances creaminess and lifts heaviness.

Chop it finely to avoid large, leafy bites. Mix with lemon, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a quick chimichurri style dressing.

The result tastes lively, modern, and herb forward.

Flat leaf parsley works best for flavor. Add a generous handful right before serving for freshness.

Your tuna salad will feel lighter and more vibrant instantly.

9. Curry Powder

Curry powder transforms tuna salad with warm spice and a hint of sweetness. It brings turmeric earthiness, coriander citrus, and cumin depth.

The aroma alone makes lunch exciting.

Bloom curry powder in a little oil or mayo to release flavor. Add diced apples or raisins for gentle sweetness and crunch.

A squeeze of lemon keeps everything bright and balanced.

Start small, since blends vary in strength. One half to one teaspoon can be plenty.

Expect a colorful, aromatic salad that feels cozy yet adventurous.

10. Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

Freshly cracked black pepper adds bite and aroma that pre ground pepper lacks. The citrusy, piney notes sharpen tuna beautifully.

Each twist boosts complexity without extra ingredients.

Grind directly over the bowl just before serving. Pair with lemon zest, capers, and olive oil for a simple, punchy profile.

The perfume of fresh pepper ties everything together.

Use a coarse grind for little pops of spice. Taste, then add more if you love heat.

The right pepper unlocks surprising depth and balance.

11. Garlic Powder

Garlic powder gives smooth, mellow garlicky depth without raw bite. It distributes evenly and does not overpower quickly.

The savory backbone makes tuna taste more satisfying.

Whisk it into the dressing with salt and a touch of Dijon. Combine with onion powder for classic deli vibes.

It is perfect when fresh garlic feels too intense.

Start with a quarter teaspoon and build. Let the salad rest a few minutes to bloom flavors.

You will get steady warmth and comforting savoriness in every bite.

12. Old Bay Seasoning

Old Bay brings classic seafood spice that feels familiar and crowd pleasing. Celery salt, paprika, and warm spices amplify tuna naturally.

It tastes like a beach shack favorite made at home.

Mix into mayo, then fold in tuna, celery, and onion. A squeeze of lemon keeps it lively.

The seasoning adds both salt and spice, so adjust salt carefully.

Use lightly at first to avoid overpowering. It is bold but balanced when measured.

Expect a savory, slightly peppery profile that screams seaside comfort.

13. Sumac

Sumac delivers tangy, lemon like brightness without extra liquid. Its ruby color looks striking against creamy tuna.

The sourness wakes up taste buds instantly.

Sprinkle sumac into the dressing or dust on top as a finishing touch. Pair with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil for Mediterranean energy.

The result feels fresh and elegant.

Start with a half teaspoon and adjust. It is gentler than vinegar, so layering is easy.

Your tuna salad gains zing, color, and a pleasantly tart finish.

14. Fresh Chives

Chives add oniony freshness without harsh bite. Their delicate greens bring color and a soft snap that flatters tuna.

Every sprinkle tastes bright and clean.

Snip chives with scissors directly over the bowl for even pieces. Fold in sour cream or yogurt for a lighter dressing.

Lemon zest and black pepper round the flavors elegantly.

Add chives at the end to preserve aroma. If heating anything, save them for last.

The result is refined, gentle, and beautifully balanced.

15. Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes bring quick, adjustable heat. A pinch wakes up creamy tuna without complex prep.

You get a lively kick that keeps bites interesting.

Mix flakes into the dressing so the heat disperses evenly. Add a drizzle of honey or relish if you enjoy sweet heat.

Lemon juice helps keep everything bright and not heavy.

Start small, then taste and adjust. Heat builds over time as flakes hydrate.

Expect a playful, spicy finish that never feels complicated.

16. Relish or Sweet Pickle Juice

Relish or a splash of sweet pickle juice adds tangy sweetness that balances brine and salt. It turns tuna salad into a nostalgic deli favorite.

The mild acidity cuts heaviness while keeping flavors friendly.

Stir a tablespoon into mayo with mustard for instant personality. Pair with celery seed, onion powder, and black pepper.

The combination feels classic and comforting.

Drain excess liquid so the salad does not get watery. Adjust salt after tasting, since brine adds some.

You will get bright, sweet tang in every satisfying bite.

17. Tahini

Tahini adds nutty sesame richness that makes tuna feel luxurious. It brings creaminess without more mayo and adds subtle bitterness for balance.

The flavor feels Middle Eastern and sophisticated.

Whisk tahini with lemon juice and water to loosen, then fold into tuna. Add parsley, cucumbers, and a pinch of cumin for harmony.

The dressing clings beautifully to flakes.

Season with salt carefully, since tahini is dense and savory. A little honey can round edges.

Expect silky texture, toasted depth, and a satisfying, modern twist.

18. Caper Pepperoncini Mix

Combining pepperoncini with capers gives bright heat and briny pop. The peppers add vinegary zing while capers provide salty bursts.

Together they wake tuna right up.

Chop both finely and stir into your creamy base. Add parsley and lemon zest for extra lift.

The result tastes like an antipasto inspired salad with personality.

Rinse capers to control salt, and pat pepperoncini dry. Balance with a touch of olive oil.

You will get tang, heat, and satisfying texture in every bite.

19. Za’atar

Za’atar brings thyme, sesame, and tangy sumac together in one sprinkle. It adds herbiness, nuttiness, and brightness at once.

The blend makes tuna taste vibrant and earthy.

Mix into olive oil and lemon, then fold with the tuna. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley for Levantine flair.

The sesame seeds add gentle crunch that feels satisfying.

Mind salt levels depending on your brand. Taste as you build the dressing.

Expect a lively, fragrant salad with complexity that feels effortless.

20. Wasabi Powder

Wasabi powder supplies sharp, nose tingling heat that plays well with tuna. It brings sushi bar energy to a simple salad.

The flavor is clean, fast, and exciting.

Whisk powder with a little water to form a paste, then blend into mayo or yogurt. Add soy sauce and lime for a fusion twist.

Cucumber and scallions keep things crisp.

Use sparingly to avoid overpowering. A pea sized amount often suffices.

You will get bright heat and a playful, modern spin without fuss.