Spicy Zesty Tuna Salad (Printable)

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

# Components:

→ 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
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)

# Steps:

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 to the bowl. Gently mix until the tuna is evenly coated with the dressing.
03 - Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice or hot sauce for additional flavor intensity.
04 - Serve immediately garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less time to make than waiting for delivery and tastes so much fresher.
  • The spicy mayo creates this creamy, tangy coating that makes every bite addictive.
  • You can adjust the heat level without losing any of the flavor.
  • It works as a sandwich filling, a wrap, or straight from the bowl with crackers.
02 -
  • Always drain the tuna really well or the salad will be watery and the dressing won't stick properly.
  • Start with less Sriracha than you think you need because the heat builds as it sits.
  • If you're making this ahead, wait to add the scallions and celery until just before serving so they stay crisp.
03 -
  • Use a fork to flake the tuna gently instead of mashing it, this keeps the salad from turning into paste.
  • Taste your Sriracha first because some brands are much hotter than others and you can always add more but can't take it back.
  • A pinch of smoked paprika in the dressing adds an unexpected layer of flavor that people will notice but can't quite place.
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