• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Cook
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Easy Weeknight
    • Weekend Feasting
  • Drink
    • Cocktails
    • Wine
    • No Booze Drinks
  • Party
    • Fancy Sweets
    • Party Food

Slow The Cook Down logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Cook
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Easy Weeknight
    • Weekend Feasting
    • Breakfast and Brunch
  • Party
    • Party Food
    • Fancy Sweets
  • Drink
    • Cocktails
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Cook » Easy Weeknight

    Published: Jun 16, 2022 by Slow The Cook Down

    Buffalo Tuna Salad

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest graphic. Buffalo tuna salad with text overlay.
    Pinterest graphic. Buffalo tuna salad with text overlay.

    Spicy and creamy, this easy buffalo tuna salad is a tasty way to mix up your lunchtimes. High in protein, low in carbs and calories and keto friendly, this healthy sandwich filling takes minutes to make and is full of flavor.

    Overhead shot of buffalo tuna salad in a blue bowl with a spoon.

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my privacy policy here.

    If there's one condiment that is always to hand, it's buffalo sauce. Spicy and tangy, it's added to almost everything in our house!

    This buffalo tuna salad recipe is a great go to for a tasty lunch sandwich, or add it to fresh greens for a filling and hearty salad. Made with ranch dressing and mayo, it's nice and creamy, and the celery and red onion adds a nice crunchy texture.

    Simple to make and delicious to eat, you'll be adding this to everything!

    Be sure to try my Air Fryer Tuna Steaks and Buffalo Egg Salad too!

    Why you will love this recipe!

    • Quick and easy: It takes no more than 10 minutes to whip up a batch of this, and you just need a few basic ingredients. No cooking involved!
    • Healthy: High in protein and low in calories, this keto tuna salad is a great addition to any well balanced diet.
    • Make ahead: This is a great option of your weekly meal prep. Double up the recipe and enjoy it throughout the week.
    • Dietary info: This buffalo tuna salad is gluten-free and low carb.
    Buffalo tuna salad in a sandwich with lettuce.

    Ingredients

    • Tuna: This is a great way to make the most of that can of tuna you have in your pantry! Just drain it, mix it with the other ingredients and you are good to go.
    • Buffalo sauce: Frank's Buffalo Sauce is always my go to, but any other brand will work well.
    • Ranch Dressing and Mayonnaise: Just a little of each creates a nice creamy texture. The ranch has flavors of garlic, onions and herbs, and they help balance out the spicy kick of the buffalo sauce.
    • Onion and celery: Finely chopped to add a nice crunch to each bite.
    • Black pepper: Added to taste.

    How to make buffalo tuna salad

    Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

    • Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl (photo 1).
    • Stir to combine (photo 2).
    Two step by step photos to show how to make the recipe.

    Recipe Variations

    This buffalo tuna salad is pretty delicious as it is, but you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes. This recipe also works great with canned salmon or shredded chicken, or, opt for chickpeas or hard boiled eggs for a meat free option.

    If you want it spicier, it's best not to add more buffalo sauce as it can cause the salad to become too liquidy, instead, add in a pinch or two of cayenne. For a non spicy version, skip the buffalo sauce and add in a couple of extra tablespoons of mayonnaise.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the best tuna to use?

    I made this tuna salad with albacore tuna in spring water. It has a firmer texture and a mild flavor. Any canned tuna will work well, but I recommend not using one that is packed in oil.

    Can you make it without mayonnaise?

    If you are not a mayo fan, or want to cut down of fats and calories, then Greek yogurt is a great option. You'll still get that creamy texture with a slight tangy taste. The ranch dressing can also be replaced with this if you prefer. Miracle Whip is lower in fat and calories, though it contains more refined ingredients.

    What can you use instead of buffalo sauce?

    Buffalo sauce is smooth, rich and spicy, and quite honestly, there's nothing else quite like it! If you've run out, you can use a hot sauce or sriracha, but add in a little at a time because they tend to have a harsher and more spicy flavor.

    Buffalo tuna salad on top of a slice of bread and lettuce leaves.

    Serving Suggestions

    This buffalo tuna salad can be used in so many ways! It's great served up as a sandwich filling with some fresh lettuce for a quick and easy lunch, or use it to top a baked potato for a tasty and healthy weeknight dinner.

    For a low carb option, serve it in lettuce wraps, or on top of some fresh greens and other salad ingredient. Serve it up with some crackers for a tasty dip.

    Make Ahead and Storage

    Once made, cover the spicy tuna salad and keep refrigerated. It will keep well for around 4 days, just give it a quick stir before using. Because it contains mayo, freezing is not recommended as the texture can become grainy.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Drain the canned tuna well before mixing with the other ingredients. Use tuna that is packed in spring water rather than oil.
    • Dice the celery and red onion finely so that it's easy to eat.
    • The red onion can be replaced with green onion for a milder flavor, chives work great too.
    • Keep covered and refrigerated once made.
    Two tuna sandwiches with lettuce stacked on top of each other.

