Spicy Buffalo Tuna Salad: Your Ultimate 5-Minute Flavor Boost!

Get ready to transform your ordinary tuna salad into an extraordinary culinary experience with this incredible Buffalo Tuna Salad recipe! It’s a game-changer for anyone craving a dish that’s bold, spicy, creamy, and wonderfully crunchy. Best of all, it demands only 5 simple ingredients and a mere 5 minutes of your time to whip together. Whether you’re looking to liven up your weekday lunches, find a delicious and easy meal for Lent, or simply want a quick, protein-packed snack, this buffalo tuna salad is an absolute winner. It makes a fantastic sandwich, a hearty wrap, or a healthy, satisfying snack when stuffed into crisp celery sticks.

A bowl of creamy, spicy Buffalo Tuna Salad, ready to be served.

As the season of Lent approaches, many households, including mine, begin to seek out creative and delicious fish-based recipes. While shrimp is a beloved option, canned tuna often emerges as the unanimous favorite among the younger crowd. This Buffalo Tuna Salad recipe is a brilliant example of how to elevate a humble can of tuna into something truly special. It’s incredibly economical, requires minimal effort, and comes together in a flash, offering a highly versatile spread that can be enjoyed in countless ways. If you’re a devoted fan of buffalo chicken, you absolutely must give this tuna variation a try – it delivers all the familiar tangy, spicy flavors you love, but with the convenience and health benefits of tuna.

This recipe isn’t just for Lent; it’s perfect for any time you need a quick, satisfying meal or snack. Its vibrant flavor profile and delightful texture make it a standout dish that’s anything but boring. The combination of tender tuna, crisp celery, zesty shallots, rich mayonnaise, and the unmistakable kick of buffalo hot sauce creates a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, proving that delicious and exciting meals don’t always have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Close-up of Buffalo Tuna Salad showing the creamy texture and diced celery pieces.

More Delicious Recipes Perfect for Lent (or Anytime!):

Mediterranean Tuna Salad: A lighter, herb-infused take on tuna salad.
Sriracha Shrimp Pasta Salad: For those who love a spicy kick in their pasta dishes.
Perfect Homestyle Egg Salad: A classic comfort food that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

A homestyle egg salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato on a white plate, showcasing a hearty and classic meal option. — Homestyle Egg Salad

Essential Ingredients for Your Buffalo Tuna Salad:

Crafting this flavorful buffalo tuna salad requires just a few key components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for substitutions:

2 (5 ounce cans) Albacore Tuna in Water: For this particular recipe, I highly recommend using albacore tuna. It’s known for its larger, meatier flakes, which provide a more substantial and satisfying texture compared to chunk light tuna, which tends to be softer and more “smushy.” Opting for tuna packed in water is also crucial here. Since we’re adding mayonnaise, using tuna in oil would result in an overly oily consistency that can detract from the creamy, spicy balance we’re aiming for. However, don’t hesitate to use whatever variety of tuna you have on hand – the spirit of this quick recipe is flexibility! For more tuna inspiration, check out our Dill Pickle Tuna Salad.
⅔ cup Finely Diced Celery: Celery is indispensable in this recipe for two main reasons: its refreshing flavor and its essential crunch. It provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy tuna, preventing the salad from becoming monotonous. Make sure to dice it finely for even distribution and a pleasant bite in every spoonful.
1 Shallot Finely Diced: Shallots offer a wonderfully mild, delicate onion flavor that adds depth without being overpowering. This is especially beneficial if you plan to enjoy the tuna salad over several days, as shallots tend to hold their flavor well without becoming too pungent. If you don’t have shallots, finely diced red onion or green onions make excellent substitutes, each adding its own subtle variation to the flavor profile.
¼ cup Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is the creamy binder that brings all the ingredients together, creating that luscious texture characteristic of a great tuna salad. Use your favorite brand, or for a lighter version, you can experiment with Greek yogurt or a blend of mayo and yogurt.
1-2 Tablespoons Hot Sauce: This is where the “buffalo” magic truly happens! My personal preference for this recipe is Louisiana hot sauce, which I find delivers a fantastic balance of heat and tangy flavor. However, I’ve also heard from many who prefer Frank’s Red Hot Sauce for their buffalo-style dishes, as it’s often considered the quintessential buffalo sauce. The key is to use a hot sauce that you genuinely enjoy and that aligns with your preferred level of spiciness. Start with one tablespoon, taste, and then add more if you desire extra heat.
Black Pepper, to taste: A simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors without overshadowing them. Add generously according to your preference.
Serving Suggestion & Optional Add-ins: For an authentic buffalo experience, I highly recommend serving this tuna salad with a generous sprinkling of blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of extra hot sauce. The pungent, creamy blue cheese perfectly complements the spicy tuna, creating a classic flavor pairing that’s irresistible. Consider also keeping a pinch of cayenne pepper on hand; it’s a fantastic way to boost the heat without adding additional liquid if you find your salad isn’t spicy enough after adding 2 tablespoons of hot sauce.

