Southwestern Tuna
A vibrant, flavorful Southwestern tuna salad combining fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy kick, perfect for light lunches or casual gatherings with bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 1/8 oz.) cans albacore tuna packed in water ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped hamburger dills ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion ⓘ
- 2 heaping Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1 jalapeno, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Drain the tuna cans thoroughly.
- Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice together in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the drained tuna and combine well.
- Add diced celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, chopped hamburger dills, chopped yellow onion, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, and chopped jalapeno.
- Stir all ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be substituted for mayonnaise. You can also swap in different vegetables, like corn or avocado, based on your preference. This dish is a Quick Family Favorite when you need something simple and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
This Southwestern Tuna salad is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with tortilla chips for a crunchy side. You can serve it on a bed of greens or in a wrap for a light lunch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a side of Baked Beans To Can or a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, avoid freezing the tuna salad as it may become watery upon thawing. When ready to enjoy, simply serve cold or let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Tuna contains roughly 437 calories, with 21g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (272% of the Daily Value), iron (176% of the Daily Value), and potassium (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 588mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?
Yes, you can use canned tuna in oil for a richer flavor, but be sure to drain it well to avoid a greasy texture. The oil can add some extra moisture to the salad, making it even more delicious.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the tuna with chickpeas or a plant-based tuna alternative. This will provide a similar texture and protein content while keeping the dish meat-free. Adding more veggies will enhance the flavor as well.
What can I add for extra crunch?
For added crunch, consider incorporating diced cucumbers or chopped radishes into the salad. You could also sprinkle some sunflower seeds or chopped nuts on top before serving for a delightful texture contrast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).