If you love bold flavors and are looking for a quick, healthy meal, then Spicy Tuna Salad is your go-to recipe. This easy-to-make dish combines the delightful taste of canned tuna with the heat of Sriracha and a creamy dressing, giving you the perfect balance of spice and freshness. Whether you enjoy it as a salad, sandwich, or sushi bowl, this versatile dish is bound to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

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Why Spicy Tuna Salad is a Must-Try
The Spicy Tuna Salad stands out for its incredible flavor profile. Itโs quick to prepare, healthy, and filled with protein, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious lunch or snack. What makes this salad even better is that it uses canned tuna, a budget-friendly ingredient, making it an accessible recipe for everyone. The combination of creamy Greek yogurt, reduced-fat mayonnaise, and tangy soy sauce enhances the tuna, creating a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the spice from Sriracha.
This salad isnโt just tastyโitโs also adaptable. You can enjoy it in various ways, from sushi rolls to wraps, bowls, or even on top of greens for a refreshing salad. The possibilities are endless, and itโs an easy way to incorporate more fish into your diet.
Ingredients
For this flavorful Spicy Tuna Salad, youโll need the following ingredients:
โข Canned Tuna: The main protein source for the salad, offering a hearty texture and mild flavor.
โข Celery: Adds a delightful crunch and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the tuna.
โข Green Onions: Provides a sharp and slightly tangy note, elevating the saladโs flavor.
โข Greek Yogurt: A creamy base for the dressing, contributing protein and a slight tanginess.
โข Reduced Fat Mayonnaise: Brings a creamy richness while keeping the dish light.
โข Sriracha: The key ingredient for that spicy kick, making this salad stand out with heat.
โข Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and a savory flavor to the dressing.
โข Rice Vinegar: Gives a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the mayo and yogurt.
โข Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors in the salad.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If youโre looking for substitutions or have dietary restrictions, here are a few ideas:
โข Avocado: Swap the mayonnaise for mashed avocado for a healthier, creamy option.
โข Tofu: For a plant-based version, replace tuna with tofu to maintain the texture and protein content.
โข Coconut Aminos: If youโre following a gluten-free diet, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos for a similar flavor.
โข Greek Yogurt (Vegan): Opt for a dairy-free yogurt to make this recipe vegan without compromising on creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by making the dressing. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, reduced-fat mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth, adjusting the Sriracha based on your desired spice level.
- Drain the canned tuna and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add chopped celery and green onions.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the tuna mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like more spice, feel free to add extra Sriracha.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 to 60 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together before serving.

Tips & Tricks
โข Make it Spicier: If youโre a spice enthusiast, kick up the heat by adding extra Sriracha or even fresh chopped jalapeรฑos for an added crunch and spice.
โข Perfect Texture: To achieve the ideal creamy texture, ensure your Greek yogurt and mayonnaise are well-blended with the Sriracha dressing before adding it to the tuna.
โข Storage: This salad is best eaten within 2-3 days of making it. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness. If you plan to keep it longer, consider preparing the dressing ahead of time and adding the tuna and vegetables when youโre ready to serve.
โข For a Lighter Option: Use light or fat-free Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Spicy Tuna Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides and variations. Here are some pairing ideas to elevate your meal:
โข Sushi Rolls: Use this spicy tuna salad as the filling for homemade sushi rolls. Add some cucumber and avocado for freshness.
โข Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread the salad onto a sandwich or wrap, layering it with crunchy lettuce, cucumber slices, and sprouts for added texture.
โข Sushi Bowls: Make your own sushi bowl by combining the tuna salad with rice, shredded carrots, avocado, and cucumber for a light and refreshing meal.
โข Crispy Seaweed: Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crumbled seaweed on top of the salad for extra crunch and flavor.
โข Salad Base: Serve the tuna salad over a bed of leafy greens or shredded cabbage for a healthy, low-carb option.
Health Benefits of Spicy Tuna Salad
This Spicy Tuna Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues while supporting muscle health. The Greek yogurt provides a good amount of probiotics for gut health, while the Sriracha adds antioxidants and boosts metabolism. With the addition of healthy fats from the avocado (if added), this salad supports heart health and keeps you feeling full longer. This recipe is also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain and heart function.
Conclusion
Spicy Tuna Salad is the ultimate meal for anyone craving a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish. The perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory elements makes it a versatile addition to your menu, whether you enjoy it in sushi rolls, wraps, bowls, or simply as a salad. With the easy-to-find ingredients and the ability to adapt based on dietary needs, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. Itโs a must-try for anyone who loves bold, satisfying meals that come together in a matter of minutes.
Donโt miss out on this crowd-pleaserโadd Spicy Tuna Salad to your meal rotation today and elevate your lunch or dinner with a dish that brings both flavor and fun to the table.
FAQ
Can I make Spicy Tuna Salad without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can make Spicy Tuna Salad without mayonnaise. An excellent alternative is mashed avocado, which adds creaminess and healthy fats to the salad. If you prefer a tangy flavor, Greek yogurt is another great option. Both substitutes will give the salad the creamy texture youโre looking for while still keeping it light and healthy.
How can I make the Spicy Tuna Salad spicier?
If you prefer your Spicy Tuna Salad to have more heat, simply add more Sriracha to the dressing. You can adjust the spice level gradually, starting with a small amount and adding more to your taste. For an extra kick, consider mixing in some freshly chopped jalapeรฑos or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
How long does Spicy Tuna Salad last in the fridge?
Spicy Tuna Salad typically lasts 2-3 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. For the best flavor, itโs recommended to eat it within this time frame. If you want to keep the salad for a longer period, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and add the tuna and fresh vegetables when youโre ready to eat.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Spicy Tuna Salad:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Spicy Tuna Salad combines creamy, spicy, and savory flavors for a satisfying, healthy dish. Itโs made with canned tuna, Sriracha, and a creamy dressing that you can enjoy in bowls, sandwiches, or even sushi rolls. This quick and versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering both deliciousness and nutrition.
Ingredients
- 15 oz canned tuna
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for GF)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine and adjust the spice level as needed.
- Drain the canned tuna and add it to a large mixing bowl.
- Chop the celery and green onions, then add them to the tuna mixture.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the tuna and vegetables. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the Sriracha for desired spiciness.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier salad, you can substitute mashed avocado for the mayonnaise.
- Add sesame oil for extra flavor or top with sesame seeds for added crunch.
- For a spicier kick, incorporate fresh jalapeรฑos into the salad.
- This salad can be served with sushi, wraps, or over a bed of greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 188
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
