Quick Tuna Dip

Jump to Recipe

This Quick Tuna Dip is packed with protein from the tuna and cream cheese and bursting with flavor from the tangy sour cream, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of onion. Best of all, it’s so easy to make. It’s the perfect dip to whip up for last-minute gatherings!

Looking for another tasty dip to make? Try my Creamy Tangy Vegetable Dip!

This is one of my favorite recipes from my Aunt Lyd. She always made this dip for us for family dinners and holiday meals. It’s a quick and easy dip that’s bursting with flavor. That’s why I love this tuna dip! It’s delicious served with wavy potato chips, crackers, and vegetables – especially celery sticks. It’s seriously the perfect party appetizer, after-school snack, or light lunch. Packed with protein from the tuna and cream cheese, it’s got that delightful tang from the sour cream, creamy richness from the mayo, and a subtle onion bite. Plus, it comes together in just minutes with a handful of ingredients!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Running low on sour cream? No problem, plain yogurt works like a charm. Want to add some crunch? Fold in some chopped celery or water chestnuts for extra texture. Feeling adventurous? Spice things up with your favorite hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, or even some fresh dill or chives. No matter how you customize it, this quick tuna dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: This dip can be thrown together in just minutes with a handful of pantry staples, and voila! You’ve got a crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks like you spent way more time on it than you did.
2. Full of Flavor: Don’t let the ease fool you, this dip is a flavor party in your mouth! It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
3. Customizable: No matter your taste buds’ desires, this recipe can be easily adapted to create your perfect dip! Yogurt, celery, water chestnuts, hot sauce, etc., the options are endless!

Ingredients Needed

• Tuna: I always use tuna packed in olive oil, but if you prefer water-packed it will work equally well.
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Onion
• Cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is very soft or you will have a hard time mixing it in with the other ingredients.

How to Make Quick Tuna Dip

Making this tuna dip is as easy as 1-2-3! Fold everything together until well combined, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and your delicious dip is ready to be devoured!

1. Drain oil from tuna and place in a mixing bowl.  Use a fork to flake tuna.
2. Add all ingredients and stir to combine.
3. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for flavors to develop.
4. Serve with crackers, chips, or vegetables.

Helpful Tips

• Let your cream cheese come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to blend with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother dip.
• Gently flake the tuna with a fork to avoid a mushy texture. Larger flakes add a nice chunky element to the dip.
• Be sure to drain the tuna well to avoid a watery dip.
• Taste your dip as you go! This recipe is a great base, but don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A squeeze of lemon juice can add a touch of brightness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick.
• For the best flavor, chill the dip in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.

Storage Information 

Refrigerator: Store leftover tuna dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. An airtight container is key to prevent the dip from absorbing any unwanted fridge odors.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to dipping into this delightful tuna dip, the possibilities are endless! Here are some classic and creative serving suggestions.

• Crackers
• Pita Bread
• Veggie Sticks
• Bagel Chips
• Endive Spears
• Pretzels
• Toasted Crostini

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute anything for the sour cream?

Absolutely! Plain yogurt works just fine as a substitute for sour cream. Use an equal amount of yogurt for the sour cream called for in the recipe.

I don’t have fresh onion. Can I use something else?

No problem! You can use 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder instead of the fresh onion. For a milder flavor, start with a pinch and add more to taste.

More Appetizers to Try

1. Classic Cheese Ball
2. Olive Salad
3. Dill Dip Bread Bowl