This Mexican-inspired tuna salad has quickly become one of my favorite quick lunches. It’s creamy, tangy, full of bright flavors, and so versatile — you can serve it with crackers, fresh veggies, or even in a sandwich. And with about 20 grams of protein per serving, it keeps you full and satisfied without weighing you down.
I first made this after a trip to Mexico, where every meal was bursting with fresh produce, bright citrus, and bold seasonings. Back home, I wanted to capture those flavors but with ingredients I could easily keep on hand. The result? A simple, pantry-friendly recipe that’s now in my weekly meal prep rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Protein-packed – About 20g of protein per serving makes it a filling lunch or snack.
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Pantry-friendly – Canned tuna, beans, and corn mean you can make this anytime.
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Meal-prep magic – Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for grab-and-go lunches.
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Versatile – Enjoy it with crackers, on toast, in lettuce wraps, or even as a taco filling.
Tips From My Kitchen
Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this salad even better:
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Flake the tuna finely – Using a fork to break up the tuna into small pieces ensures the dressing coats everything evenly.
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Balance the creaminess – I like using a mix of Greek yogurt and mayo for a creamy texture with extra protein, but you can use all of one or the other.
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Fresh lime is key – Bottled lime juice works in a pinch, but fresh lime juice really brightens up the flavors.
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Adjust the heat – Add more or less jalapeño depending on how much spice you like.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This salad is perfect for meal prep:
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Portioning: Divide it into small containers for easy, ready-to-go lunches.
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Refresh before serving: Give it a quick stir before eating — the dressing can settle a bit in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is as versatile as it is flavorful. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
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With crackers and fresh veggies for a snack plate.
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In a sandwich or wrap with crisp lettuce and tomato.
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In lettuce cups for a light, low-carb lunch.
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As a taco filling topped with avocado and salsa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of tuna is best?
I prefer tuna packed in water for a lighter flavor, but tuna in olive oil adds richness if that’s what you like.
What can I serve this with?
It’s great with tortilla chips, sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or stuffed into pita pockets.
Can I make this with other canned fish?
Yes! Canned salmon or mackerel both work well and give the salad a slightly different twist.
Mexican Tuna Salad
This Mexican-inspired tuna salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with protein—perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- ⅛ tsp ground cumin
- ⅛ tsp chili powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lime (about 1 tbsp)
- ½ cup corn kernels
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ⅓ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp diced red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp diced jalapeño (adjust for spice preference)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lime juice. Use a fork to gently flake the tuna and mix until creamy and well blended.
- Fold in the corn, red pepper, black beans, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Serve chilled with crackers, fresh veggie sticks, chips, or on a bed of greens for a light but satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Low-carb twist: Scoop it into lettuce cups or stuff into avocados for a keto-friendly option.
- Meal prep friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 221Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 24mgSodium 186mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 2gSugar 10gProtein 16g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Mexican tuna salad is the kind of recipe that makes meal prep feel exciting again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and so easy to customize to your taste. Whether you’re packing lunches for the week or just need a quick snack, this protein-packed salad will keep you fueled and happy.
Make a batch this week, and you’ll see why it’s one of those simple recipes you’ll keep coming back to — bright, satisfying, and ready whenever you are.
