Mexican Tuna Salad
Mexican tuna salad really stands out due to its bright, tangy flavors. A burst of zippiness comes through from the generous squeeze of fresh lime juice added. Savory notes are prominent as well. The tuna from the can adds substantial umami, while garlic and onion provide richness. Some recipes even include anchovies for extra savoriness.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Resting Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course lunch,
Cuisine American
- 2 5oz cans Canned tuna, drained
- Juice from 2 medium Limes
- 1/2 cu[ Cilantro loosely packed leaves
- 1 medium White onion finely diced
- 1 Red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 3 cloves Garlic pressed
- 3 thin rings Pickled jalapeños sliced
- Equivalent volume of thawed frozen Sweet corn kernels
- 1 medium Tomato diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- Flesh of 1/4 medium Avocado mashed
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise adjust as needed for consistency
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- Heaping 1/4 teaspoon Ground cumin
- Optional Ancho chile powder: Omitted
Step 1: Drain and Flake the Tuna
Open the cans of tuna and drain any excess oil or liquid. Place the tuna in a medium mixing bowl.
Using a fork, gently break apart any large chunks of tuna. Fluff the tuna so it’s evenly distributed in the bowl.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Sweet Corn
Dice the red bell pepper and white onion into small, bite-sized pieces.
Add the diced vegetables along with the sweet corn kernels (either thawed frozen corn or fresh). The corn adds sweetness and moisture to balance the savory tuna.
Step 3: Add the Pickled Jalapeños and Mayo
Slice the pickled jalapeños into thin rings. Add them to the tuna mixture along with 1/4 cup of pickling liquid. The brine from the pickled jalapeños adds acidity and complexity to the dish.
Add the mayonnaise to bind the ingredients together and provide creaminess. Stir until everything is well-combined.
Step 4: Add Fresh Ingredients
Dice the tomato into small cubes and fold it into the salad for freshness and juiciness.
Mash ¼ of an avocado and gently mix it into the salad. The avocado adds a smooth, creamy texture and complements the richness of the tuna.
Step 5: Season and Mix
Add fresh lime juice from the 2 limes to bring brightness to the salad.
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. The seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavors and balance the tanginess and richness of the ingredients.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer pickled jalapeños or by omitting the ancho chile powder. For a milder salad, reduce the number of jalapeños and use just a pinch of chili powder.
Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to substitute with parsley or green onions for a different fresh flavor.
Add Crunch: For an added crunch, you can toss in diced cucumber, celery, or even crispy tortilla chips for texture.
Dressing Alternative: If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy twist, or use sour cream for a richer flavor.