Buffalo Tuna Salad

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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.

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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

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