Mexican Tuna Salad (Ensalada de Atún)

This Mexican Tuna Salad recipe is a great twist on a traditional tuna salad and is packed full of protein. So easy to make, simply combine lime juice and creamy mayo with cilantro, tomatoes, cucumbers and diced jalapeno for a touch of heat. Perfect for meal prep, lunches, sandwiches and wraps.

This healthy Mexican tuna salad recipe is packed with creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables. Serve with lettuce wraps for a low carb option or liven up your tuna salad sandwiches! Tuna Mexican salad is my favorite thing to make with canned tuna and the kids will even request this too - served as a tuna salad wrap.

Why You'll Love This Mexican Tuna Salad (Ensalada de Atun)

• This easy tuna salad can be prepared ready to enjoy in just 10 minutes.

• You will likely have most of the ingredients in your refrigerator and larder at home.

• Tuna is an oily fish and this tasty Mexican salad recipe is a great way of getting kids to enjoy seafood.

• Perfect for meal prep you can make this ahead of time and allow the flavors to intensify.

• A great gluten free and low carb option for a healthy lunch or light meal.

• Try some of my other favorite salad recipes:
  • Arugula Burrata Salad with Balsamic
  • Beet & Yogurt Salad
  • Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
  • Easy Quinoa Caprese Salad
  • Fall Kale Salad

Ingredients

Find the full list and quantities in the recipe card below.

Tuna Fish- use any variety of canned tuna, in oil, or spring water, whichever is your preference. I love Wild Planet.

Mayonnaise - I use store bought mayonnaise, but you can use homemade mayo if you have it - or cut the mayo with yogurt for a lighter version.

Vegetables- I've added a combination of finely sliced red onion, tomatoes and cucumber. Use any other veggies you enjoy like celery, bell peppers or corn.

Herbs - I chopped through some fresh cilantro, but parsley would also work in this salad. 

Chili - I've added a finely chopped jalapeno pepper, this is entirely optional and you can leave it out if you prefer.

How to Make Mexican Tuna Salad

Find the full printable recipe below. 

Flake the drained tuna into a large mixing bowl then add lime juice and mayonnaise to the bowl and mix well until all ingredients are coated evenly. 

Add more mayo if you want a creamier consistency.

Add the diced red onion, tomato, cucumber and jalapeno pepper (if using).

Stir through chopped fresh cilantro. 

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the amount according to your preference.

Serve the Mexican Tuna Salad on lettuce leaves. You can also use it as a filling for tacos, wraps, or sandwiches if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mexican tuna salad healthy?

Yes, tuna salad is a healthy salad, as tuna is an oil fish, and healthy fats are something we should all be enjoying in our weekly diets.

I add fresh vegetables to the tuna salad which as well as adding crunch and texture, are packed full of healthy nutrients. If you want to reduce the amount of mayo you use it's fine to sub in regular or non-fat plain greek yogurt too.

What is the best kind of tuna to use for Mexican tuna salad?

I recommend using a good quality canned tuna, in either spring water or oil, whichever you prefer.

What can I use as substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad?

My favorite substitute for mayonnaise in tuna salad, is Greek yogurt, a thick natural yogurt, or sour cream, all of which will give the same thick texture and just a touch of acidity. To make it dairy free use coconut yogurt.

How can I add even more protein?

Try adding in some more high protein-rich ingredients. For example you can make the dressing from Greek Yogurt instead of mayo to add protein. You could also add in some mashed chickpeas or some hard boiled eggs. Adding cottage cheese will also up the protein, as will lean meats like shredded chicken and soy products like tofu. So many options with this versatile dish!

Variations & Substitutions

• If you don't have red onion, a shallot or green onions are the best alternative.

• I've used freshly chopped cilantro, but you could also use fresh parsley with tuna.

• Lemon juice is the best substitution if you have no fresh lime juice.

• If you don't have romaine lettuce you can use iceberg lettuce. Tostada shells or tortilla chips are also great to serve alongside this 

• I've added a jalapeno pepper with the seeds removed. If you prefer your tuna salad milder, leave it out. Or if you prefer it spicier, don't remove the seeds.

• You can add tons of fresh veggies to this mix. Sweet corn kernels and diced red bell pepper are also great. Similarly black olives work well too.

• For an even more high protein salad, add in black beans.

• For a bright flavor and some spice, add some hot sauce.

• Avocado tuna salad is also delicious - just make sure you use ripe avocados and stir them into the mix.

Expert Tips & Tricks

You can serve this straight away but if you have time to make this 30 minutes in advance you'll find the flavors meld together nicely.

Add some more mayo and/or sour cream and you can use this as a Mexican Tuna Dip.

How To Serve Mexican Style Tuna

I've chosen to serve this Mexican salad as an easy appetizer on fresh salad leaves which add great texture and crunch.

This Mexican tuna salad recipe also makes the tastiest tuna salad sandwich, or tuna salad wrap.

Storing leftovers

If you have leftover tuna salad, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

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