Buffalo Tuna Salad (Easy and Spicy!)

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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
🍴Ingredients
🍳 Instructions
📋 Substitutions
♨ Variations
⭐ Top tip
💭 FAQ
💕 Related
🍶 Pairing
📖 Recipe
🍲 Storage

💞 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

What kind of tuna should I use?

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.

Can I make Buffalo Tuna Salad ahead of time?

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.

What’s the best way to serve Buffalo Tuna Salad?

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!

Looking for other lunch recipes? Try these:

See more Lunch Recipes →

🍶 Pairing

Elevate your lunch by pairing this Buffalo Tuna Salad with these must-try recipes from Goodley Living:

📖 Recipe