Add This Creamy Ingredient To Tuna Salad For A Major Flavor Boost (Hint: It's Not Mayo Or Yogurt)

Whether you like to enjoy it between a couple of slices of bread, spread it on crackers, or eat it on its own with a spoon, tuna salad is an easy dish to prepare that makes use of kitchen staples. Despite its popularity and the many ways you can take tuna salad to the next level, though, many recipes include the same condiment to give it richness: mayonnaise. Sure, there are different brands that each have their own unique characteristics — but what do you do when you want to switch things up without losing out on the creamy mouthfeel? Try using crème fraîche.

This rich product originated in France, and its name literally translates to "fresh cream" in English, though don't let its name fool you. It's actually a fermented dairy product made from cream, which makes it similar to but different from sour cream. For starters, it has a higher fat content, giving it a deliciously luscious consistency that complements the texture of the tuna well. It's also less acidic than sour cream, whose tanginess might not play well with every type of ingredient you want to add to your recipe. Furthermore, crème fraîche typically doesn't have added thickeners or stabilizers, which some consumers may want to avoid. It also has its own unique flavor that's slightly nutty and just a little sweet.

Nevertheless, it can be pricier than sour cream, with an 8-ounce container of the former sometimes costing as much as twice the price of a 16-ounce container of the latter. However, you can transform sour cream into crème fraîche at home with some heavy cream.

The first question you may have about using crème fraîche in tuna salad is how much you should use. If you're using one 5-ounce can of fish, add about a quarter cup of the rich, cultured cream to begin with, give it a stir, and add more if you prefer a creamier salad. Because crème fraîche has a high fat content, you'll want to use tuna packed in water rather than oil to prevent your finished dish from becoming too greasy.

Beyond salt and pepper, there are several additions that will take the finished dish to the next level. Grainy mustard can offset the richness of the crème fraîche, along with some capers and finely chopped shallots. For a kick, you can also add a small amount of prepared horseradish or a few dashes of hot sauce. Chopped fresh parsley will impart freshness, and a squeeze of lemon juice can easily brighten the whole preparation.

Crème fraîche isn't the only thing that will give your tuna salad a creamy mouthfeel and rich flavor, though. If you like a little extra tanginess and want to save money, sour cream may be a perfect base for an Eastern European-inspired tuna salad with dill and chopped pickles. You can also use Mexican-style crema, which is a little milder than sour cream but tangier than crème fraîche and pairs beautifully with chopped jalapeños. If you want something significantly milder, though, mascarpone is an excellent option and lets you get really creative with your seasonings and add-ins, as it won't compete with any of the elements of your recipe.