This cold tuna dip is a simple, tasty appetizer that’s low in carbs and ideal for game day or holiday gatherings.
Tuna Dip Recipe
This dip is straightforward and relies on a pantry favorite: canned tuna. It comes together quickly and delivers great flavor without fuss.
Serve it chilled with crackers or fresh vegetables for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Any leftovers make a delicious sandwich filling or a light lunch inside a hollowed tomato. It also pairs nicely with baked fish dishes.
More Easy Dip Recipes:
- Chipped Beef Dip
- Ranch Dip
- Deviled Egg Dip
- Chip Dip
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read the disclosure policy.
Ingredients Needed
Tuna – Solid white albacore or chunk light work best. Drain well.
Cream cheese – Use a softened block; full-fat yields the creamiest texture.
Mayo – Adds richness. Choose your preferred brand.
Sour cream – Swap plain Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangier profile.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is ideal; garlic powder also works.
Spices – Salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
Kitchen staples – Lemon juice and lemon zest brighten the dip.
Garnishes – Fresh chopped parsley or finely chopped red onion.
Follow on social platforms for tips and behind-the-scenes: Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & X.
How to Make Tuna Dip
First: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest until smooth.
Second: Fold in the drained tuna with a spatula, breaking up large pieces but keeping some texture.
Third: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Fourth: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with buttery crackers or fresh vegetables.
For the full recipe and detailed card, see the recipe section below.
Serving Suggestions
- Ritz crackers
- Club crackers
- Pita chips
- Celery sticks or other fresh vegetables
- Crispy potato chips
- Bell pepper slices
- Tortilla chips
How long does it last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Stir before serving.
Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches or as a filling for deviled eggs.
If you enjoy seafood dips, consider crab dip, clam dip, smoked salmon dip, or shrimp rotel dip for variety.
Tapas Tips & Tricks
- Use chunk light tuna or solid white albacore depending on preference.
- Serve in a bowl or spread thinly on a platter and surround with crackers.
- Pulse the cream cheese base in a food processor for an extra-smooth texture.
- Fold in the tuna by hand to retain chunks for texture.
- Finish with extra salt, pepper, and lemon zest if desired.
- Garnish with parsley or finely chopped red onion.
- Boost flavor with a splash of Worcestershire, Dijon, or liquid smoke.
- Add heat with hot sauce or cayenne.
- Chill thoroughly for best flavor.
- Leftovers keep 3–4 days refrigerated.
If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star review in the comments. Thanks!
This creamy tuna dip is perfect for parties or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Cold Tuna Dip
Print
Pin
Rate
Equipment
-
Mixing bowl
-
Spatula
Ingredients
- 3 (5 oz) cans tuna, well drained
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup mayo
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- Zest from ½ lemon
- Juice from 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth.
-
Gently fold in the drained tuna, leaving some chunks for texture.
-
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
-
Garnish with parsley and serve with crackers or vegetables.
Notes
- Choose chunk light or solid white albacore based on your texture preference.
- Spread thinly on a platter or serve in a bowl surrounded by crackers.
- Use a food processor for an extra-smooth base.
- Fold tuna in by hand to preserve texture.
- Adjust seasoning and lemon to taste before chilling.
- Add extras like Dijon, Worcestershire, or hot sauce for variation.
- Keep chilled until serving; leftovers last 3–4 days.
Nutrition
©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe is encouraged; copying full recipes to social media is prohibited.