Barbie's Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Please note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
- 1 (7 ounce) can white tuna, drained and flaked
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise or salad dressing
- 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- teaspoon curry powder
- 1 pinch garlic powder
Directions
Step 1: Gather all the ingredients.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Parmesan cheese, and minced onion flakes.
Step 3: Add the dried parsley, dill weed, curry powder, and garlic powder to the mixture.
Step 4: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 5: Serve the tuna salad with crackers or use it as a filling for a sandwich.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 228
- Total Fat: 17g (22% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 3g (14% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 24mg (8% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 255mg (11% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g (2% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 13g (27% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 31mg (2% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 150mg (3% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.


Barbie's Tuna Salad is not just another tuna salad; its a delightful twist on a classic dish. Infused with the unexpected flavors of curry powder and Parmesan cheese, this recipe stands out from the usual tuna salad options. But what makes this dish even more interesting is the unique combination of ingredients that enhance the tunas natural flavor.
History of Barbie's Tuna Salad
The origins of Barbie's Tuna Salad are somewhat elusive, but its popularity can be traced back to home cooks who began experimenting with non-traditional ingredients in the 2000s. Adding curry powder and Parmesan cheese to tuna salad was initially met with curiosity, but soon became a hit for those looking for a unique and flavorful alternative to the traditional mayo-heavy tuna salads. Over time, the dish gained recognition on recipe websites, with thousands of positive reviews solidifying its place as a must-try variation of a classic favorite.
Regional Variations of Tuna Salad
In many parts of the world, tuna salad is a versatile dish that adapts to local tastes and available ingredients. In the United States, it is typically made with canned tuna, mayonnaise, and simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and mustard. However, regional variations often include different types of pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh vegetables. In the Mediterranean, for instance, tuna salad might incorporate olives, capers, or even anchovies, giving it a more briny, umami flavor. What sets Barbie's Tuna Salad apart is the use of curry powder and Parmesan cheese, which is not commonly seen in these regional takes.
How Barbie's Tuna Salad Differs from Similar Dishes
What makes Barbie's Tuna Salad stand out is the bold addition of curry powder and Parmesan cheese. While traditional tuna salads often rely heavily on mayonnaise for flavor and texture, this recipe incorporates savory spices and tangy cheese, which adds an unexpected depth of flavor. The curry powder offers a hint of warmth and complexity, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty bite. In contrast to more basic variations, Barbie's version provides a richer, more dynamic taste profile. This combination of flavors is a departure from the standard, making it a memorable dish for those seeking something different.
Where is Barbie's Tuna Salad Typically Served?
Barbie's Tuna Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various settings. Its perfect for a quick lunch, either on a sandwich or atop a fresh bed of greens. Many enjoy it as a topping for crackers or served in lettuce cups for a low-carb alternative. It can also be a great side dish for BBQs, picnics, or family gatherings. Because of its unique flavor profile, its often a conversation starter, making it a favorite at potlucks and casual gatherings where guests appreciate something a little out of the ordinary. Some even use it as a filling for wraps or as a topping for baked potatoes!
Interesting Facts About Barbie's Tuna Salad
- Flavor Innovation: The combination of curry powder and Parmesan cheese is what truly elevates this tuna salad to new heights. It's a reflection of how cooks are willing to break from tradition to create something exciting.
- Flexible Recipe: While the base recipe is delicious on its own, its highly customizable. Many reviewers have swapped out ingredients like mayonnaise for lighter options such as Greek yogurt, or added extras like hard-boiled eggs and fresh herbs for added texture.
- Healthier Options: For those looking for a healthier twist, this salad can be made with lighter mayo or even avocado-based dressings. Some people also omit cheese and curry for a milder, but equally satisfying, version.
- Global Appeal: Although this particular version is beloved in the U.S., the idea of combining tuna with unexpected ingredients is a global trend, especially in fusion cuisines. The salads rich texture and complex flavors are likely to appeal to people around the world.
Whether youre hosting a summer picnic or just in the mood for something new, Barbie's Tuna Salad is sure to impress. With its intriguing flavors and adaptability, its a perfect example of how classic dishes can be reinvented with a little creativity.
FAQ about Barbie's Tuna Salad Recipe
Comments
Jose Flores
07/25/2023 01:52:14 AM
I was on the hunt for a new tuna salad recipe that veered away from the traditional ones. I decided to double this recipe and found the flavor to be decent, but with the potential to be outstanding with a few tweaks. I suggest reducing the amount of relish and parsley, and adding more cheese for a bolder taste. I opted for fresh onion instead of dried minced onion, using around 2 tablespoons to enhance the flavor. I will definitely make this again, making the adjustments I mentioned. And don't hesitate to use curry – it truly elevates the dish!
Dennis Thompson
07/26/2023 11:49:06 PM
I wanted to add my own touch to this delicious salad! I decided to use just 1 tablespoon of lite Miracle Whip for some moisture, and The Pampered Chef Dill seasoning mix for the dill and garlic flavors. It was the perfect low-fat adjustment I needed to incorporate more healthy tuna into my diet. Thank you so much!
Brenda Torres
02/13/2024 01:27:24 PM
Extremely delicious! Personally, I like to halve the amount of pickle relish, but the original recipe is fantastic as well. I also decreased the mayo by at least 25% and still found it to be perfectly creamy. However, you really can't go wrong with this recipe. I like to thoroughly blend all the spices into the mayo before adding the tuna - it helps ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Jason Rodriguez
07/08/2024 06:26:12 AM
This recipe is amazing! It has been my favorite tuna recipe for over 10 years. I always double the curry, add plenty of garlic powder to taste, and often skip the mayo.
