Buffalo Tuna Salad Recipe

Looking for a quick and tasty dish that brings some spice to your day? Buffalo Tuna Salad is the perfect blend of bold flavors and creamy goodness, all packed with protein.
Whether you need a quick lunch, a snack, or something to serve at your next gathering, this recipe delivers every time.
I first tried this recipe on a busy weekday when I was craving something tangy and spicy. It was so simple to whip up, and the flavors were a total game-changer.
Plus, you can enjoy it in so many ways—spread it on crackers, pile it onto a sandwich, or serve it over a fresh bed of greens.
And here’s the best part: you probably already have most of the ingredients at home. So, let’s dive into this easy, flavorful recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s quick and easy: You can throw this together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Packed with flavor: The spicy buffalo sauce and creamy dressing make every bite delicious.
- Super versatile: Use it as a sandwich filling, a dip, or even a salad topper.
- Healthy and protein-packed: Tuna is rich in protein and omega-3s, so this salad is both tasty and nutritious.
Ingredient List
For the salad:
- 2 cans of tuna (5 oz each), drained
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce (or adjust to taste)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings/serving ideas:
- Lettuce wraps, sandwich bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
- Additional buffalo sauce for drizzling
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving
More Recipes >>>>>> Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make this Buffalo Tuna Salad, you’ll need just a few basic tools:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork (for flaking the tuna)
- Cutting board and knife (for chopping the veggies)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Instructions
1. Prepare the tuna:
- Open and drain the cans of tuna.
- Use a fork to flake the tuna into small pieces in a mixing bowl.
2. Chop the veggies:
- Finely dice the celery, red onion, and parsley (if using).
- Add them to the bowl with the tuna.
3. Mix the dressing:
- In the same bowl, add the buffalo sauce, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust:
- Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning.
- You can add more buffalo sauce for extra spice or a pinch of salt if needed.
5. Serve:
- Scoop the buffalo tuna salad into lettuce wraps, spread it on bread for a sandwich, or serve it with crackers and veggies as a dip.
- Enjoy immediately or chill for 30 minutes if you prefer it cold.
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Tips and Tricks for Success
- Choose the right tuna: Chunk light tuna works best for this recipe because it’s soft and blends well with the other ingredients. You can also use solid white tuna for a firmer texture.
- Control the spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount of buffalo sauce and add more gradually. For extra heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it your own: Customize this salad by adding extras like diced pickles, shredded carrots, or crumbled blue cheese.
- Chill for better flavor: If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together for an even tastier dish.
- Storage tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly over time.
With these tips, you’re all set to make a delicious Buffalo Tuna Salad that’s sure to impress!
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Tuna: Swap canned tuna for canned chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different protein option.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use sriracha, hot sauce, or a mild wing sauce if you prefer less heat.
- Mayonnaise/Greek Yogurt: Substitute with sour cream or cream cheese for a thicker, tangier base.
- Celery and Red Onion: Try diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or green onions for a different crunch.
- Variations:
- Buffalo Tuna Melt: Spread the salad on bread, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and toast in the oven or on a skillet.
- Buffalo Tuna Wraps: Roll the salad in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and shredded carrots.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve in lettuce cups or on cucumber slices for a keto-friendly meal.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in a tablespoon of ranch dressing for added flavor and creaminess.
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Serving Suggestions
Buffalo Tuna Salad is super versatile! Here are some ways to enjoy it:
- On a sandwich: Spread the salad between slices of toasted bread with some lettuce and tomato.
- As a dip: Serve it with crackers, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks like carrots and celery.
- In wraps: Spoon it into lettuce cups or tortillas for a quick and healthy wrap.
- Over a salad: Serve it on top of a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- With baked potatoes: Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes for a filling meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If you added it to a melt or a baked potato, you can reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until warm.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayonnaise can separate and change texture.
More Recipes >>>>>> Creamy Chicken Florentine
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Buffalo Tuna Salad tastes even better after it sits for 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spice depends on the amount of buffalo sauce you use. You can adjust it to suit your taste or use a milder sauce if you’re sensitive to heat.
3. Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Absolutely! Cook and shred fresh tuna, then use it in place of canned tuna for a fresher flavor.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free mayonnaise or Greek yogurt alternative, and ensure your buffalo sauce is dairy-free.
5. What if I don’t have buffalo sauce?
Mix equal parts hot sauce and melted butter as a substitute for buffalo sauce.
This dish is high in protein and healthy fats while being low in carbs, making it great for a quick, balanced meal or snack. For a lighter version, opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and a reduced-sodium buffalo sauce.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Buffalo Tuna Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 cans of tuna 5 oz each, drained
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce or adjust to taste
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier option
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings/serving ideas:
- Lettuce wraps sandwich bread, crackers, or tortilla chips
- Additional buffalo sauce for drizzling
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving
Instructions
Prepare the tuna:
- Open and drain the cans of tuna.
- Use a fork to flake the tuna into small pieces in a mixing bowl.
Chop the veggies:
- Finely dice the celery, red onion, and parsley (if using).
- Add them to the bowl with the tuna.
Mix the dressing:
- In the same bowl, add the buffalo sauce, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
Taste and adjust:
- Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning.
- You can add more buffalo sauce for extra spice or a pinch of salt if needed.
Serve:
- Scoop the Buffalo Tuna Salad into lettuce wraps, spread it on bread for a sandwich, or serve it with crackers and veggies as a dip.
- Enjoy immediately or chill for 30 minutes if you prefer it cold.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~220–250
- Protein: ~20–25g
- Carbohydrates: ~2–4g
- Fats: ~15–18g (depending on mayonnaise or Greek yogurt)
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~600–800mg
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I really like the look of this recipe and am taking note. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome!