This Buffalo Tuna Salad is a creamy, spicy twist on classic tuna salad, packed with bold flavors and a satisfying kick. It’s perfect for quick lunches, wraps, or a protein-packed dip. Plus, it’s keto-friendly and easy to customize! I made it with homemade buffalo sauce, which was so easy to make.
For more Buffalo-inspired goodness, try pairing this with my Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Wings for a game-day spread. This would also go great with some Boursin Cheese Dip, perfect for balancing out the spicy with something creamy and delicious.
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💞 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 5 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute meal.
- Keto & Low-Carb – Packed with protein and healthy fats, with no unnecessary carbs.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Versatile – Enjoy it as a sandwich, in lettuce wraps, or as a dip with crunchy veggies.
- Bold Buffalo Flavor – If you love Buffalo wings, this tuna salad will hit the spot!
🍴Ingredients
- Canned tuna, drained
- Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- Buffalo sauce
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Finely chopped celery (or bell pepper for crunch)
- Chopped green onions or red onion
- Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Add ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
Step 2: Add Veggies
Stir in the celery, onions, and blue cheese (if using).
Step 3: Season
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add more buffalo sauce to make it spicier.
Step 4: Chill or Serve
Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Hint: For extra flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving—it helps the Buffalo sauce really soak in!
📋 Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Skip the blue cheese and use a dairy-free mayo or Greek yogurt alternative. Check that your Buffalo sauce doesn’t contain butter.
- Low-Fat: Swap mayonnaise for nonfat Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping it creamy.
♨ Variations
- Buffalo Tuna Lettuce Wraps – Serve in crisp romaine or butter lettuce cups.
- Buffalo Tuna Stuffed Avocado – Scoop into halved avocados for a creamy, low-carb meal.
- Buffalo Tuna Melt – Top with cheese and broil on a slice of sourdough or keto bread.
⭐ Top tip
If you like it extra spicy, add a dash of cayenne pepper or drizzle additional Buffalo sauce on top before serving.
💭 FAQ
Canned chunk light tuna in water is a great option for a lighter texture, while solid albacore tuna gives a firmer bite. You can also use tuna in oil for extra richness.
Yes! This recipe stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge. The flavors get even better as it sits, but you may need to stir before serving since the dressing can settle.
You can enjoy it in a lettuce wrap, stuffed into an avocado, as a sandwich filling, or with cucumber slices and celery sticks for dipping. It’s super versatile!
💕 Related
Looking for other lunch recipes? Try these:
🍶 Pairing
Elevate your lunch by pairing this Buffalo Tuna Salad with these must-try recipes from Goodley Living:
📖 Recipe
Buffalo Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 2 5oz cans tuna drained
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 6 tablespoon Buffalo sauce adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- ¼ cup celery finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon crumbled blue cheese optional
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, Buffalo sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Stir in the celery, onions, and blue cheese (if using).
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Notes
Nutrition
🍲 Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.
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