Katherine Davis
10/09/2022 06:04:37 AM
This recipe was a delightful surprise! I never would have imagined combining curry and parmesan in a tuna salad, but the flavors worked beautifully together. Next time, I might experiment with dill relish and a hard-boiled egg, but as it is, this recipe is a definite winner!
Heather Hernandez
02/14/2025 07:41:33 PM
The first time I tried this recipe, I followed it exactly as it was written. However, the curry was too overpowering for my husband's taste. I decided to make some adjustments by eliminating the curry, reducing the parmesan to just 1/4 tsp, and adding fresh chopped onions and celery instead. Now, it is absolutely perfect for us.
Patricia Davis
07/19/2024 11:58:29 PM
I have made this recipe twice in the past two days! The flavors are fantastic. Following others' advice, I reduced the amount of relish, and I also cut the mayo in half since I prefer a less saucy texture. I included hard-boiled egg and celery in my version, and I've been enjoying it with crackers.
Pamela Edwards
09/29/2022 04:05:02 AM
My husband absolutely adores this tuna salad recipe, and it's the one and only version I prepare. I strictly use Miracle Whip due to my personal preference, with just 4 tablespoons as we like it that way. Apart from these adjustments, we stick to the original recipe. Despite my initial skepticism about the parmesan and curry, I must admit they truly enhance the flavor. This recipe has become a staple in our fridge. Thank you for sharing it!
David Cruz
06/18/2024 08:30:55 AM
We absolutely adored this recipe! Taking inspiration from fellow reviewers, I opted for red onion instead of dried onion and included celery ribs for an extra crunch. I used two 5oz cans of tuna and made sure to drain the pickle relish to prevent it from adding excess moisture.
Joseph Sanchez
02/14/2025 06:51:24 AM
I have been making this tuna recipe for years now and it's become a family favorite. My kids (ages 5, 6, 8, and 10) absolutely love it, as does my husband and I. I've made some adjustments to suit my personal taste over time, such as using homemade mayo, minced dill pickles instead of relish, adding turmeric for its health benefits, and a dash of salt and pepper. While I enjoy the Parmesan, I leave it out to keep the recipe Whole30 compliant. I also include hard-boiled eggs for extra lean protein. My kids find tuna with just mayo to be unappetizing and joke that other moms must not know how to cook like me. I always make a triple batch for my family of 6 and it disappears quickly. This tuna salad is delicious on crackers, in romaine lettuce boats, or spread on celery sticks for a healthier option. It's definitely a recipe worth keeping!
Debra Collins
07/06/2023 12:51:48 PM
I used chopped onion and celery in this recipe. I only added 3 tablespoons of pickle relish and made sure to drain the juice before mixing it with mayonnaise. I also combined all the seasonings, relish, and cheese with the mayo before adding it to the tuna. I then chilled the mixture for a couple of hours before serving.
Joyce Perez
08/21/2023 07:55:45 PM
This recipe is absolutely fantastic! I tried it once and haven't turned back since. It's now my go-to tuna salad recipe - I always receive lots of compliments and requests for it. Thank you, Barbie!
Kimberly Rodriguez
08/07/2022 02:48:11 PM
It's my favorite choice. I prefer using canned salmon as a substitute for tuna.
Christine Adams
05/25/2024 05:20:50 AM
This tuna salad has been our favorite choice for many years. I substitute mayo with Greek yogurt and add pickled red onions on top. Absolutely delicious!
Deborah White
02/17/2025 07:21:36 AM
I tried out this recipe and made a few adjustments since I used a 5 oz can of tuna. I reduced the mayo by half as I prefer less of it, only added 2 tablespoons of relish, and kept everything else the same. The addition of curry made this the most delicious tuna salad I've ever tasted. Next time, I might experiment with adding fresh onions to see how that changes the flavor.
Michael Lewis
07/25/2023 07:23:36 PM
This has been my go-to recipe for over 8 years now, and it's simply amazing as is. It's so easy to tweak if you're missing any ingredients. Recently, I tried using Chosen brand avocado mayo since that's all I had, and it took the dish to a whole new level. Sometimes I add extra curry or swap sweet relish for dill relish. The combination of flavors in this recipe creates the most delicious tuna dish I've ever had. Thank you for sharing this recipe. And remember, if you're not a fan of curry, you can always leave it out.
Adam Gomez
11/02/2022 06:46:14 AM
I substituted 2 teaspoons of minced red onion for onion flakes and paired it with Publix brown whole grain bread - absolutely delicious!
Jose Williams
01/28/2025 03:24:01 PM
I was looking to add a new flavor to a classic dish, and this recipe was just what I was searching for.
Ashley Gomez
10/17/2022 03:36:31 PM
Our favorite spot.
Aaron Smith
10/09/2022 03:28:53 AM
I would give this recipe a 4-star rating because it was surprisingly easy and fast to make. The combination of ingredients may seem unusual, but they surprisingly complement each other well. Who would have thought that curry and dill could work together, or that Parmesan and relish would make a tasty combination? I mostly followed the recipe but added some minced celery for a crunchy texture, used mayo instead of Miracle Whip, and doubled the amount of curry. I enjoyed this dish on toast, Sweet Hawaiian buns, and flour tortillas, with the latter being my favorite option. It also tasted great when served on a lettuce leaf. I might try it on crackers as the original submitter suggested. I would definitely make this recipe again, especially on hot summer days when I crave a light and fast meal. Thank you, TANAQUIL!