Mexican Tuna Salad

My first job during high school was working at a local sub sandwich chain restaurant down the street from my house. The most dreaded task for me was mixing up the tuna salad each day before opening. Back then, the smell and appearance of canned tuna gave me the heebie-jeebies. Today, however, I can’t imagine my lunch hour without tuna. From classic tuna salad to Mediterranean tuna salad and everything in between, tuna salad is a staple in my diet. My latest obsession is this Mexican tuna salad.

Canned tuna, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, black beans, corn, bell pepper, red onion and Mexican-style spices take the south-of-the-border flair to the next level. Enjoy this recipe as a healthy protein-packed lunch or share it as an appetizer with friends and family. It’s fresh and flavorful with the perfect amount of spice.

Mexican Tuna Salad Ingredients

• Canned tuna: You can use any canned tuna you enjoy for this recipe. If you need guidance, one of our favorite tuna brands is StarKist.
• Black beans: Canned black beans do a great job of adding bulk, as well as extra fiber, carbohydrates and plant-based protein, to make this recipe filling and satisfying.
• Veggies: A colorful southwest blend of corn kernels (fresh or frozen), diced red bell pepper and red onion adds a zesty freshness to every bite.
• Greek yogurt: Using plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise is one of our favorite healthy swaps for tuna and chicken salad recipes. It cuts fat and calories while offering a boost of protein. You can, of course, use an equal amount of mayonnaise instead if you prefer.
• Avocado: Avocado adds a dose of healthy fats and fiber to this Mexican tuna salad.
• Lime juice: Lime juice adds acidity and brightness to the salad and also helps slow the browning of avocado.
• Spices: A classic combination of chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper infuses the Mexican tuna salad with robust flavor reminiscent of your favorite taco recipes.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro peppers the salad with vibrant green flecks while adding freshness. If you hate cilantro, you can omit it from the recipe or swap in fresh chopped parsley or green onions for extra zip.
• Chips or crackers: This flavorful tuna salad makes a tasty dip. Serve it with your favorite crackers or make your own tortilla chips to go along with it.

Directions

Step 1: Toss the tuna with the beans and vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, black beans, corn, red pepper and onion. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the avocado dressing

In a small bowl, mash the avocado with the Greek yogurt, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt and pepper until evenly blended, leaving just a few small chunks of avocado.

Step 3: Combine and serve

Add the avocado mixture to the tuna mixture and stir to combine. Fold in the fresh cilantro. Serve with chips or crackers for scooping.

Mexican Tuna Salad Variations

• Add more Mexican-style mix-ins: Add diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, Mexican cheese, mango or pickled red onions to this tuna salad. Any taco topping you enjoy will work in this recipe.
• Spice it up: For an added kick, add a diced jalapeno, a small can of drained diced green chiles, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch (or two) of cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
• Use taco seasoning: If you keep taco seasoning on hand, you can swap in 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning for the spices in this recipe. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Add a crunchy contrast: Consider topping the Mexican tuna salad with crispy tortilla strips or fried jalapeno chips (as in Matthew McConaughey’s tuna salad).
• Swap in chicken: If you don’t enjoy tuna, swap in cooked, shredded or diced chicken for an irresistible avocado chicken salad with Mexican flair.

How to Store Mexican Tuna Salad

Mexican tuna salad should be stored in an airtight food storage container and kept refrigerated.

How long does Mexican tuna salad last?

Mexican tuna salad is best enjoyed within three or four days.

Mexican Tuna Salad Tips

How else can you serve Mexican tuna salad?

Wrap this Mexican tuna salad in a soft flour tortilla, or sandwich it between two slices of your favorite bread with lettuce and tomato. For a Mexican-inspired tuna melt, spread the tuna salad over a tostada shell and top with Mexican cheese. Broil for one to two minutes until the cheese is melted, and top with homemade salsa or tomato slices.

For a lighter take, serve a scoop or two of Mexican tuna salad over a bed of fresh greens and top with salsa, sour cream, Mexican cheese and tortilla strips for a healthy taco salad with tuna.

What else can you serve with Mexican tuna salad?

Serve this tuna salad recipe with other Mexican-inspired favorites. Keep things on the lighter side with shrimp ceviche and grilled street corn, or pair it with something heartier like a black bean and white cheddar frittata or a batch of fajitas.