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Home » All Recipes » Recipe Archives

Cilantro Lime Tuna Salad Recipe

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I am thrilled to share this mouth-watering tuna salad recipe with you, which includes fresh cilantro and zesty lime. Besides the main components of the cilantro and lime, two additional unique ingredients take this classic tuna salad to the next level. It is a classic dish with a contemporary, healthier twist.

Tuna-Salad-Recipe

Tuna salad is a delicious and convenient lunch option that can be easily prepared in a matter of minutes. Not only is it quick and easy, but it is also a healthy meal choice as tuna is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which are essential nutrients for a healthy body.

One of the benefits of tuna salad is that it can be packed and taken with you to school or work, or enjoyed as a quick snack at home. You can store it in a container in the fridge and when you’re feeling hungry, you can simply add a dollop of tuna on a slice of whole-grain bread or lettuce to make it a more satisfying meal.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch option or a healthy snack, tuna salad is an excellent choice that offers both convenience and nutrition.

Ingredients & Notes

Tuna-Salad-Ingredients

As I just mentioned above, this tuna salad has two unique ingredients that make this classic tuna salad into a bold, flavorful dish that is anything less than flavorful.

The Flavor Enhancers

  • Pickled Jalepeneo: that’s right. Unlike a regular fresh jalapeno, pickled jalapeno adds tang. Because we are eating fish, I know some don’t mind fishy flavors, but for those that do (like me), we want to mask it. To reinforce that tang—just like the lime, we are going to add a couple of tablespoons of the jalapeno brine that the pickled jalapeno lives in. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
  • Homemade Mustard: if you’re the kind of person who enjoys strong flavors like wasabi, horseradish, kimchi—you know, bold, tangy, sharp flavors. Then I highly recommend making your homemade fermented mustard. Making your homemade mustard is nothing like store-bought. It packs so much more than a punch. It’s life.
  • Lime: as indicated by the name of the post. The lime pairs so well with tuna—giving it a bright touch and zest.
  • Cilantro: could have been the most perfect choice since it pairs so perfectly with lime.
  • Tuna: use tuna packed in water.
  • Onion: use red, white, or sweet yellow onions. Whichever one you choose, dice it small.
  • Garlic: adds more flavor. The more finely chopped, the better.
  • Mayo: will help make this salad nice and creamy.
Tuna-Salad-Mixed-in-a-Bowl

How to Make Tuna Salad

First, chop the onion and garlic into a small dice for bold flavor, avoiding chunks for a sneaky effect. Chopped the cilantro (stems and all).

Second, add the onion, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, pickled jalapeño, brine, drained tuna, mayo, mustard, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Mix the ingredients until evenly blended.

Finally, give the tuna salad a taste to check for seasoning.

Serve in between two slices of whole-grain bread or dollop a couple of scoops over Boston lettuce.

Tuna-Salad-Over-Boston-Lettuce-

More Crave-Worthy Salad Recipes That Are A Must-Try

A VERY DELICIOUS Chicken Salad Recipe: It all starts with marinating chicken thighs, which are then baked to perfection before being diced and added to a flavorful, creamy, (Mediterranean-inspired) base.

Cucumber Tomato Salad: This salad is so easy to make. My family eats this salad 5 times a week. It’s flavorful and just so easy to make.

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Cilantro Lime Tuna Salad

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Cilantro Lime Tuna Salad

This Easy Tuna Salad Recipe is boosted with zesty lime and fresh cilantro. Enjoy it as a refreshing salad on its own, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a quick and satisfying meal. 

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Lunch, Salad
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6 oz) cans tuna in water ( (liquid drained))
  • ⅓ cup red onion, small dice
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup  finely chopped fresh cilantro  ((stems included))
  • 1 lime, juice of
  • ⅓ cup mayo
  • 2 teaspoons mustard (I used my bold homemade mustard recipe)
  • 1 pickled jalapeno, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeno brine
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper

Instructions

  1. Start by draining the cans of tuna and adding them to a mixing bowl. Place bowl of tuna aside.
  2. In a separate small bowl, mix the onion, garlic, cilantro, juice of the lime, mayo, mustard,  pickled jalapeno, brine, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the tuna and gently mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  4. Enjoy right away. Serve with whole-grain bread, a wrap, or a bed of lettuce.

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Hi, I'm Ashley! On the blog, you'll find whole-food cravings that are family-friendly and easy to make in the comfort of your kitchen.

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