Buffalo Tuna Salad (No Mayo)
This buffalo tuna salad is creamy, spicy, crunchy, and ready in just 5 minutes. Made with canned tuna, buffalo sauce, shredded carrots, red onion, and a creamy dressing without mayo, it’s a fun twist on classic tuna salad when you want something with a little more flavor. Serve it with crackers, in a sandwich or wrap, or scoop it up with celery and cucumber slices for an easy high protein lunch.
I make tuna salad all the time because it’s one of the easiest high protein lunches to throw together when I don’t have anything prepped. I grew up eating tuna salad, and over the years I’ve made so many different versions depending on what flavors I’m craving. This buffalo version became a favorite because it’s quick, budget-friendly, and feels a little more exciting than a traditional tuna salad without adding extra work. Recipes like this are exactly what help me on busy days when I need lunch fast but still want something satisfying.
If you love buffalo flavors, you might also enjoy my buffalo chickpea wraps, buffalo chicken tacos, or buffalo chicken rice bowls. Same bold flavor, just different easy ways to turn it into lunch or dinner.
Ingredient spotlight
This is not a full list of the ingredients, but instead a spotlight on some of the ingredients I think are worth diving into more. Please see the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.
- Tahini – Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds with a consistency similar to almond butter. It adds creaminess to the dressing without mayo and is usually found near the peanut butter and almond butter at the grocery store. You can also use mayo or Greek yogurt instead.
- Hot Sauce – This recipe uses hot sauce, not prepared buffalo sauce. If buffalo sauce is what you have on hand, you can use that instead and may not need the tahini.
- Carrots, Celery & Red Onion – Pre-shredded carrots keep this recipe easy, and finely chopping the celery and red onion helps distribute the crunch and flavor throughout the salad.
- Canned Tuna – Use whatever canned tuna you like best. I typically use yellowfin tuna packed in oil, but tuna packed in water works too.
How to make buffalo tuna salad
Add the hot sauce, tahini and spices to the bowl you plan on making the salad in. Stir together until a sauce is formed. Drain the tuna, add it to the bowl with chopped celery, chopped red onion and shredded carrots, Stir well until well combined. Serve immediately or store in the fridge overnight.
Tips for success
- Double it for parties – This recipe is easy to double or triple and works great as a dip with fresh veggies or chips.
- Try a different protein – You can make this with canned salmon, canned chicken, shredded chicken, or chickpeas instead of tuna.
- Tahini substitutes – No tahini? Mayo or Greek yogurt both work well here.
Spicy Buffalo Tuna Salad
Guided Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons tahini
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 2 medium celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
Instructions
- In a bowl add the tahini, hot sauce and spices. Stir well.1.5 tablespoons tahini, ¼ cup hot sauce, ¾ teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Finely chop the celery, onion and shred the carrots if needed. Add them to the bowl with the hot sauce.2 medium celery stalks, chopped, 2 tablespoons chopped red onion, 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- Drain the tuna, add it to the bowl with the veggies and hot sauce mixture. Stir well until everything is well coated in buffalo sauce.1 can tuna, drained
- Serve with crackers, veggies, on a lettuce wrap, sandwich or your favorite wrap or pita.
Recipe Notes
- Drain the tuna well – Be sure to drain off the liquid from the tuna before mixing the salad together.
- Using buffalo sauce instead of hot sauce? – If using prepared buffalo sauce, start without the tahini and add it 1 tablespoon at a time if needed. Buffalo sauce is often creamy enough on its own.
- Adjust the spice level – Add more hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper if you want it spicier.
- Store leftovers in a well sealed container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Other easy additions
This buffalo tuna salad is great as-is, but here are a few fun additions if you want to switch things up:
- Fresh dill or chopped chives
- Crumbled feta or blue cheese
- A drizzle of ranch dressing
- Sliced green onions
Ways to Serve Buffalo Tuna Salad
As a dip
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite sturdy chips for scooping.
With veggies
Scoop it up with sliced cucumbers or large bell pepper slices for an easy veggie-packed option.
As a sandwich or wrap
Pile it onto bread, rolls, tortillas, or wraps for a quick lunch.
Over salad greens
Add it to a bowl of greens and drizzle with a little ranch dressing for an easy high protein salad