All the ingredients for Buffalo Tuna Salad laid out on a cutting board, including tuna, celery, shallots, mayo, and hot sauce.

How to Make Your Spicy Buffalo Tuna Salad:

Making this buffalo tuna salad is incredibly straightforward, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:

Prepare the Tuna: Start by thoroughly draining your canned tuna. This is a crucial step to prevent a watery tuna salad. Once drained, gently flake the tuna apart with a fork in a medium-sized mixing bowl. You want it to be broken up but still have some texture, rather than a mushy paste.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: To the flaked tuna, add the mayonnaise, finely diced celery, and finely diced shallot. Mix all these ingredients together well until they are evenly combined and the tuna is coated in the creamy mayo.
Add Hot Sauce Gradually: Now for the star of the show! Add 1 tablespoon of your preferred hot sauce and a dash of black pepper to the mixture. Stir everything again. This gradual approach allows you to taste as you go, ensuring you achieve your desired level of spiciness without accidentally making it too hot. Remember, you can always add more hot sauce, but you can’t easily take it away!
Adjust Spiciness (Pro Tip): If, after adding 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, your buffalo tuna salad isn’t quite spicy enough for your liking, here’s a professional tip: instead of adding more liquid hot sauce, sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper. This will boost the heat significantly without making the salad watery, preserving its perfect creamy consistency.
Chill and Serve: For best results, allow the tuna salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste experience.

A large bowl of Buffalo Tuna Salad mixed and ready, with a spoon for serving.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Buffalo Tuna Salad:

The versatility of this buffalo tuna salad is one of its greatest assets. Beyond being a delightful standalone dish, it can be incorporated into a variety of meals and snacks. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

Classic Sandwiches: The most popular way to enjoy tuna salad! Spread a generous amount between two slices of your favorite bread – white, whole wheat, rye, or even a toasted bagel. Add crisp lettuce, fresh tomato slices, or a slice of provolone cheese for extra flavor.
Hearty Wraps: For a lighter yet equally satisfying meal, use this buffalo tuna salad to fill a wrap. It’s excellent in a soft pita, a large flour tortilla, or even on thin lavash bread. You can add extra greens like spinach or shredded carrots for added nutrition and crunch.
Healthy Snacks & Appetizers:
- Celery Sticks: This is a fantastic way to enjoy the salad as a filling and healthy snack. The crispness of the celery perfectly complements the creamy tuna.
- Crackers: Serve it as a dip or spread on your favorite crackers for a quick appetizer or party snack.
- Cucumber Rounds: For a low-carb and refreshing option, spoon the buffalo tuna salad onto thick slices of cucumber.
- Bell Pepper Scoops: Halved mini bell peppers or sliced large bell peppers make excellent, colorful vehicles for scooping up this zesty salad.
Salad Topper: Transform a simple green salad into a protein-packed meal by adding a scoop of buffalo tuna salad on top. Pair it with a ranch or blue cheese dressing to enhance the buffalo flavors.
Stuffed Avocados: Halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill the cavity with buffalo tuna salad for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Loaded Baked Potatoes: Spoon the tuna salad over a warm baked potato, perhaps with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and chives, for a surprisingly delicious and hearty dinner.

Buffalo Tuna Salad

Buffalo Tuna Salad is a fun twist on tuna salad with canned tuna, celery, shallots, mayo and hot sauce for a creamy and spicy tuna salad. If you like Buffalo chicken, you’ll want to try this one.

