Introduction

This Viral Tuna Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic favorite, packed with bold flavors and crunchy textures. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it combines creamy, tangy, and spicy elements for an exciting bite every time.

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise (plus more as desired)
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons wasabi paste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
3 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
⅓ cup crispy jalapeño chips (crushed)
⅓ cup finely chopped apple
½ cup canned corn kernels (drained)
½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
10 ounces tuna packed in olive oil (drained)
Sea salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, wasabi paste, and Italian seasoning to create the dressing.
Step 2: Add the finely chopped red onion, dill pickles, crushed jalapeño chips, chopped apple, corn kernels, and thawed peas to the bowl.
Step 3: Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Gently fold in the drained tuna, being careful not to break it up too much. Taste and season with sea salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve the salad with extra pickles or tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, add more mayonnaise to suit your taste.
Try substituting wasabi paste with horseradish for a different spicy kick.
You can swap crispy jalapeño chips for crushed tortilla chips if preferred.
Use fresh peas instead of frozen for a sweeter bite when in season.

Storage

Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be served chilled. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna packed in water instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use tuna packed in water, but the salad may be slightly less rich. Draining well is important regardless of the packing.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It holds up well for a day or two in the fridge, making it a convenient option for quick meals throughout the week.

Viral Tuna Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

This Viral Tuna Salad is a flavorful twist on the classic tuna dish, combining creamy mayonnaise with zesty wasabi paste, tangy vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. Enhanced by crunchy jalapeño chips, sweet apples, and a medley of vegetables, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and bold flavors perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise (plus more as desired)
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons wasabi paste
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salad Mix

3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
3 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
⅓ cup crispy jalapeño chips (crushed)
⅓ cup finely chopped apple
½ cup canned corn kernels (drained)
½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
10 ounces tuna packed in olive oil (drained)
Sea salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons wasabi paste, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
Add vegetables and chips: Stir in the finely chopped red onion, dill pickles, crushed jalapeño chips, chopped apple, canned corn kernels, and thawed peas into the dressing mixture. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
Combine the tuna: Gently fold in the drained tuna packed in olive oil, ensuring the fish remains chunky. Be careful not to overmix to maintain texture.
Season to taste: Taste the salad and add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
Serve: Serve the tuna salad immediately, optionally accompanied by extra dill pickles or tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil for richer flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the wasabi paste slightly or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This salad can be chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Great served over mixed greens or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Feel free to substitute jalapeño chips with your favorite crunchy chips if unavailable.

Keywords: tuna salad, viral tuna salad, wasabi tuna salad, quick tuna recipe, no-cook salad, creamy tuna salad, jalapeño chips salad