Creamy Tuna Dip Recipe – A Quick and Delicious Appetizer

Creamy Tuna Dip is a flavorful and versatile appetizer perfect for any occasion.

It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with savory tuna goodness, complemented by a hint of zesty lemon and fresh herbs.

Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing treat.

A bowl of creamy tuna dip garnished with fresh herbs and diced vegetables, surrounded by tortilla chips

Tuna Dip Recipe

Creamy Tuna Dip is a quick, easy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for any occasion. Made with tuna, cream cheese, and zesty lemon, it offers a rich and creamy texture with a hint of freshness from herbs. Serve it with crackers, bread, or veggies for a delicious snack.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine International
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or whisk
  • Spatula
  • Serving dish
  • Food processor Optional (for a smoother dip)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can tuna in water drained
  • ½ cup cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Tuna:
    Drain the tuna thoroughly and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Use a fork to break it into small flakes.
    Combine the Base Ingredients:
    Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream to the bowl. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
    A bowl of chopped tuna being flaked with a fork, ready for preparation
  • Add Flavor Enhancements:
    Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, and onion powder.
    Incorporate Fresh Herbs:
    Fold in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste
    A small glass bowl of yellow mustard sauce with lemon, garlic, and black pepper on a wooden surface
  • Optional: Blend for Smoothness:
    If you prefer a smoother texture, transfer the mixture to a food processor and pulse until creamy.
    Chill and Serve:
    Transfer the dip to a serving dish, garnish with extra parsley, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with crackers, bread, or veggies.
    A ceramic bowl filled with colorful tuna dip garnished with chopped parsley, tomatoes, and bell peppers

Video

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 9g
Cooking Tips:
  • For Extra Creaminess: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or more sour cream.
  • Boost the Flavor: Sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a smoky or spicy kick.
  • Substitutions: Swap out parsley for dill or chives for a different herbaceous flavor.
  • Make Ahead: This dip can be made a day in advance; just cover tightly and store in the fridge.
Keyword Healthy Dinner, Keto, Quick Meals, Seafood

How About Alternative Ingredients for this Recipe?

If you’d like to tweak this Creamy Tuna Dip recipe, there are plenty of ingredient substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a lighter option, you can replace the cream cheese with a low-fat or dairy-free alternative, such as vegan cream cheese or mashed avocado.

Instead of mayonnaise, try using Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed alternative that adds creaminess without extra fat. Sour cream can also be swapped out for a plant-based alternative or omitted entirely if you prefer a slightly less rich texture.

For those looking to experiment with flavors, consider replacing tuna with canned salmon, crab meat, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a unique twist. If you’re out of fresh parsley, you can substitute dill, cilantro, or chives, depending on your flavor preference. I

Instead of lemon juice and zest, lime can be used to give the dip a citrusy zing. Finally, for those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or even a spoonful of sriracha to give the dip a spicy kick.

A bowl of tuna dip garnished with parsley, served alongside crackers on a wooden platter
Tuna dip can be customized with a variety of herbs and spices, making it versatile for any palate

Summary

The Creamy Tuna Dip Recipe is a perfect choice for creating a flavorful and versatile appetizer in no time. Its combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

By tailoring the ingredients to your preferences or trying alternative options, you can make it fit seamlessly into various occasions or dietary needs.