Spicy Buffalo Tuna Salad: Your Quick & Easy Protein-Packed Lunch Solution
Buffalo Tuna Salad is a flavor explosion, combining bold and spicy notes with a satisfying creamy and crunchy texture. This incredibly simple recipe requires just 5 main ingredients and comes together in a mere 5 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for revolutionizing your weekday lunches. Enjoy it as a hearty sandwich, a refreshing wrap, or even stuffed into crisp celery sticks for a healthy, protein-rich snack. If you’re a fan of classic buffalo chicken, prepare to fall in love with this equally delicious and versatile tuna version!
As the Lenten season approaches each year, many households, including mine, begin the quest for innovative and satisfying fish-based meals. While I adore a good shrimp dish, canned tuna remains the undisputed champion that everyone in my family can agree on. This Buffalo Tuna Salad recipe is a brilliant example of how to transform a humble can of tuna into something truly exciting and flavorful. It’s not only incredibly cheap and fast to prepare, but it also creates a wonderfully versatile spread that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Forget boring lunches – this spicy tuna salad brings the zesty, tangy kick of buffalo sauce to a beloved pantry staple, making it an instant favorite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and bold taste. It takes the familiar comfort of tuna salad and infuses it with the irresistible heat and tang of buffalo sauce, creating a dish that feels gourmet despite its minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal during a busy week, a protein-packed snack, or a creative dish to serve to guests, this Buffalo Tuna Salad rises to the occasion. Its creamy consistency combined with the crunch of fresh celery and shallots makes every bite a delightful experience.
More Delicious Recipes Perfect for Lent or Any Day:
If you’re exploring more delicious and easy meal ideas, especially during Lent or for light, satisfying options, here are some other fantastic recipes to try:
- Mediterranean Tuna Salad: A fresh and flavorful take on tuna salad with bright, savory ingredients.
- Sriracha Shrimp Pasta Salad: For those who love a little heat and a heartier meal, this pasta salad is a winner.
- Perfect Homestyle Egg Salad: A classic comfort food that’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need: Key Ingredients for Your Spicy Tuna Creation
Crafting the perfect Buffalo Tuna Salad is all about selecting the right ingredients and understanding how they contribute to the final flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:
- 2 (5 ounce cans) albacore tuna in water: While chunk light tuna is more common, I highly recommend using albacore tuna for this recipe. Albacore flakes into larger, meatier pieces, providing a more substantial and satisfying texture that stands up well to the bold buffalo flavors. Chunk light tuna, on the other hand, tends to be softer and “smushier,” which might not give you the desired mouthfeel. Tuna packed in water is also preferred here because we’re adding mayonnaise; using oil-packed tuna can result in an overly oily and heavy salad. However, feel free to use what you have on hand – the recipe is forgiving! Just make sure to drain it exceptionally well, regardless of the type.
- ⅔ cup finely diced celery: This ingredient is crucial for adding that irresistible crunch and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy tuna. Finely dicing it ensures that every bite gets a bit of that crisp texture without being overwhelming. It also provides a subtle, refreshing, and slightly peppery note.
- 1 shallot finely diced: Shallots are my secret weapon for a mild, delicate onion flavor without the sharpness or overpowering bite that raw red or white onions can sometimes bring, especially if you plan to enjoy this salad over a couple of days. Their subtle sweetness and gentle punginess enhance the overall profile without competing with the buffalo sauce. If you don’t have a shallot, a small amount of finely diced red onion or green onions (scallions) can be substituted, but use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the other flavors.
- ¼ cup mayo: Mayonnaise is the binder that brings all the ingredients together, creating that rich, creamy base characteristic of a classic tuna salad. You can use full-fat mayonnaise for maximum creaminess or opt for a light version if you’re watching calories. Feel free to adjust the amount slightly to achieve your preferred consistency – some like it creamier, others prefer it a bit drier.
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce: This is where the “buffalo” in Buffalo Tuna Salad truly shines! The type of hot sauce you choose will significantly impact the flavor and heat level. I personally love using Louisiana hot sauce for its vibrant cayenne pepper flavor and balanced heat. However, many people find Frank’s Red Hot Sauce to be the quintessential choice for buffalo-style dishes due to its classic tangy and moderately spicy profile. Don’t hesitate to use your preferred brand and adjust the quantity to your taste. Start with one tablespoon and add more if you desire more heat.
- Black pepper, to taste: A simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
- Optional additions for an authentic buffalo experience: I highly recommend serving this with a sprinkling of creamy **blue cheese crumbles**! The pungent, tangy flavor of blue cheese is a classic pairing with buffalo sauce and truly elevates this tuna salad to the next level. A drizzle of **extra hot sauce** on top for those who crave even more heat is also a fantastic idea.
