Looking for a simple lunch with a little kick? This simple Spicy Tuna Salad comes together in 5 minutes, with 5 simple ingredients, and is packed with flavor.
Because as a busy mom who simply cannot with flavorless food, I know how important it is to have a quick, easy, and flavorful lunch option in your pocket!
With the perfect amount of earthy herbaceous flavor from dried oregano and just the right amount of spice from black pepper and crushed red pepper, this easy canned tuna recipe hits the spot every time.
And between this easy option and my Tuna Egg Salad Sandwich, I feel like I’ve got great options to get my cold sandwich fix in a flash.
Spicy Tuna Salad Ingredients
I like to use canned tuna in water. Make sure you drain it well. Excess water will make your tuna salad sloppy.
While a more classic version of this spicy tuna salad uses mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt. Just know you’ll be left with a tangier taste.
How to Make Spicy Tuna with Crushed Red Pepper
Drain and Mix
It doesn’t get much easier than this recipe. Simply drain the water (or oil) from the can of tuna and add the tuna to a bowl with the mayo (or Greek yogurt), oregano, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
Use a fork to mix it all together. Take a little taste to make sure you’re happy with the spice level and add some salt if it needs it. If you want more of a kick, add some extra crushed red pepper.
How to Serve Your Spicy Canned Tuna
I love this spicy tuna on a simple sandwich with lettuce and tomato or pressed with melty cheese to make a tuna melt! You can also eat it on its own, wrapped up in lettuce or a tortilla, or served with crackers or chips!
It’s also a great addition to a green salad or even pasta salad.
Tip: Try this spicy tuna salad in these Canned Tuna Lettuce Wraps!
For the ultimate spicy sidekick, check out these Cajun Fries!
How to Properly Store Leftover Tuna Salad
Leftover tuna salad with crushed red pepper will last in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be enjoyed cold right out of the fridge, making it a great option for making ahead or meal prep.
5-Ingredient Spicy Tuna Salad with Crushed Red Pepper
SAVE RECIPE TO COLLECTION PIN PRINT RATEEquipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces tuna in water (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- salt to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Open your can of tuna and drain the water (or oil).4 ounces tuna in water
- Add the tuna to a bowl with the Greek Yogurt (or mayo), oregano, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and use a fork to mix and combine.2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Taste the spicy tuna salad to see if you want to add salt, and test the spice level to see if you want to add extra crushed red pepper. Enjoy on its own, as a dip, or in a sandwich or wrap.salt to taste
Pro Tips
- I typically use Greek Yogurt instead of mayonnaise, but it does lend a little bit of a tangy taste. Mayo is definitely more mild and allow the tuna to shine.
- I find with the spices and the tang of the Greek yogurt, I don’t need much (if any salt), but if you’re using mayonnaise, you may want to add some!
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3 thoughts on “5-Ingredient Spicy Tuna Salad with Crushed Red Pepper”
Very easy, very quick, VERY DELICIOUS.
I added egg because I like eggs in tuna and it’s perfect.
love the addition of egg in there, Nae! Genius!! So glad you enjoyed.
Haven’t tried it yet but it looks so good and simple, I’m sure I will soon!
(Review provided by a family/friend of marleysmenu.com)