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Home » Recipes » Seafood

Mexican Tuna Salad

Published: Jun 16, 2023 · Modified: Oct 18, 2023 by Sarah Baumeister · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This Mexican Tuna Salad, or ensalada de atun, is fresh and flavorful. Full of chopped veggies and seasonings like cilantro, lime, and cumin, this tuna salad recipe is great on its own, with tortilla chips, or in a wrap.

up close of mexican tuna on butter lettuce.

Mexican tuna salad is an easy to make lunch is a healthy meal that is chock full of protein and vegetables. Something a little different from your standard tuna salad. This recipe is keto, gluten free, and dairy free. 

angled shot of tuna salad.

Why you'll love this tuna salad recipe

  • Healthy: Tuna is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids. The vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
  • Pescatarian: A great way to get more fish into your life. Next try this Mediterranean Baked Cod.
  • Colorful: All of the vegetables add great color and zest to this dish.

Mexican Tuna Salad Ingredients

ingredients for mexican tuna salad on a wooden background.
  • canned tuna: I prefer tuna in water, but feel free to use tuna in olive oil if that's what you have on hand. My absolute favorite brand of tuna is Safe Catch. The flavor is great, with no overly "fishy" taste. Each can is mercury tested as well, so it is a safe option to eat regularly. 
  • mayonnaise: This serves as a binder for the tuna salad. You can use sour cream or greek yogurt as a substitute. 
  • jalapeno: Fresh or pickled jalapenos both work great to give this dish a bit of a kick. 
  • red bell pepper: Any color works! Bell pepper adds a nice crunch.
  • red onion: Red onion is a great onion for using raw in salads because the flavor is slightly milder.
  • corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned.
  • cilantro: This adds a signature taste. If you don't like cilantro, you can use fresh parsley instead.
  • cumin: Adds a distinct smokiness and taco flavor. 
  • salt
  • fresh lime juice: Acid is a great addition to any tuna salad for a bit of a "bite."

How to Make Mexican Tuna Salad

mashed tuna in a bowl in the middle of other salad ingredients.

Step 1. In a mixing bowl, add drained tuna and mash with a fork to break it up slightly.

tuna salad ingredients in a bowl unmixed.

Step 2. Add diced red onion, diced bell pepper, chopped cilantro, corn kernels, finely chopped jalapeño pepper, lime juice, cumin, and mayo. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Add salt to taste.

Recipe Tips

bowl of mexican tuna salad with limes for garnish.
  • Chop everything in uniform sizes for optimal taste and texture. 
  • Drain the canned tuna well so that it is not overly watery.

Variations

  • Add black beans for even more protein.
  • Add avocado for more healthy fat. If you want to check out something similar, see this guacamole chicken salad.
  • Use canned chicken in place of tuna if you prefer the taste.
overhead of scoop of tuna on lettuce.

How to Serve

Serve this southwest tuna salad a variety of ways.

  • in a tortilla wrap
  • on crackers
  • on lettuce wraps
  • on tostada shells 

more recipes with tuna

  • Tuna Casserole
  • Kimchi Tuna Fried Rice
  • Tuna Pesto Pasta
  • Tuna Rice Salad
  • Tuna Wraps with Lettuce
  • Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
scoop of mexican tuna on butter lettuce.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best canned tuna?

While this will vary on personal preferences, my absolute favorite canned tuna is Safe Catch Tuna. Other great brands are Wild Planet, American Tuna, and Genova. Important things to look for are pole or line caught, packed in its own juices, and mercury tested.

Can you use another fish besides tuna?

Sure! Canned Salmon would work well. 

What is the best substitute for mayo in tuna?

If you would prefer not to use mayo, the best substitutes are greek yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, and mashed avocado.

Did you enjoy this Mexican Tuna Salad Recipe? I would love for you to let me know by leaving a comment and star rating. I can't wait to hear from you!

finished tuna salad scoop on lettuce.

Mexican Tuna Salad

Sarah Baumeister
Mexican Tuna Salad, or ensalada de etun, is fresh and flavorful and full of color. This easy lunch recipe is packed with protein.
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course All Recipes, Lunch, Seafood
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 2 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 5 oz. tuna cans drained
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper small dice
  • ¼ cup frozen corn
  • 2 tbsp. cilantro chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion small dice
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 jalapeno finely diced

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, add drained tuna and mash with a fork to break it up slightly.
  • Add diced red onion, diced bell pepper, chopped cilantro, corn kernels, finely chopped jalapeño pepper, lime juice, cumin, and mayo.
  • Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Add salt to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 34gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 563mgPotassium: 538mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1702IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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4.80 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I'm Sarah!

I am a wife, mother, and believer. I have been cooking since I can remember and love sharing recipes with all of you. You will find a variety of recipes here from healthy family dinners, to ways to prepare venison, to soups, to baked goods, anything and everything delicious.

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