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Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad Recipe

4.4 from 63 reviews

This Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad is a quick and flavorful protein-packed dish combining tender tuna with crunchy celery and red onion, creamy cottage cheese, and a spicy kick from Buffalo sauce. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, it’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Base

  • 2 (5 oz) cans tuna (drained and flaked)
  • ¾ cup cottage cheese

Vegetables

  • ½ cup celery, finely chopped (~2 stalks)
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

Flavorings & Seasonings

  • 3 Tbsp Buffalo sauce (Primal Kitchen brand recommended)
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Flake Tuna: Open the cans of tuna and flake the tuna into a medium or large mixing bowl. If using Safe Catch or Wild Planet tuna, there is no need to drain the liquid from the cans.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Finely chop the celery stalks and red onion. Add chopped celery, red onion, and cottage cheese into the bowl with the flaked tuna. Mix these ingredients well to combine.
  3. Add Flavorings: Pour in the lemon juice and Buffalo sauce. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  4. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the Buffalo sauce and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the tuna mixture.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and add additional Buffalo sauce or salt according to your preferences for heat and seasoning.
  6. Optional Prep Tip: For convenience, chop the celery and onion ahead of time so you can assemble the salad quickly when ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use high-quality tuna like Safe Catch or Wild Planet to avoid draining if preferred.
  • Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness.
  • Great served chilled on a bed of greens, as a sandwich filling, or with crackers.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Buffalo tuna salad, tuna salad recipe, low fat salad, easy lunch, spicy tuna salad, cottage cheese salad