Quick 4 Ingredient Spicy Tuna Salad
A simple, bold, and flavorful Quick 4 Ingredient Spicy Tuna Salad made with tuna, avocado, pickled jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro. A fast, mayo-free option ideal for sandwiches, wraps, bowls, or light meals.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices roughly chopped, plus 3 tablespoons jalapeño brine
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 2 5–7 ounce cans or jars tuna preferably oil-packed, lightly drained
- 1 medium ripe avocado diced
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro optional
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Jalapeño Mixture
- Place the chopped pickled jalapeños and 3 tablespoons of their brine into a medium mixing bowl. Add the finely diced red onion, toss to coat evenly, and allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes. This brief resting period lightly pickles the onion and enhances the overall flavor.
Add the Tuna
- Lightly drain the tuna, ensuring it retains a small amount of oil to maintain moisture. Add the tuna to the bowl containing the jalapeño mixture. Using a fork, gently flake the tuna into smaller pieces while combining it with the onions and jalapeños.
Incorporate the Avocado and Cilantro
- Add the diced avocado and, if desired, the chopped cilantro. Toss the mixture gently to combine. Lightly mash a portion of the avocado to achieve a cohesive texture while allowing some diced pieces to remain intact.
Season and Adjust
- Taste the mixture and season with kosher salt as needed. Adjust the heat or acidity by adding additional jalapeños or brine according to preference. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
This Quick 4 Ingredient Spicy Tuna Salad is naturally gluten-free when served on its own. To keep the dish fully gluten-free, pair it with gluten-free bread, wraps, crackers, or rice cakes. Confirm that the pickled jalapeños and brine are labeled gluten-free, as some brands may include additives that contain gluten.