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This buffalo tuna salad is a tangy, spicy twist on classic tuna salad that's perfect for anyone looking for a quick lunch idea or a high-protein snack. Made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with buffalo flavors, it's ready in just 5 minutes and fits perfectly into Whole30, Paleo, and Keto lifestyles. Whether you're enjoying it with fresh veggies, crackers, or over a bed of lettuce, this dish is versatile, flavorful, and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Buffalo Tuna Salad Recipe
Any other tuna salad lovers out there? I've always been a huge fan of tuna salad since I was little. I used to make sandwiches using my Mickey sandwich maker…the old school one where you could make shapes with the bread and squirt mayo out of a tube. Anyone else? Anyway, it has always been tuna for me, there's just something about the versatility of it that makes it a staple in my kitchen.
Whether it's this spicy and tangy dish, my ahi tuna cakes with mango avocado salad, for a tropical twist, the comforting and nostalgic healthy tuna noodle casserole, or the fresh and vibrant healthy tuna pasta salad, tuna is just always a winner in my book.
This buffalo version takes me back to my tuna salad melts on my Mickey sandwich maker while adding a delicious kick of heat, healthy fats, and tangy goodness. There are a variety of ways you can eat this tuna salad but my absolute favorite way to eat it is with some Siete Foods grain-free tortilla chips, but it's awesome for lunch or a light dinner in lettuce wraps or regular sandwiches, and on top of salads, too!
Ingredient Notes
- Tuna: The main ingredient! Tuna adds lean protein and works perfectly as a base for this salad. Feel free to use any canned tuna brand, but I love Wild Planet for its quality and sustainability.
- Carrot: Gives the salad a natural sweetness and a nice crunch. If you don't like carrots you can swap it for diced red or orange bell pepper.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, crisp texture that balances the creamy and spicy elements. Chopped cucumber could work in a pinch.
- Mayo: Creates the creamy, rich base that brings the salad together. Be sure to use a Whole30-compliant mayo if needed (I like Primal Kitchen). For a lower-fat option, swap the mayo for plain non-fat Greek yogurt, or use a mix of half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a balanced flavor!
- Frank's Red Hot: Adds the perfect amount of heat and tanginess to give it that classic buffalo flavor. Any hot sauce you love will work here. Want a spicy tuna salad? Add a pinch of cayenne peppers.
- Fresh Dill: Brightens the salad with a herby pop of flavor. If you're out, parsley or even dried dill could work.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth that rounds out the buffalo sauce. Smoked paprika would be a great alternative if you want more of that BBQ vibe.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together. Use your favorite salt here and adjust to taste. If you want you can sprinkle in some black pepper as well.
For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the printable recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a medium bowl. If using Wild Planet or Safe Catch tuna, you do not need to drain it!
Step 2: Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in the creamy buffalo goodness.
Step 3: Serve tuna salad on a slice of whole grain brain, in a lettuce wrap, or with chips, crackers, or celery sticks. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- If you're not a fan of canned tuna's texture, give it a quick rinse and pat dry before using.
- For a lower-fat option, swap the mayo for plain non-fat Greek yogurt or you can try using half mayo and half Greek yogurt-it adds tanginess and an extra protein boost!
Serving Tips
- This recipe pairs perfectly with creamy avocado, cottage cheese dip with ranch dressing, or even a drizzle of blue cheese dressing if that's your thing.
- Use it as a filling for wraps or serve it over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.
- If you want to add more crunchy veggies to your salad some great options would be green onions, shredded carrots, bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or diced red onion.
- Making a tuna melt out of this buffalo tuna salad would be super delicious! Let me know if you try it.
- Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw or some crispy baked potato wedges.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute any settled ingredients.
This leftover buffalo tuna salad is great for meal prep-just portion it out and enjoy it throughout the week.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
If your little ones aren't fans of spicy foods, you can reduce the hot sauce or omit it entirely.
More Easy Salad Recipes
Healthy Chicken Salad with Grapes
Easy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
High Protein Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 2 5 oz cans tuna, I like Wild Planet Foods brand
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- ¼ cup mayo, check labels if doing Whole30
- 2 tbsp Frank’s Red Hot, or hot sauce of choice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- If using Wild Planet or Safe Catch brands, do not drain it! Mix all ingredients together well in a medium-sized bowl. Serve with chips, crackers, in lettuce wraps, or on a sandwich or salad! Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lower fat option, swap the mayo for plain non-fat Greek yogurt or you can try using half mayo and half Greek yogurt-it adds tanginess and an extra protein boost!
- If you're not a fan of canned tuna's texture, give it a quick rinse and pat dry before using.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving to redistribute any settled ingredients.
- This leftover buffalo tuna salad is great for meal prep-just portion it out and enjoy it throughout the week.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
I wasn’t sure that I would like this recipe. I’m not a huge fan of buffalo sauce. I was pleasantly surprised. Very tasty. I will be making this tuna salad again.
I am so glad you liked it!
So delicious!
Thanks Karen!
This is DELICIOUS! I’m so glad I found your blog. I swear we have the same taste buds. I’ve never made anything of yours I didn’t like.
How long do you think this recipe might last in the fridge? I’m hoping to make this for a meal prep (if possible) in the future. Thanks!
Thanks Liz!! I would say up to 4 days 🙂
Tried this tonight and my daughter loved it. I was not expecting her to like it as she doesn’t like celery or franks…I added smoked gouda for cheese. Thanks for this great recipe
Love the cheese addition! Thank you!
I made this on the cauliflower thins and these are delish 🤤 really really will be making these regularly!
Thank you!
Thank you Diane!
Yummy yummy yummy! Made this with the cauliflower thins and it was delish!
Glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you 🙂
Super yummy! I’ve been craving tuna lately and this was a delicious twist on a classic
Thanks Jessica!
I would NEVER have put these ingredients together on my own but I love everything Mary makes so I figured I would try it as I’m trying to get new lunch ideas. OMG! It’s so dang good. I didn’t have dill so I literally chopped up some pickles and added those in! 💣
Pickles are a great idea! So glad you loved it!!
This tuna salad is amazing! I can’t stop eating it!!
This is a quick and easy recipe that tastes soooo good!! A frequent recipe in my lunch rotation.