This Mexican Tuna Salad is a quick and flavorful twist on traditional tuna salad – bursting with zesty lime, creamy avocado, and crunchy veggies. Ready in under 10 minutes and packed with protein, it’s perfect for busy lunches, light dinners, or easy meal prep. Whether you’re watching carbs or just craving something fresh, this healthy tuna salad delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
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:
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 Protein-Packed 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
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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More Easy Salad Recipe Ideas
Printable Recipe
Mexican Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 oz Canned Tuna - drained
- ½ Lime - juice only
- ⅓ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Red Onion - finely diced
- ½ cup Tomatoes - finely diced
- ½ cup Cucumber - finely diced
- ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro (Coriander) - finely chopped
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper - seeds removed, finely chopped (optional)
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper - to taste
To Serve
- Fresh Salad Leaves
Instructions
- Flake the tuna with a fork into a mixing bowl.
- Add lime juice and mayonnaise to the bowl and mix well until all ingredients are coated evenly. You can add more mayo if desired for a creamier consistency.
- Add the diced red onion, tomato, cucumber and jalapeno pepper (if using).
- Stir through the 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.
Carol says
Quick & easy lunch store cupboard ingredients. The children love it, such a good way to get them to eat fish
Jo Keohane says
Thanks so much for your comment!