How to Make It: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this Buffalo Tuna Salad is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even the busiest of days. Follow these simple steps to create your bold and spicy lunch:
- Prepare the Tuna: Start by thoroughly draining your canned tuna. This is a critical step to prevent a watery salad. Once drained, gently flake the tuna apart with a fork in a medium-sized mixing bowl. You want it broken up, but not mashed into a paste, especially if you’re using albacore, to maintain some texture.
- Combine Wet and Crunchy Ingredients: To the flaked tuna, add the mayonnaise, finely diced celery, and diced shallot. These ingredients will form the creamy base and add essential crunch and aromatic notes.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a spoon or spatula, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Ensure the mayo evenly coats the tuna and the diced vegetables are distributed throughout the mixture.
- Gradually Add Heat: Now it’s time to introduce the star of the show – the hot sauce! Begin by adding 1 tablespoon of your chosen hot sauce and a generous grind of black pepper. Mix again thoroughly. This gradual approach is key to achieving your desired spice level without overdoing it. Hot sauces vary significantly in heat, so tasting as you go allows for perfect customization.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: Taste a small spoonful of the tuna salad. If you prefer more heat, add the second tablespoon of hot sauce, or even a little more, mixing well after each addition. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s impossible to take it away once added!
- Pro Tip for Extra Heat: If, after adding 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, your Buffalo Tuna Salad still isn’t spicy enough for your preference, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper instead of more liquid hot sauce. This clever trick helps intensify the heat without making the tuna salad too watery, ensuring it maintains its perfect creamy consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once you’ve achieved your ideal spice level and consistency, your Buffalo Tuna Salad is ready to be enjoyed! For an authentic buffalo experience, consider topping it with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Buffalo Tuna Salad
One of the best things about this Buffalo Tuna Salad is its incredible versatility. Beyond the classic sandwich, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy its bold flavors:
- Classic Sandwich: Pile a generous scoop of this spicy tuna salad onto your favorite bread – whole wheat, sourdough, or a soft white bread all work wonderfully. Add fresh lettuce, a slice of tomato, and perhaps some cheddar or provolone cheese for a complete and satisfying meal. For an extra kick, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing inside the sandwich complements the buffalo flavor beautifully.
- Hearty Wrap: For a lighter yet equally fulfilling option, scoop the tuna salad into a tortilla, pita bread, or a piece of lavash bread. Add some crisp greens like romaine or spinach, shredded carrots, or even some diced avocado to round out the flavors and textures. This makes for a perfect grab-and-go lunch.
- Healthy Snack or Appetizer Spread: This tuna salad makes an excellent spread for various healthy and delicious options.
- Celery Sticks: Stuff it into crisp celery sticks for a crunchy, low-carb, and protein-packed snack. This classic combination mimics buffalo wings with celery and is incredibly satisfying.
- Crackers: Serve it alongside your favorite crackers for a quick snack or a party appetizer.
- Cucumber Rounds: For a lighter, gluten-free option, spread the tuna salad onto thick slices of cucumber. The cool, fresh cucumber perfectly balances the spicy tuna.
- Bell Pepper Boats: Halve bell peppers (any color) and fill them with the tuna salad for a colorful and nutritious snack or light lunch.
- Salad Topper: Transform a simple green salad into a power meal by adding a scoop of Buffalo Tuna Salad on top. It’s a fantastic way to add protein and flavor to your favorite mixed greens.
- Lettuce Wraps: For an even lighter, low-carb meal, spoon the tuna salad into large lettuce leaves (such as butter lettuce or iceberg) and enjoy it as a fresh and crisp lettuce wrap.
Buffalo Tuna Salad
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Ingredients
- 2 5-ounce cans of albacore tuna in water, (well-drained for best results)
- 2/3 cup finely diced celery
- 1 shallot (finely diced, for mild onion flavor)
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1-2 Tablespoons Hot sauce (such as Louisiana or Frank’s Red Hot)
- Black Pepper to taste
- Optional: Cayenne pepper to taste (and Blue Cheese Crumbles for serving)
Instructions
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Thoroughly drain your tuna and gently flake it apart with a fork in a mixing bowl.
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Add the mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, and diced shallots to the bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and creamy.
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After the base is combined, add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce and black pepper to taste. Mix again. Since hot sauces vary in heat, it’s best to start with a smaller amount and then taste to determine if you’d like it spicier.
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*If, after adding 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, your Buffalo Tuna Salad is still not spicy enough for your preference, sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper. This helps to prevent the salad from becoming too watery while boosting the heat.
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For an authentic buffalo experience, try serving this tuna salad topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles.
Notes
Sandwich: Use this buffalo tuna salad as a delicious and zesty sandwich spread on your favorite bread with lettuce and tomato.
Wrap: For a quick and hearty meal, try it on a pita, tortilla, or lavash bread, adding fresh greens or other vegetables.
Spread & Snack: This tuna salad makes a fantastic, protein-rich spread to stuff into crisp celery sticks. It’s also excellent spread on crackers or cool cucumber rounds for a light snack or appetizer.
Nutrition
