This 5-Minute Recipe Is Our Most Popular Recipe of 2024

With just 4 ingredients, it’s nostalgic yet fresh.

When compiling our top recipes of 2024, I quickly noticed a trend. No matter if it was sweet or savory, a casserole or a cookie, our readers craved two things: comfort and simplicity. So it came as no surprise that our most popular recipe of the year is both.

The dish is full of nostalgia with a twist that makes it fresh and modern. It takes just four ingredients and five minutes to come together. And we have a feeling that once you try the recipe, it, too, will become a regular part of your effortless yet delicious meal repertoire.

So which recipe earned the distinction of being Simply Recipe’s top recipe of 2024? Sheela Prakash’s irresistible take on tuna salad. Nearly one million readers clicked on it this year, and it’s no wonder. Tuna salad is a timeless classic, often associated with quick lunches, easy snacks, and nostalgic flavors—all things that we here at Simply Recipes love.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuna Salad

What makes this tuna salad stand out is both the ingredient it’s missing and the one that’s been added. Instead of mayo, this tuna salad gets its creamy texture from avocado. Fans of the classic mayo-imbued tuna salad may balk at the thought of leaving out the condiment, but this version is perfect for times when you crave something brighter and lighter.

The 4-ingredient recipe relies on a handful of fresh ingredients to create a zippy, flavorful salad that still delivers all the satisfaction of the classic. Mashed avocado lends a buttery creaminess to the tuna, while red onions and pickled jalapeños (and a bit of their brine) offset the richness. It’s not traditional by any means, but even the staunchest mayo-and-tuna fan will fall in love with how fresh and versatile it is.

Tips for Making the Best 4-Ingredient Tuna Salad

The beauty of this recipe is how quick and easy it is. You can certainly adapt it to your tastes, but just keep these tips in mind:

• Oil-packed canned tuna has the best texture and flavor, so that’s what Sheela recommends. You can also use water-packed if that’s all you have on hand—just drizzle in some olive oil to add moisture.
• Leave some of the avocado in chunks for a nice textural contrast.
• The recipe calls for quick-pickling the red onions in the jalapeño brine to tame its raw bite, but you can skip this step if you don’t mind the sharpness.
• If you prefer a stronger kick, include more of the pickled jalapeños and brine, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
• An herb like chopped cilantro will add another layer of freshness.
• Finally, yes, you can add mayo! If tuna salad just isn’t complete without mayo, a spoonful is a-OK.