Mexican Tuna Salad

Mexican Tuna Salad spices up a classic, for a high-protein lunch or snack. Tomatoes, avocado, taco sauce, sour cream and lime juice help make this salad a hit.

I don’t make it often, but tuna salad is one of my favorite things to make for lunch. And Mexican is my favorite “theme” to serve for dinner (if I had to choose). So it makes sense for me to combine the two. Turns out, Mexican-style flavors work really well with tuna. I enjoyed this Mexican Tuna Salad scooped into an avocado half, served with corn tortilla chips for dipping. This is a tasty, healthy lunch or snack option that can work for those who are carb-conscious too. Simply replace the tortilla chips with sliced red bell peppers for dipping.

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Ingredients for Mexican Tuna Salad Recipe

Wild Caught Albacore White Tuna – use two, 6.4 ounce pouches; there is no need to drain them. If you prefer to use canned tuna, be sure to drain the tuna before proceeding with the recipe
Mayonnaise – I like Duke’s or Hellman’s the best
Sour Cream – lightens the dressing a bit instead of using all mayonnaise, plus goes along with the Mexican theme
Taco Sauce – Taco Bell Mild Sauce is the absolute best taco sauce, in my opinion
Lemon Juice – the lemon juice adds a bright flavor and helps to prevent the fresh avocado from turning brown
Lime Juice – the fresh lime juice pairs well with the avocado, cilantro and taco sauce for a familiar, Mexican-style flavor
Pickled Jalapeno Peppers – I use the canned slices of jalapeño that are commonly used as a topping for nachos
Salt
Avocado – use one small avocado; here is a helpful tutorial for how to cut an avocado
Tomato – use a sharp knife to help finely chop the tomato

How do you make Mexican Tuna Salad?

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, taco sauce, lemon and lime juices and salt until smooth. Add the finely chopped jalapeño pepper and stir until combined.

In a large bowl, add the tuna and use a fork to break it up. Add the chopped avocado and tomato. Add the mayonnaise and taco sauce dressing and stir until well combined.

FAQ’s

Do I have to use cilantro?

Genetics are why people either love or hate cilantro. If you are one of those who are turned off by cilantro because it tastes like soap, definitely skip the cilantro in this recipe. It will still taste delicious without it.

How many calories are in a 1/2 cup of tuna salad?

In 1/2 cup of my recipe for Mexican Tuna Salad, there are about 194 calories. I personally like a more generous serving, so the recipe card is calculated for 4 servings, which is a generous 3/4 cup. So if you divide this recipe into four servings, it’s 258 calories. Either way, it’s a relatively healthy meal that is packed with protein.

Is tuna salad a good source of protein?

Yes! A 4-ounce serving of water-packed, Albacore (white) tuna contains about 26 grams of protein. And the addition of fresh avocado to this tuna salad recipe increases both the protein and healthy fat content per serving.

What is a healthy substitute for mayonnaise in tuna?

Fat free or low fat Greek yogurt is a terrific substitute for the mayo in this recipe.

Storage directions

Store the tuna salad in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. I do not recommend freezing this recipe! The dressing will separate and result in an unpleasant texture when thawed.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve this healthy Mexican tuna salad. Serve it with romaine lettuce as shows as lettuce wraps. Make it into a sandwich. Scoop it on top of tostadas or crackers sprinkled with cheese. Or as a dip with fresh veggies. Also, don’t like tuna? Make this recipe using canned or rotisserie chicken instead!

Kitchen tools

Fresh tomatoes not so ripe at the store? Here’s three ways to ripen a tomato at home.
My favorite pairing knife for chopping tomatoes.
Chef’s knife for helping to prepare the avocado.
Brand of tuna I use in this recipe