15 Secret Seasonings That Will Take Your Tuna Salad to The Next Level

Tired of the same old tuna salad? These 15 secret seasonings will take your recipe from bland to gourmet in no time!

Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or seeking unexpected twists, this collection will inspire your culinary creativity. Prepare to elevate your tuna salad game with bold new seasoning combinations that excite your taste buds.

Consider these flavor-packed options and transform your tuna salad into a memorable dish.

1. Dijon Mustard

Nothing brightens up a spoonful of tuna like a dollop of Dijon. The tangy edge cuts through the creaminess, giving your salad a sharper, more complex flavor. It’s the kind of zing that wakes you up after the first bite.

A teaspoon or two blended into your standard tuna-mayo mix can do wonders. If you like things more intense, add a pinch of black pepper. Trust me, it’ll make your tuna salad taste more like a gourmet bistro creation.

2. Smoked Paprika

There’s something magical about that smoky undertone, as though your tuna got a little kiss from the grill. Smoked paprika lends a savory warmth without being spicy, making your salad feel heartier and just a bit more sophisticated.

I like to sprinkle it in gradually; start with half a teaspoon and see if you crave more. Paired with crisp celery or crunchy pickles, this smoky spice will make your lunchtime staple irresistibly rich.

3. Lemon Zest

You know how a squeeze of lemon can perk up fish? Lemon zest is that effect on steroids. It gives a bright, citrusy pop that breaks through the heaviness of mayo, keeping every spoonful lively and fresh.

Zesting is easy—just scrape the outer layer of a clean lemon. I find half a teaspoon enough for a can of tuna. The result is light, tangy, and surprisingly refreshing.

4. Garlic Powder

Garlic has a knack for boosting flavors without stealing the show. Powder form dissolves smoothly in mayo, giving your tuna that savory, comforting undertone we all adore.

Sometimes I’ll throw in a tiny pinch of onion powder, too. Just be careful not to overdo it—garlic powder can go from zero to pungent super quickly, and a little truly goes a long way.

5. Celery Salt

Imagine the crunchy essence of celery turned into a salty sprinkle. Celery salt wraps up two flavors in one, enhancing the tuna’s natural taste while giving a subtle, herbal backbone.

Try dusting a bit on top of your salad rather than mixing it all in. Each bite will pop with that extra savory hint, making your tuna salad feel vintage-deli cool.

6. Capers

Capers are briny little gems that often show up in fancy fish dishes. Add them to tuna salad, and you suddenly get these tiny bursts of tang that cut through the richness.

Chop them up a bit, then stir them in. Your plain old salad becomes a Mediterranean delight, perfect for layering on crackers or stuffing into a baguette.

7. Everything Bagel Seasoning

Those crunchy bits of sesame seeds, dried garlic, onion, and poppy seeds deliver a texture bomb. It’s like transforming your tuna salad into a bagel-inspired masterpiece.

Sprinkle in a tablespoon or so, and you’ve got layers of crunch and flavor that go beyond a plain old tuna spread. Pair it with toasted bread, and you might never look back.

8. Curry Powder

Curry powder in tuna salad might sound a little wild, but it’s such a bold, comforting twist. The warm spices play nicely with the cool creaminess, giving your sandwich a mild exotic flair.

I usually add about half a teaspoon, then toss in diced apples or raisins for sweetness. This balance of spicy, savory, and fruity is unbelievably addictive—and yes, you’ll get questions about your secret recipe.

9. Horseradish

If you love a zesty kick, horseradish will be your new best friend. It adds that nasal-clearing heat that keeps you coming back for more, especially if you’re tired of mellow flavors.

I like mixing in about a teaspoon of prepared horseradish. It’s feisty enough to give your tuna some spark without overshadowing it, especially if you keep other ingredients simple.

10. Old Bay Seasoning

Born for seafood, Old Bay’s spicy, herby vibe is a no-brainer for tuna salad. Its celery seed and paprika notes underscore the fishy flavor in the best possible way.

If you’re used to bland tuna, this will jolt you awake. It’s a surefire way to get that briny, beachside-cafe feel—even if you’re just sitting at your kitchen table.

11. Wasabi Powder

For a Japanese-inspired twist, wasabi powder brings a subtle wasabi zing. It’s less intense than the paste, making it easier to control the heat level.

Sprinkle half a teaspoon in your tuna mixture, then maybe add a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil. Suddenly, your tuna salad feels like it belongs in a sleek sushi joint.

12. Za’atar

A Middle Eastern blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, za’atar adds an herbal, tangy lift. It’s earthy but also bright, thanks to that sumac’s citrusy punch.

Combine a tablespoon into your base, and you’ll notice how the thyme complements tuna’s mild taste. Slap that mixture onto flatbread with cucumbers and tomatoes, and you’ve got a refreshing meal that’s far from ordinary.

13. Harissa Paste

Harissa is a North African chili paste bursting with smokiness and spice. Mixed into tuna, it yields a deep, fiery backdrop that’ll leave you dreaming of sun-scorched markets.

I usually use a teaspoon, gradually upping if I want extra heat. The tangy chili notes shine best with minimal mayo, letting that harissa complexity run the show.

14. Furikake

This Japanese seasoning is typically sprinkled on rice, but it’s a game-changer in tuna salad. It’s a mix of seaweed, sesame seeds, and sometimes dried fish flakes for an umami bomb.

Just a tablespoon can transform your sandwich into a savory, crunchy wonder. Furikake loves the creamy texture of tuna and complements it with salty, oceanic vibes.

15. Chipotle Powder

Chipotle powder gives your tuna a smoky, peppery warmth that’s not overly spicy but definitely packs a character boost. Think of it as a southwestern-inspired tweak.

Start with half a teaspoon to gauge your spice tolerance. Add some lime juice, and you’ve got a tangy, smoky infusion that makes your lunch feel like a mini fiesta.