Viral Tuna Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Viral Tuna Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Combining creamy mayonnaise with zesty wasabi and crunchy jalapeño chips, it’s a perfect lunch or snack that’s quick to prepare and full of exciting textures.

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise (plus more as desired)
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons wasabi paste
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
• ⅓ cup crispy jalapeño chips (crushed)
• ⅓ cup finely chopped apple
• ½ cup canned corn kernels (drained)
• ½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 10 ounces tuna packed in olive oil (drained)
• Sea salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, wasabi paste, and Italian seasoning to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
2. Step 2: Add the finely chopped red onion, dill pickles, crushed jalapeño chips, chopped apple, drained corn kernels, and thawed peas to the bowl.
3. Step 3: Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the drained tuna, taking care not to break it up too much. Taste, then add sea salt and pepper as needed.
5. Step 5: Serve the tuna salad chilled, accompanied by extra pickles or tortilla chips for added crunch.

Tips & Variations

• For a healthier version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo alternative.
• Add chopped celery or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
• Use plain potato chips instead of jalapeño chips for a milder flavor.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the wasabi paste.

Storage

Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving again. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat slightly if serving warm—though this salad is typically served chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

This recipe works best with canned tuna for convenience and texture. If using fresh tuna, cook and cool it before mixing, but expect a different texture and flavor.

How spicy is this salad with wasabi and jalapeño chips?

The wasabi paste and jalapeño chips add a mild to moderate heat. You can adjust the amount of wasabi or omit the jalapeño chips if you prefer a less spicy salad.

Viral Tuna Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

This Viral Tuna Salad is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the traditional tuna salad, featuring a creamy wasabi-infused dressing combined with crunchy jalapeño chips, tangy pickles, sweet corn, and fresh apple for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s quick to prepare and makes an excellent protein-packed lunch or snack.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise (plus more as desired)
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons wasabi paste
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salad Mix-Ins

• 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
• ⅓ cup crispy jalapeño chips (crushed)
• ⅓ cup finely chopped apple
• ½ cup canned corn kernels (drained)
• ½ cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 10 ounces tuna packed in olive oil (drained)
• Sea salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons wasabi paste, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful, tangy dressing.
2. Add salad mix-ins: To the dressing, add 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion, 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles, ⅓ cup crushed crispy jalapeño chips, ⅓ cup finely chopped apple, ½ cup drained canned corn kernels, and ½ cup thawed frozen peas. Stir thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Incorporate the tuna: Gently fold in the drained 10 ounces of tuna packed in olive oil to the mixture, taking care not to break up the tuna too much. This keeps a nice texture in the salad.
4. Season and adjust: Taste the salad and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Add extra mayonnaise if a creamier consistency is desired.
5. Serve: Serve your viral tuna salad chilled, accompanied by extra pickles or tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

• For best flavor, use high-quality canned tuna packed in olive oil.
• Frozen peas should be thawed completely and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
• Adjust the wasabi paste quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Jalapeño chips add a spicy crunch; substitute with other crispy chips if desired.

Keywords: tuna salad, wasabi tuna salad, quick tuna recipe, no cook salad, spicy tuna salad, jalapeño chips, healthy lunch, protein salad