Spicy Tuna Salad

Every so often, I get a strong craving for sushi, and this Spicy Tuna Salad was created during one of those moments when sushi wasn't an option. With no car and a serious craving for spicy tuna, I mixed together some canned tuna with a simple spicy mayo-style dressing and instantly knew this would become a regular in our house. It's creamy, spicy, and full of those familiar sushi-inspired flavors, but made with ingredients I almost always have on hand.

Some days it becomes a quick sandwich, other days it's the star of a sushi bowl piled with rice and crunchy veggies. When I want something fresh and light, I scoop it over greens or tuck it inside lettuce cups.

If you're a fan of spicy tuna or just need a fast, flavorful lunch idea, this one's going to be a keeper!

Before You Get Started

Here are a few helpful notes to look over before you begin so your tuna salad comes out flavorful and creamy every time.

• Choose the right tuna: Water-packed tuna is lighter and higher in Omega-3s, while oil-packed tuna is richer (choose olive oil if you go that route). For flavor and lower mercury, skipjack or tongol are great options. Chunk-style tuna also mixes more easily and is more affordable than solid tuna.
• Choose your mayo: For the most traditional spicy tuna flavor, use Japanese mayonnaise, called Kewpie. This has a slightly sweeter, more umami flavor. It is also richer since it is only made with egg yolks instead of whole eggs.
• Pick your spice level: Start with a small amount of Sriracha and add more once everything is mixed, so you can control the heat.
• Balance the creaminess: Using a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt keeps the dressing creamy without feeling heavy.
• Prep your add-ins: Chop the celery and green onions finely so they blend well into the salad.

How to Make Spicy Tuna Salad

Here's how to bring this simple, spicy salad together.

1. Mix the dressing

Stir together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth.

2. Add tuna and veggies

Stir in the tuna, celery, and green onions until everything is coated.

Pro tip: Break up the tuna gently with a fork so the texture stays chunky instead of mushy.

3. Chill briefly

Let the salad rest in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes so the flavors meld.

Recipe Tips for Making Spicy Tuna Salad

Follow these tips to make perfect tuna salad every time.

• Add sesame oil: If you want a bit more flavor in your tuna, consider adding a touch of sesame oil to the mix. I like to use toasted sesame oil, and a little goes a long way. It will add some nuttiness and earthiness to the tuna salad.
• Make it spicier: There are two easy ways to make this spicier. The easiest is to simply add more Sriracha to the dressing. For some texture and crunch, add freshly diced jalapeño pepper to the tuna salad.
• Use avocado: If you don't like mayo, avocado is a great substitute. Just mash it up and use it in place of the mayo. You can also keep the mayo and add some chopped avocado to the mix as well.
• No mayo options: Ditch the mayo and use Greek yogurt. Go for a full-fat variety for less tang and more creaminess. You could also use sour cream, vegan mayonnaise, or even hummus!
• Sesame seeds and Furikake: If you have ever had tuna poke, one of my favorite things to use on top is Furikake, a Japanese seasoning mix that contains sesame seed, nori, salt, sugar, and a special seasoning. It's delicious and is a really great addition to this spicy tuna salad. Sesame seeds also work to add crunch.

Ways to Enjoy this Spicy Tuna Salad

There are many different ways to serve this tuna salad. Here are some of our favorites.

• Make sushi: For the adventurous (or those with this amazing sushi maker), this is a great way to make a super affordable and delicious spicy tuna roll at home.
• Sandwiches and wraps: Just like classic tuna salad, this salad makes a killer sandwich. Layer it up with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, carrots, and greens.
• Sushi burritos: You can also make the easier sushi burrito by wrapping this spicy tuna salad up with some cooked Easy Sushi Rice and veggies in a large piece of nori. Drizzle some extra soy on top and add a very thin layer of wasabi for even more spice.
• Salad: We love using tuna salad as a protein for making Spicy Tuna Salad Bowls! Grab a big bowl of greens or shredded cabbage. Top with veggies and consider doubling up the dressing so you can add the extra to the salad as well. Crumbled seaweed on top is a great addition as well.
• Sushi Bowls: Make your own sushi bowls. Just grabbed some cooked white or brown rice, chopped cucumbers, shredded carrots, and avocado. Top with spicy tuna and you have a healthy meal ready to go.

Storage & Reheating

Here's how to store your spicy tuna salad safely and keep it fresh.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended since the texture of tuna salad changes once thawed.
• Reheat: Tuna salad should not be reheated; enjoy it chilled.