Tuna Dip

This bright and creamy tuna dip is easy to prepare in under five minutes and is the perfect appetizer to serve at your next party. I love that it can be made ahead, but the best part is the ingredients consist of pantry staples that I typically have on hand!

Don't think this is just a repackaged version of your mom's tuna salad either. This easy dip is incredibly flavorful with just the right amount of soy sauce waking up the flavor while cream cheese makes transforms it into a phenomenally creamy dip worthy of your favorite gourmet crackers.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Cream cheese - Cream cheese gives this delicious dip and thicker consistency than a simple tuna salad.
• Sour cream - Sour cream is needed to thin out the cream cheese a little, to make it more dippable. Greek yogurt or mayo can be substituted.
• Canned tuna - Two small cans of tuna in oil would be best. The olive oil carries a lot of flavor, however, canned tuna in water is perfectly fine.
• Green onion - If you want more of a crunch you can use regular onions instead, however, be aware red onion will add a strong flavor.
• Garlic clove - ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted if needed.
• Worcestershire sauce - Deepens the flavor of the dip.
• Soy sauce - Soy sauce really pairs nicely with tuna.
• Lemon - Lemon really brightens the flavor of the dip. Use two tablespoons of bottled lemon juice if substituting. Lime juice would also be great.
• Fresh Parsley - Parsley adds a subtle herbal note. I do not recommend using dried parsley.

How to make it

This easy tuna dip doesn't require any cooking. Begin by adding the cream cheese and sour cream to a large bowl and mix to combine with your whisk. It is important to soften the cream cheese in the microwave first or it will be hard to combine properly and may get lumpy.

Note: Be sure to remove the foil when microwaving. Alternatively, you can soak the cream cheese still wrapped in foil in hot water for 10 minutes to soften as well.

Once your cream cheese mixture is smooth you can add all of the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Mix well to combine, ensuring the chunks of tuna break into small shreds, and then it is ready to serve.

You can serve this dip immediately, however it sets up better if allowed to rest in the refrigerator as the cream cheese will firm up a bit. The flavors will also meld together more as it rests.

Customize this recipe

• If you want to bring this dip to the next level, transform it into a smoked tuna dip by substituting my smoked tuna recipe instead of canned tuna.
• Add diced celery for more of a crunch.
• Add more garlic cloves and roast them prior to adding them to the dip.
• Swap out tuna for smoked salmon.
• This recipe can easily be doubled if needed to scale up for a larger crowd.
• If you are craving a spicy tuna dip recipe add a little cayenne pepper to wake up the flavors.

What to serve with this dip?

I prefer to serve this canned tuna dip with hearty crackers like Triscuits. However, any of your favorite crackers will work. Tortilla chips work as well, but they aren't my first choice. As an alternative to the classic cracker, a rustic toasted bread would also be perfect for dipping. Finally, as a low carb solution, you could dip celery sticks as well.

How to store leftovers

Place the dip in an airtight container in your refrigerator and enjoy it within five days. This can be eaten immediately after pulling out of the fridge as there is no reheating needed.

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