Spicy Zesty Tuna Salad (Printable version)

Vibrant tuna salad with spicy mayo, fresh lemon, and scallions. Protein-rich, easy to prepare, and perfect for sandwiches or wraps.

# What You Need:

→ Seafood

01 - 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
03 - 1 celery stalk, finely diced (optional)

→ Dressing

04 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
05 - 2 teaspoons Sriracha or other hot sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
11 - Lemon wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
02 - Add the drained tuna, scallions, and celery to the bowl. Gently mix until the tuna is evenly coated with the dressing.
03 - Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or hot sauce if desired.
04 - Serve immediately garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under ten minutes, making it perfect for those mornings when you forgot to prep lunch.
  • The spicy mayo transforms plain canned tuna into something that actually excites your taste buds.
  • It works in so many ways: stuffed in pita, piled on crackers, or straight from the bowl with a fork.
  • You can dial the heat up or down without losing any of the bright, zesty flavor.
02 -
  • Press the drained tuna gently with a fork against the strainer to get out as much water as possible, or your salad will taste diluted.
  • Start with less Sriracha than you think you need because the heat builds as it sits, and you can always add more.
  • If you're packing this for lunch, keep the salad separate from bread or crackers until you're ready to eat so nothing gets soggy.
03 -
  • Use chunk light tuna instead of albacore if you want a milder flavor and a softer texture that soaks up the dressing even better.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing for a subtle smoky undertone that makes people wonder what your secret is.
  • If you're sensitive to spice, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt along with the mayo to cool things down without losing creaminess.
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