Spicy Zesty Tuna Salad (Printable Version)

Protein-packed tuna with spicy mayo, fresh lemon, and crisp scallions. Versatile for sandwiches, wraps, or solo enjoyment.

# 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, adjust 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
11 - Lemon wedges

# Step-by-Step 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 drained tuna, sliced scallions, and diced celery to the dressing. Gently fold ingredients together until tuna is evenly coated.
03 - Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed, adding additional lemon juice or hot sauce for desired flavor intensity.
04 - Transfer to serving dishes, garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to develop flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less time than waiting for delivery and costs a fraction of the price.
  • The spicy kick wakes up your taste buds without overwhelming the clean flavor of the tuna.
  • You can make it as mild or as fiery as your mood demands that day.
  • It works in sandwiches, wraps, on crackers, or straight from the bowl with a fork.
02 -
  • Drain the tuna thoroughly or the salad will be watery and the dressing will not cling properly.
  • Add the hot sauce gradually if youre unsure about heat levels, you can always stir in more but you cannot undo spiciness.
  • Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable, bottled juice tastes flat and artificial in such a simple recipe.
  • Let the salad rest for even five minutes before serving, the flavors need a moment to get acquainted.
03 -
  • Press the drained tuna gently with a fork against the side of the strainer to remove hidden pockets of water.
  • Use a microplane to zest the lemon directly into the bowl before juicing it for an extra layer of citrus flavor.
  • Mix the dressing first and let it sit for a minute so the garlic powder fully hydrates and distributes evenly.
  • If serving on bread, toast it well so it does not get soggy from the moisture in the salad.
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