Spicy Zesty Tuna Salad (Print Version)

Protein-rich tuna salad with spicy mayo, fresh lemon juice, and crisp scallions for a zesty kick.

# 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 (optional)
11 - Lemon wedges

# 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, scallions, and celery if using to the bowl. Gently mix until tuna is evenly coated with the dressing.
03 - Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or hot sauce according to preference.
04 - Serve immediately garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavor development.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under ten minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • The spicy mayo and lemon juice make every bite bright and addictive instead of bland and boring.
  • It works for so many meals, from quick lunches to late night snacks when you need real food fast.
02 -
  • Drain your tuna really well by pressing it with a fork in the strainer, otherwise the salad gets soupy and the flavors dilute.
  • 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.
  • Fresh lemon juice is non negotiable, the bottled stuff tastes flat and chemical next to the real thing.
03 -
  • Use tuna packed in water instead of oil so the dressing can really cling to the fish and flavor every bite.
  • Let the salad sit for ten minutes after mixing so the flavors meld together, it makes a surprisingly big difference.
  • Always taste before serving and adjust the seasoning, because canned tuna varies in saltiness and you want perfect balance.
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