Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually develop more as it sits, so it’s perfect for meal prep.

How should I store the leftovers?

Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

I don’t like anything spicy, what could I use instead of pickled jalapeños?

Omit the pickled jalapeños from the salad and use apple cider vinegar in the dressing instead of jalapeño juice.

I don’t like tuna, can I use canned chicken?

While I’ve never specifically tried this, my hypothesis is that it would be delicious!

Where do I find corn salsa?

This corn salsa is from Trader Joe's. It's important to note the difference between corn salsa and salsa with corn in it. Corn salsa, also called corn relish , is tomato-less and almost entirely corn with a few seasonings/lime/sugar. Don't use regular salsa here, it'll make your salad too watery!

Mexican Tuna Salad (Easy High-Protein Meal Prep Lunch)

Name: Mexican Tuna Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-494155H7M4S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 5oz cans tuna, drained; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; ⅓ cup corn salsa; 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved or quartered; 1 small Persian cucumber, diced small; 1 bell pepper, diced small; ¼ red onion, minced; ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, minced; ½ cup green onions, chopped; ½ cup cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice; 2 tablespoons lime juice; ⅓ cup mayo; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Description

Vibrant and full of punchy flavors, this Mexican tuna salad recipe is easy, quick and perfect for a meal prep lunch, high-protein snack, or light meal!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Salad

2 5oz cans tuna, drained
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup corn salsa
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 small Persian cucumber, diced small
1 bell pepper, diced small
1/4 red onion, minced
1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, minced
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

Dressing

1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/3 cup mayo
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Drain the tuna, removing as much moisture as possible. In a large bowl toss together the tuna, black beans, corn salsa, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeños, green onions and cilantro.
Pour on the dressing and toss until combined. Serve in lettuce cups, over rice, on sandwiches or in a wrap.

Notes

Pickled jalapeños: these specific sweet heat jalapeños are from Trader Joe’s, I love the subtle layer of sweetness!

Corn salsa: The one I used in this recipe is from Trader Joe’s, but you could also use corn relish. Don’t use regular salsa here, it’ll make your salad too watery!

Refer to above blog post for ingredient information, variation ideas and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 259
Sugar: 5.1 g
Sodium: 815.6 mg
Fat: 10.5 g
Carbohydrates: 19.6 g
Fiber: 6.3 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 36.1 mg