Spicy Zesty Tuna Salad (Printable Version)

Vibrant tuna salad with spicy mayo, fresh lemon juice, and crisp scallions. Ready in 10 minutes.

# 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 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)

# How-To Steps:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes ten minutes but tastes like you put actual thought into lunch.
  • The spicy mayo and lemon juice wake up every bite instead of letting it fall flat.
  • You can eat it five different ways and never get bored.
  • It uses pantry staples you probably already have tucked away.
02 -
  • Drain the tuna really well, I once skipped this step and ended up with a watery mess that slid off my bread.
  • Do not overmix or the tuna turns into paste, just fold it gently until everything is coated and leave some texture behind.
  • Taste before you serve, canned tuna and hot sauces vary wildly in saltiness and heat, so your palate is the best guide.
03 -
  • Use a fork to flake the tuna instead of a spoon, it gives you more control and keeps the texture from turning mushy.
  • If you want extra richness, stir in half a mashed avocado along with the mayo for a creamy, nutrient packed twist.
  • Toast your bread or warm your wrap before assembling, it makes everything taste more intentional and less thrown together.
Go Back