Mexican Tuna Salad – Lemon Blossoms

Mexican Tuna Salad (ensalada de atún) brings together lean protein from canned tuna and black beans, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado and the bright flavors of lime juice and fresh cilantro. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for meal prep and can be served as a light meal, healthy lunch or snack.

What’s in Mexican Tuna Salad?

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Canned Tuna: Solid white albacore tuna packed in water is my favorite type of tuna. get good quality tuna (wild-caught if available).
• Corn: I used fire-roasted corn which adds a combination of smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the salad. Fresh corn on the cob (corn kernels removed), frozen corn or canned corn (fire-roasted or regular) can be used.
• Black beans: For convenience, I use canned beans. Dried beans, cooked until tender can be used. Substitute black beans with chickpeas, white beans or kidney beans.
• Red onion: Diced onions add so much flavor to this Mexican salad. White onion, brown or yellow onion can be used.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Add a burst of juicy sweetness and refreshing acidity! You can use cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes cut in half or tomatoes on the vine, chopped
• Fresh Cilantro:  Fresh herbs add so much flavor to this easy Mexican tuna salad. If you don’t like the taste of cilantro, fresh parsley, basil and mint are good options.
• Avocado: The richness and creaminess of avocados combined with other crisp, fresh veggies create a symphony of different textures and flavors.
• Limes: Fresh limes are a must! nFresh lemons are also a good option.

Variations

• Red bell peppers: They add a hint of sweetness, color and crunch.
• Cucumbers: Crisp, fresh and with zero calories!
• Jalapeño peppers: Give your taste buds a spicy kick! 
• Capers: Add a burst of flavor to fish and seafood recipes.

How to Make Mexican Tuna Salad (Ensalada de Atun)

• In a small bowl, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.
• Prep all your veggies and drain the tuna.
• Place the drained tuna in a large bowl and drizzle it with some of the vinaigrette.
• Place all the salad ingredients in the salad bowl. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tuna is Better for Tuna Salad?

Tuna benefits from an acidic ingredient like lemon juice. A red or white wine vinaigrette pairs well with tuna. In this Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil and a bit of Greek yogurt create a salad dressing that is citrusy and a bit creamy without adding all the calories from mayonnaises.

What Can I Season my Tuna With?

Tuna benefits from an acidic ingredient like lemon juice. A red or white wine vinaigrette pairs well with tuna. In this Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil and a bit of Greek yogurt create a salad dressing that is citrusy and a bit creamy without adding all the calories from mayonnaises.

Tuna benefits from an acidic ingredient like lemon juice. A red or white wine vinaigrette pairs well with tuna. In this Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil and a bit of Greek yogurt create a salad dressing that is citrusy and a bit creamy without adding all the calories from mayonnaises.

What Can I Add to Tuna Instead of Mayo?

Tuna benefits from an acidic ingredient like lemon juice. A red or white wine vinaigrette pairs well with tuna. In this Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil and a bit of Greek yogurt create a salad dressing that is citrusy and a bit creamy without adding all the calories from mayonnaises.

How to Serve This Tuna Salad?

• This salad can be enjoyed as is or topped with corn tortilla chips.
• Make lettuce wraps by serving the tuna salad over lettuce leaves.
• Serve over quinoa.
• Use tostada shells to make Mexican tuna salad tostadas.
• Make avocado toasts! Smear mashed avocado over your favorite toasted bread and pile it up high with the tuna salad.
• In Latin America, this salad (ensalada de atun) is often served as an appetizer with saltine cracker.

Make Ahead and Storing

Making Ahead Tuna Salad

• You can assemble this simple salad a day before serving.
• Toss salad ingredients and dressing together (without the avocado) and store it covered or in an airtight container in the fridge for 20 minutes to 4 hours before serving.

Storing Tuna Salad

• Leftover salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. The avocado may turn a bit brownish but it’s safe to eat.
• leftover salad without avocado will last 2-3 days in the refrigetaor covered or in an airtight container.