A simple spicy tuna salad made with my favorite hot sauce! It’s healthy, fresh, quick and easy to prepare, and super satisfying.
The holidays are officially here with Thanksgiving having just passed. There’s nothing like a full Thanksgiving spread with leftovers around for days! But as a spice lover, it never fails that I’ll start craving something spicy about the time the leftovers are gone.
I also want something fresh and relatively healthy after all that heavy food. This simple spicy tuna salad fits the bill. It’s something I make all the time but never bothered to write down the ingredients. I usually just eyeball everything, which you can easily do, too. A little more mayo if you like it creamier or less if you’re watching calories. More hot sauce if you like it spicier or less onion if you’ve got a hot date 🙂 You get the picture.
I use TABASCO sauce on nearly everything. Eggs, a fresh avocado with a little salt and pepper, even on a sandwich! The TABASCO sauce gives this spicy tuna salad just enough flavor and bite, but if you have a favorite hot sauce, you can use that instead. If you’re a serious spice lover like me, consider adding a thinly sliced Serrano pepper, too.
If I’m serving this spicy tuna salad for friends, I’ll either serve it in a bell pepper “bowl” (as in the photo above” or layer the salad with the chopped red bell pepper and sliced Serrano. There’s no more work involved and it’s a fun way to serve it.
Why You’ll Love Spicy Tuna Salad With Bell Peppers
Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal chopping and mixing required, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a grab and go lunch option.
Versatile Serving Options: You can enjoy this as a sandwich filling, a topping for crackers or toast points, or even as a standalone salad served over a bed of greens.
Healthier Alternative: Compared to traditional mayonnaise-heavy tuna salads, this recipe offers a lighter yet equally satisfying option with the added bonus of vegetables and lean protein.
Crunchy Texture: The chopped red bell peppers and cherry tomatoes offer a delightful crunch, adding a contrasting texture to the creamy tuna mixture.
Zesty Citrus Zing: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors, imparting a refreshing citrusy tang that balances the heat of the peppers.
Spicy Tuna Salad With Bell Peppers Ingredients Notes
- Mayonnaise: Provides a rich and creamy texture, binding the ingredients together while adding a subtle tanginess. Use regular, light, or even avocado mayo.
- Hot Sauce: Infuses the salad with a bold, spicy flavor, adding a pleasant heat to each bite. Use your favorite hot sauce!
- High-Quality Tuna: Use a high quality tuna, preferably packed in water. Serves as the main protein source, offering a meaty texture and savory taste to the salad.
- Onion: You can use red onion, white or yellow. Your call here!
- Red Bell Pepper: Provides a crunchy texture and sweet, slightly tangy flavor that complements the tuna and adds a pop of color. You can swap it for a yellow or orange bell pepper if you prefer.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use fresh, firm tomatoes that are free from any wrinkles or mold. These add bursts of juicy sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and tuna.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a zesty and tangy brightness to the salad, enhancing its overall freshness and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: The ultimate flavor enhancers, these bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Serrano Pepper: Offers an extra layer of heat and flavor for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
Find the complete Spicy Tuna Salad with Bell Peppers ingredients list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How To Make Spicy Tuna Salad With Bell Peppers
- Make the creamy base: Mix the hot sauce and mayo together in a bowl.
- Stir it all together: Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Build it: Serve tuna salad on a slice of bell pepper, in a hollowed out tomato, or on a bed of greens and serve!
Variations, Substitutions, and Cooking Tips
Add Avocado: Mix in diced avocado for a boost of healthy fats, or just layer it on top.
Asian Twist: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for an Asian-inspired flair.
Mediterranean Style: Incorporate sliced kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, or celery for added crunch and flavor.
Herb Swap: Swap cilantro with parsley, basil, or dill based on your taste preference or availability.
Drain Tuna Well: Ensure to drain the canned tuna thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
Prep Ahead: Prepare the salad components in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Mix everything together just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Serve Chilled: For the best flavor and texture, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
I’d love to hear what things you crave after your big holiday meals! Be sure to snap a pic and tag me so I can see your delicious creations (@thewickednoodle on all social channels).
Spicy Tuna Salad with Bell Peppers
A simple spicy tuna salad made with my favorite hot sauce! It's healthy, fresh, quick and easy to prepare, and super satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 t hot sauce (I use TABASCO)
- 2 cans high-quality tuna
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- a squeeze of fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 thinly sliced Serrano pepper, optional
Instructions
- Mix hot sauce and mayonnaise together in a small mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Optional: Instead of chopping the bell pepper, cut thick slices and serve spicy tuna salad in the middle for a pretty presentation. You can also serve it in a halved, hollowed out medium-sized tomato.
Try these other quick and healthy recipes!
- Tuna Lettuce Wraps
- Easy Fish Taco Bowls
- Sausage & Broccolini Sheet Pan Dinner
- Spicy Sauteed Veggies with Chicken Sausage
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