Tuna salad is a lunchtime staple for many, but for those trying to recreate the creamy, flavorful versions served in delis and sandwich shops, something always seems to be missing. Now, a viral Reddit thread has revealed the not-so-secret ingredient that might be the game-changer your tuna sandwich needs.
The conversation started in the r/Cooking subreddit, where user mashedbangers posted a frustrated plea: “How do I make my tuna sandwich taste like deli tuna?” Despite years of trying different combinations, they admitted their homemade efforts were still falling flat compared to deli favourites like Subway or Blimpie.
They noted they typically used Hellmann’s mayonnaise and tuna in oil, but it never quite hit the mark.
Enter Reddit user tobybraunid, who offered a simple yet transformative tip: “Not so secret ingredient: celery salt.”
The suggestion struck a chord with many fellow home cooks, who chimed in with their own praise for the underrated seasoning.
Celery salt, made from ground celery seed and salt, adds a savoury depth and a slightly herbal kick that complements tuna beautifully.
It’s been a quiet staple in many professional kitchens and delis for years, often overlooked by the average home cook.
Food experts agree that celery salt is a subtle but effective way to elevate tuna salad.
“It adds complexity without overpowering the other flavours,” says chef and food writer Emily Harrow.
“It’s particularly great in cold salads like tuna, egg, or potato because it plays up the creaminess of the mayo while bringing in that classic deli flavour.”
For the best results, sprinkle a small amount of celery salt into your usual tuna salad mix, just enough to enhance, not dominate.
Combine it with finely chopped onion, a touch of mustard, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, and you might just find your tuna sandwich suddenly tastes like it came straight from the counter of your favourite deli.
Sometimes, the simplest tweaks make the biggest difference. Celery salt might be the small secret your lunch has been missing.