Introduction

This Tuna Salad is a flavorful twist on a classic lunch staple, combining the tang of Buffalo sauce with creamy cottage cheese. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light, protein-packed meal.

Ingredients

2 (5 oz) cans tuna, drained and flaked
½ cup celery, finely chopped (~2 stalks)
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¾ cup cottage cheese
3 Tbsp Buffalo sauce (such as Primal Kitchen brand)
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

Step 1: Flake the tuna into a medium or large bowl. If using Safe Catch or Wild Planet tuna, draining is not necessary.
Step 2: Finely chop the celery and red onion, then add them along with the cottage cheese to the tuna. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the lemon juice, Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
Step 4: Mix everything thoroughly. Taste and adjust by adding more Buffalo sauce or salt if desired.
Step 5: For convenience, chop the celery and onion ahead of time to make assembly faster when you’re ready to eat.

Tips & Variations

Substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese for a smoother texture and tangier flavor.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra freshness.
Use less Buffalo sauce if you prefer a milder heat or swap it for hot sauce to suit your taste.

Storage

Store the Tuna Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A woman's hand holds a slice of toast with a thick layer of chunky, light beige chicken salad mixed with small pieces of green celery spread evenly on top, with a drizzle of orange sauce in the middle. The toast is crispy with a brown crust and is held above a clean white plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred green plant in a brown pot and a beige cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

While fresh tuna can be used, it requires cooking and flaking first. Canned tuna offers convenience and consistent flavor for this recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Tuna Salad keeps well for a few days in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.

Buffalo Tuna Salad with Cottage Cheese and Fresh Veggies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 115 reviews

This zesty Tuna Salad combines flaked tuna with crunchy celery, sharp red onions, and creamy cottage cheese, all brought together with a spicy Buffalo sauce and a hint of lemon juice. It’s a quick, protein-packed meal perfect for a light lunch or snack with bold flavors and simple ingredients.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 (5 oz) cans tuna (drained and flaked)
½ cup celery, finely chopped (~2 stalks)
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¾ cup cottage cheese
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

Prepare the Tuna: Flake the tuna into a medium or large mixing bowl. For specific brands like Safe Catch or Wild Planet, draining is unnecessary as they come ready-to-use.
Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the celery stalks and red onion. Add these chopped veggies along with cottage cheese to the flaked tuna and mix thoroughly to combine the textures evenly.
Add Seasonings and Sauce: Pour in the lemon juice and Buffalo sauce, then sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. These ingredients deliver the tangy and spicy flavor profile that makes this salad vibrant.
Mix and Adjust Flavor: Stir all ingredients thoroughly until fully incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust by adding more Buffalo sauce or salt as needed to suit your preference.
Tip for Convenience: To save time, chop the celery and onions ahead of schedule so assembling this salad is fast and easy when you’re ready to eat.

Notes

Use high-quality canned tuna like Safe Catch or Wild Planet for best flavor and no need to drain.
Adjust Buffalo sauce quantity to modify spiciness according to your taste.
Cottage cheese adds creaminess but can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a different texture.
This salad can be served chilled on its own, on crackers, or as a sandwich filling.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: tuna salad, buffalo tuna, quick salad, protein salad, no-cook meal, healthy lunch