Mother's Simple Tuna Salad

Through the years I have continued to make tuna salad from canned tuna. My Mother saw no reason to change what she liked so she stayed true to her simple formula. 

However, I vary it and make it to my own taste by adding chopped/grated onions, Harry & David's Pepper & Onion Relish, garlic salt, onion powder, Duke's Mayonnaise, dill relish...only one relish at a time.

Now, there was always a big difference of opinion about ingredients I had with my Mother. As a teen, I began to make Tuna Salad. The first thing I asked my Mother to buy was tuna in water. As she also made tuna, she thought the oil-packed tuna had more flavor, so she continued to buy it. She had a method to pacify my taste. She rinsed the tuna, and I pouted a bit, but in the end, it was really okay.

The really BIG contention was....the use of Miracle Whip. No, it had to be mayonnaise She never in her life liked mayonnaise, which I silently attributed to the fact her older sister agreed with me about Miracle Whip vs. mayonnaise Siblings, don't you know.  I can say I have never used Miracle Whip, and never will unless it is a dire food situation.

Serving tuna is simply a personal preference, and my Mother brought out white bread, while her sister used wheat. Again, sisters.

Topping a ripe, red tomato with tuna salad or over crackers is my favorite. But, slathering up an artisan bread is also an excellent option.

Those summers, with my Mother and her sister, making lunches together, the chilled ice tea (sweet for my Mother, unsweetened for my Aunt, lemon for my aunt, not lemon for my Mother, of course) will always be a treasured memory...lemon, no lemon, sweet, unsweetened, white, wheat, mayo or the Miracle, what sweet memories for me.

While making my own tuna is almost as simple as my Mother's, I admit I love to buy the premade Tuna Salad at Costco. My mate, Gerry, prefers mine.

M. Patricia's Simple Tuna Salad

Canned Tuna In Oil (size depends on how many will be served)
Miracle Whip (I use Duke's Mayonnaise as I think Miracle Whip is not really a thing)
1-2 Boiled Eggs 
Chopped Dill Pickle

Boil eggs, let cool and peel.
Chop dill pickles.
Drain tuna.
Place in bowl and break into smaller pieces.
Add Miracle Whip to taste.
Add chopped pickles.
Chop boiled eggs and add to mixture.

Chill briefly and serve on white breaded, toasted or plain.

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