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Prep Time:

5 minutes

Total Time:

5 minutes

Servings:

2
servings

Calories:

324
kcal

Author:
Amy D

Ingredients

2
5-ounce cans of albacore tuna in water, well-drained
2/3
cup
finely diced celery
1
shallot
(finely diced)
¼
cup
mayo
1-2
Tablespoons
Hot sauce
Black Pepper to taste
Optional: Cayenne pepper to taste
(Blue Cheese Crumbles)

Instructions

Drain your tuna well and gently flake it apart with a fork.
Add the mayo, chopped celery, and shallots. Mix well.
After this is combined, add the hot sauce and black pepper to taste, starting with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce. Because hot sauces vary in heat level, it’s better to start with 1 tablespoon and then taste to see if you’d like it spicier.
*If after adding 2 Tablespoons of hot sauce your buffalo tuna salad still is not spicy enough for you, sprinkle on a bit of cayenne pepper to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Try serving this tuna salad topped with blue cheese for a classic buffalo combination.

Notes

Serving suggestions:

Sandwich: Use this buffalo tuna salad as a sandwich spread.

Wrap: Try it on a pita, tortilla or lavash bread to make a hearty wrap.

Spread: This tuna salad makes a great spread to stuff into celery sticks. Also try it spread on crackers or cucumber rounds.

Nutrition

Did You Make this Recipe?
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Variations & Customizations: Make It Your Own!

While this classic Buffalo Tuna Salad recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly your own!

Healthier Twist: For a lighter version, replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This adds a tangy creaminess and a boost of protein while significantly reducing fat and calories. Avocado mayonnaise is another excellent option for a healthier fat profile.
Boost the Heat: If you’re a true spice fiend, go beyond cayenne! Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of ghost pepper sauce (if you dare!), or finely minced fresh jalapeño or serrano peppers. A drizzle of hot chili oil can also intensify the warmth.
Mild & Creamy: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less hot sauce, or swap some of it for a milder buffalo sauce or even a creamy ranch dressing. Ranch dressing offers a complementary flavor profile that still hints at the “buffalo” experience without the intense heat.
Extra Crunch: Besides celery, you can add other crunchy elements like finely diced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds.
Herbaceous Freshness: Fresh herbs can brighten up the salad considerably. Try adding finely chopped fresh dill, chives, parsley, or cilantro for an aromatic boost. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a refreshing zing.
Cheese Please! Beyond blue cheese crumbles (which are highly recommended for an authentic buffalo flavor), consider mixing in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
Smoky Flavor: A tiny pinch of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky depth that complements the hot sauce beautifully.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips:

One of the best things about Buffalo Tuna Salad is how well it stores, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover buffalo tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, often tasting even better the next day!
Do Not Freeze: Tuna salad with mayonnaise does not freeze well. The mayonnaise tends to separate upon thawing, resulting in an unappetizing texture.
Meal Prep containers: Divide the salad into individual meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. You can pack it alongside crackers, celery sticks, or lettuce cups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying Buffalo Tuna Salad:

Can I use tuna packed in oil instead of water?: While you can, it’s not recommended for this recipe. Tuna packed in oil will make the salad greasier and heavier, potentially affecting the creamy texture we’re aiming for with the mayonnaise. If you only have oil-packed tuna, drain it extremely well, even pressing out excess oil, to minimize the impact.
How long does Buffalo Tuna Salad last in the fridge?: When stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for preparing ahead of time!
Is this recipe very spicy?: The spiciness level is entirely up to you! The recipe suggests starting with 1 tablespoon of hot sauce and adding more to taste. Hot sauces vary, so taste as you go. For extra heat without excess liquid, use cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?: Absolutely! In fact, many find that the flavors of buffalo tuna salad develop and improve after chilling for a few hours, or even overnight. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping.
What can I serve with Buffalo Tuna Salad besides sandwiches and wraps?: Beyond the classic options, it’s delicious with celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, crackers, or as a topping for a green salad or a baked potato. You can also use it as a dip for chips or pita bread.

This Buffalo Tuna Salad is more than just a quick meal; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that’s perfect for shaking up your meal routine. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and satisfying kick make it an instant favorite for busy weekdays, light lunches, or exciting new snacks. So, grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, protein-packed dish that’s bursting with bold buffalo flavor!