    This spicy buffalo tuna salad recipe is a great way to add some flavor to your day. Simple to make in a matter of minutes, pile it into a sandwiches for a tasty and effortless lunchtime meal.

    More Buffalo Recipes

    • Buffalo Cauliflower Steaks
    • Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
    • Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Shells
    • Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

    I love hearing from you!! If you have tried this buffalo tuna salad recipe, be sure to scroll down, give it a star rating and let me know what you thought!

    For more tasty treats, food inspiration and fun, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest – come say hi!

    Be sure to keep in touch and sign up to Slow The Cook Down to grab your free e-book ‘Stress Free Recipes Made For Sharing’

    Buffalo tuna salad in a blue bowl topped with fresh chives.

    Buffalo Tuna Salad

    Spicy and creamy, this easy buffalo tuna salad is a tasty way to mix up your lunchtimes. High in protein, low in carbs and calories and keto friendly, this healthy sandwich filling takes minutes to make and is full of flavor.
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: lunch, Sandwich
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 319kcal
    Author: Slow The Cook Down

    Ingredients

    • 2 cans tuna (each can 6oz / 170g)
    • ¼ cup buffalo sauce (4 tablespoons)
    • 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
    • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1 celery rib (chopped)
    • ¼ red onion (finely diced)
    • black pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Drain the tuna and place in a large bowl.
    • Chop the celery and red onion and add to the bowl with the other ingredients.
    • Stir well to combine and serve.

    Notes

    • Drain the canned tuna well before mixing with the other ingredients. Use tuna that is packed in spring water rather than oil.
    • Dice the celery and red onion finely so that it's easy to eat.
    • The red onion can be replaced with green onion for a milder flavor, chives work great too.
    • Keep covered and refrigerated once made.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 319kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1519mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 121IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe? Pin it today!Mention @SlowTheCookDown or tag #SlowTheCookDown!
    « Reverse Seared Lamb Chops (Mint Marinated)
    Baked Caprese Stuffed Chicken with Balsamic Reduction »
    84 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    • Flipboard
    Banner showing publications Slow The Cook Down has been featured in

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Betty Davies

    Slow The Cook Down is all about taking life down a notch - stopping to enjoy the smell from the roast chicken you just pulled from the oven. Here, there's no reason to hurry or stress; dinner will get done, and it will be delicious! Pour a glass of wine and settle in to try something new.

    More about me →

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Instagram

    Featured Recipes

    • Overhead shot of poached fish in a skillet with fresh cilantro garnish
      Poached Cod in Coconut Milk
    • Two air fryer tuna steaks garnished with sesame seed and chives.
      Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
    • Two bowls of tomato and vegetable soup topped with fresh basil leaves and black pepper.
      Air Fryer Soup
    • A gin shot in front of a gold cocktail shaker
      Gin Shots With Lime
    • Five reverse seared lamb chops in a skillet with fresh mint leaves and next to a bowl of mint sauce.
      Reverse Seared Lamb Chops (Mint Marinated)
    • A chicken frittata in a skillet on a wooden chopping board.
      Chicken Frittata

    Get Side Dish Recipes

    Logo for website 'Bite On The Side'

    Featured In

    Publications where Slow The Cook Down has been featured
    A photo of Betty Davies

    Slow The Cook Down is all about taking life down a notch - stopping to enjoy the smell from the roast chicken you just pulled from the oven. Here, there's no reason to hurry or stress; dinner will get done, and it will be delicious! Pour a glass of wine and settle in to try something new.

    More about me →

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • Instagram

    Featured Recipes

    • Overhead shot of poached fish in a skillet with fresh cilantro garnish
      Poached Cod in Coconut Milk
    • Two air fryer tuna steaks garnished with sesame seed and chives.
      Air Fryer Tuna Steaks
    • Two bowls of tomato and vegetable soup topped with fresh basil leaves and black pepper.
      Air Fryer Soup
    • A gin shot in front of a gold cocktail shaker
      Gin Shots With Lime
    • Five reverse seared lamb chops in a skillet with fresh mint leaves and next to a bowl of mint sauce.
      Reverse Seared Lamb Chops (Mint Marinated)
    • A chicken frittata in a skillet on a wooden chopping board.
      Chicken Frittata

    Get Side Dish Recipes

    Logo for website 'Bite On The Side'

    Featured In

    Publications where Slow The Cook Down has been featured

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • About Betty

    Keep in Touch

    • Sign up for updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    The Website uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on the Website. Mediavine serves content and advertisements when you visit the Website, which may use cookies. Mediavine may collect IP addresses and location to serve personalized ads. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices to opt-in or opt-out of this data collection, please visit http://www.networkadvertising.org/managing/opt_out.asp.

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.