Introduction

This Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad is a high-protein, flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Packed with creamy cottage cheese and a spicy kick of Buffalo sauce, it’s a tasty twist on a classic tuna salad that’s simple to prepare.

Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad (High Protein Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 (5 oz) cans tuna (drained and flaked)
½ cup celery, finely chopped (~2 stalks)
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¾ cup cottage cheese
3 Tbsp Buffalo sauce (I use Primal Kitchen brand)
2 Tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper (more to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Flake the tuna into a medium or large bowl. If you’re using Safe Catch or Wild Planet tuna, there’s no need to drain it.
Step 2: Finely chop the celery and red onion. Add them along with the cottage cheese to the bowl with the tuna, then mix well.
Step 3: Stir in the lemon juice, Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to combine. Taste the salad and adjust with more Buffalo sauce or salt if desired.
Step 5: For convenience, chop the celery and onions ahead of time so the salad can come together quickly when you’re ready to eat.

Tips & Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture and added creaminess.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
Serve the salad over lettuce or in a whole-grain wrap for a satisfying meal.

Storage

Store the Buffalo Tuna Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving and enjoy cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the texture of cottage cheese and tuna may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?

While fresh tuna can be used, this recipe is designed for canned tuna which is more convenient and already cooked. If using fresh tuna, cook it thoroughly, then flake and proceed with the recipe.

Is this salad spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the Buffalo sauce you use. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the Buffalo sauce or choose a milder brand. You can always add more sauce later for extra heat.

Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad (High Protein Recipe) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

This Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad is a high-protein, flavorful dish that combines the spicy kick of Buffalo sauce with the creaminess of cottage cheese and the freshness of celery and red onion. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, this no-cook recipe is simple to prepare and packed with nutrients.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained and flaked
½ cup celery, finely chopped (~2 stalks)
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¾ cup cottage cheese
3 Tbsp Buffalo sauce (preferably Primal Kitchen brand)
2 Tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp kosher salt (or more to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper (or more to taste)

Instructions

Flake the tuna: In a medium or large bowl, flake the tuna using a fork. If you are using Safe Catch or Wild Planet tuna, draining is unnecessary as these are low-moisture options.
Chop vegetables: Finely chop the celery and red onion. Add these freshly chopped veggies along with the cottage cheese to the bowl with tuna. Mix well to combine evenly.
Add seasonings and sauce: Pour in the lemon juice, Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the tuna and vegetable mixture.
Combine and adjust flavors: Thoroughly mix all ingredients until everything is evenly incorporated. Taste the salad and adjust the Buffalo sauce or salt as desired to suit your spice preference.
Prepare in advance: For ease, chop the celery and onions ahead of time so the salad comes together quickly at mealtime.