Spicy Zesty Tuna Salad (Printer view)

Protein-packed tuna salad with spicy mayo, lemon juice, and crisp scallions. Ready in 10 minutes.

# What You'll 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 hot sauce, adjusted to taste
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 (optional)
11 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# Directions:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It takes less time than waiting for delivery and tastes a thousand times better.
  • The spicy mayo transforms ordinary canned tuna into something you actually crave.
  • You can adjust the heat from a gentle warmth to full-on fire, making it yours every time.
  • It keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it once and enjoy it for a couple of days.
02 -
  • Drain the tuna really well, pressing it with a fork against the side of a strainer, or your salad will be swimming in fishy water.
  • Start with less Sriracha than you think you need because you can always add more, but you can't take it back once it's too spicy.
  • Let it chill for even just 15 minutes if you have the time, the flavors meld in a way that makes it taste more intentional.
03 -
  • Use chunk light tuna instead of albacore if you want a milder flavor that lets the spices shine more.
  • Toast your bread or crackers right before serving so the contrast between warm and cold makes every bite more interesting.
  • If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes along with the Sriracha for an extra layer of spice.
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