Spicy tuna salad with chipotle may be the tastiest and trendy way to have tuna. Nothing beats that smoky flavor! Enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, on crackers, tuna melts and more.
I also like to use tuna for making Tuna Melt Crescent Ring or even Spicy Fish Cakes.
Spicy Tuna Salad with Chipotle
There may be a zillion ways to make tuna salad. But this one is packed with flavor. The special ingredient here are the chipotle peppers, which adds an incredible smoky flavor to the creamy tuna salad. There are several other ingredients that enhance the flavor profile even further.
What is Chipotle?
Chipotle peppers are popularly used in Mexican and southwestern cuisine. They are basically ripe jalapeños that are smoke dried. And most commonly available canned in adobo sauce.
What Do You Need
Tuna: Try to get a gourmet brand, as the processing usually aims to preserve flavor and nutrients. And packed in water is better. But if you have tuna in oil, make sure to drain the oil pretty well.
Mayo: This is a classic ingredient for tuna salad. Try avocado oil or olive oil based.
Greek Yogurt: I used Greek yogurt to lighten up the salad. You can use all mayo if you want the full traditional creamy texture.
Celery: Again a classic ingredient, almost mandatory for a good tuna salad. Adds flavor and crunch.
Red onion: Some chopped red onion for flavor and texture.
Red Bell Pepper: Pairs well with chipotle and also adds a nice appearance for a spicy salad.
Chipotle: These peppers sold in smoky adobo sauce are easily available.
Sweet Relish: Gives nice sweet surprises in a spicy salad.
Capers: For tangy little bites.
Herbs: Use cilantro, parsley, basil or chives etc.
Garlic: Some grated garlic for flavor.
Lime Zest: You can use lemon zest too.
How to Make It
- Drain the canned tuna really well.
- Crumble the tuna into a mixing bowl. Add mayo, yogurt, chopped celery, chopped red onion, chopped red bell pepper, chipotle peppers, sweet relish, capers, chopped herbs, grated garlic and lemon zest.
- Combine it all together very well. Season with salt and pepper as per taste.
Is Tuna Healthy?
Tuna is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin D and selenium. It is low in saturated fat content and provides high quality protein.
This oily fish is especially well known for its content of long chain omega-3 fatty acids that are associated with reduced risk of heart disease, better brain function and support of normal growth and development.
But watch out for the mercury content in tuna. Albacore tuna has better flavor but three times more mercury than the light skipjack tuna. However, these can be had in moderation. Learn more about the suggested amounts for tuna.
How to Serve Tuna Salad
Sandwiches: Serve it sandwiched between whole grain or rye bread. You may use salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, sprouts, or boiled egg slices with the salad.
Tuna Melt: Place a slice of cheese and tuna salad between bread slices and grill, brushing some oil or butter on the outside.
Wraps: Make cold wraps with tuna salad and avocado slices, crunchy carrot and cucumber sticks. To make warm wraps, add some grated cheese with the filling, flatten the wrap slightly and grill.
Crackers: Line the crackers with baby spinach and top with a dollop of tuna salad and sprinkle of toasted sesame, pumpkin or sunflower seeds. A sprinkle of black seeds especially adds an eastern flavor dimension.
On Greens: Serve tuna salad over romaine lettuce, arugula leaves o baby spinach.
Stuffed Veggies: Use hollowed out small and firm tomatoes, avocados, mushrooms, cucumbers or sweet peppers to stuff with tuna salad.
Variations
It is already gluten free, nut free and soy free.
- Dairy Free: Use only mayo
- Egg Free: Skip the mayo. Instead use sour cream, cream cheese, Greek yogurt or tahini.
- Low Carb: Replace bread with collard greens, cabbage leaves, romaine lettuce, kale leaves etc, to make wraps. Collard leaves and cabbage leaves will need to be prepared to soften them for use.
- Healthier: Mayo is a traditional ingredient but you can lighten it up by using only Greek yogurt, light sour cream, light mayo, light cream cheese with yogurt, tahini or some nut butters.
Tips and Notes for Tuna Salad
- Drain the tuna cans really well. You want to have a creamy salad that is not wet.
- Greek yogurt is generally thick. But it helps to drain that a bit more using a cheesecloth lined small colander or sieve.
- Tuna salad can be refrigerated in airtight container for couple days. Don't leave the salad out at room temperature for too long.
- You may freeze the salad for use later. Make sure to drain the liquid after thawing.
- Add some smoky paprika for a spicier appearance, taste and enhanced smoky flavor.
More Fish and Seafood Recipes:
- Spicy Pan Seared Fish
- Shrimp Rice with Quinoa
- Almond Crusted Baked Fish
- Easy Masala Shrimp Fry
- Indian Fish Curry
★ DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE COMMENT AND GIVE IT A STAR RATING BELOW!
Spicy Tuna Salad with Chipotle
Ingredients
- 4 cans (5 oz each) tuna light, packed in water, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise light, avocado oil or olive oil based
- ½ cup Greek yogurt drained
- ⅓ cup chopped celery finely
- 2 tablespoon chopped red onion finely
- 2 tablespoon chopped red bell pepper finelu
- 2 to 3 tablespoon chipotle peppers (chipotle in adobo sauce) chopped
- 2 tablespoon sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro or basil/parsley/chives/dill
- 1 clove garlic grated
- 2 teaspoon lime zest organic
- Salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drain the canned tuna really well. Squeeze it in a colander or sieve if necessary.
- Crumble the tuna into a mixing bowl. Add mayonnaise, drained Greek yogurt, chopped celery, chopped red onion, chopped red bell pepper, chopped chipotle peppers, sweet relish, capers, chopped herbs, grated garlic and lemon zest.Tip: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers as per taste.
- Combine it all together very well into a creamy and thick salad. Season with salt and pepper as per taste.
- Serve it as sandwiches with whole grain bread, wraps, on crackers, on a bed of greens or stuffed in veggies.
Notes
- Greek yogurt is generally thick. But try to drain that a bit more using a cheesecloth lined small colander or sieve.
- Store salad refrigerated in airtight container for couple days. Don't keep the salad at room temperature for too long.
- Tuna salad can be frozen for later use. Thaw and drain any liquids.
- Add some smoky paprika for a spicier appearance, taste and enhanced smoky flavor.
Bintu says
These chipotle peppers sound like they add the tastiest flavour to the tuna salad! It sounds delicious.
Roxana Begum says
Yes they do :)
Sandhya Hariharan says
I love adding Chipotle to my salad too. They make everything so wonderful.
Roxana Begum says
Thats great.
Tawnie Kroll says
I am all about a good tuna salad and this was the best one I have ever had, I loved the spice!!
Roxana Begum says
Thanks Tawnie.
Tammy says
Ahh the chipotle is a genius idea! This looks super flavorful and delicious...loving the hint of spice! Definitely need to try this next time :D
Roxana Begum says
Yeah it worked so well with the tuna.
Anita says
I always love a good tuna salad, and this one is perfect with a bit of spicy kick from the chipotle. I will be using this for my tuna sandwich from now on. :)
Roxana Begum says
So glad you like it Anita :)