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Waldorf Tuna Salad
SaladDinnerHealthy Eating

Waldorf Tuna Salad

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (39 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Waldorf Tuna Salad offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 36g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 406 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Waldorf Tuna Salad offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Waldorf Tuna Salad to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Waldorf Tuna Salad, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • 2 (6 ounce) cans light water-
  • packed albacore tuna, drained
  • and flaked
  • 1 large red apple, chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped celery
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/3 cup chopped dates
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup fat-free plain yogurt
  • 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
  • 4 lettuce leaves
  • 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat
  • Monterey Jack cheese

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

In a large bowl, combine the tuna, apple, celery, raisins, dates and walnuts

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Combine yogurt and mayonnaise; add to tuna mixture and toss to coat

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Serve on lettuce-lined plates; sprinkle with the cheese.

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories406 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein36gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates32gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat17gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Waldorf Tuna Salad

This chef-curated Waldorf Tuna Salad offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 39 votes
Waldorf Tuna Salad
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories20% DV
406 kcal
Protein72% DV
36g
Fat22% DV
17g
Carbs12% DV
32g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Animal proteinFirm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas
Cooking fatExtra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: In a large bowl, combine the tuna, apple, celery, raisins, dates and walnuts

2

Technique & Execution: Combine yogurt and mayonnaise; add to tuna mixture and toss to coat

3

Technique & Execution: Serve on lettuce-lined plates; sprinkle with the cheese.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a lid to keep the fish tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Freezing: We do not recommend freezing cooked fish as it degrades the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼

Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?▼

All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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