Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
If you’re looking for a lunch that feels both indulgent and energizing, let me introduce you to Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps—my go-to answer whenever I want something crisp, cool, and deliciously satisfying without the extra carbs. These wraps bring together tender, flavorful tuna, zesty relish, creamy avocado, and fresh veggies all bundled up in a refreshing romaine leaf. Whether you’re making lunch for one or feeding a crowd, Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are as fun to eat as they are easy to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how just a handful of everyday ingredients transforms into an outrageously tasty dish! Each one plays a starring role, from adding crunch to bringing tang or luscious creaminess. Good ingredients make Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps sing with flavor and texture, so treat yourself to the best you can find.
- Tuna: Choose two 5 oz. cans of high-quality tuna—packed in water or oil—since the tuna is the foundation of this recipe.
- Mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess and ensures the tuna salad holds together perfectly, so don’t skimp on this.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon brings a pop of tangy sharpness that completely livens up the salad.
- Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor—half stirs into the dressing and the rest keeps your avocado gloriously green.
- Celery Seed: Lends an undercurrent of classic deli flavor that gives the salad a subtle, savory bite.
- Salt or Vege-Sal: Season to taste—start small and build up; it pulls every flavor forward.
- Dill Pickle Relish: Two tablespoons add a juicy, briny zip that pairs beautifully with tuna.
- Capers: Little pockets of salty, punchy flavor—it’s the secret ingredient you’ll start craving.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced for gentle onion bite and a lovely flash of green throughout the salad.
- Romaine Lettuce Leaves: You’ll need 8 large ones, sturdy enough to hold all the fillings but tender and refreshing in every bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes (optional): A cup of these, chopped, adds gorgeous color and bursts of sweetness.
- Avocado (optional): One large, diced, brings buttery texture and richness that’s irresistible.
How to Make Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Drain the Tuna Well
Start by dumping your cans of tuna into a fine-mesh strainer set in the sink. Let it drain thoroughly—excess moisture can dilute the flavor and make the filling watery. Don’t rush this step; the best Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps start with beautifully flaky, well-drained tuna.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing
While the tuna drains, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayo, Dijon mustard, two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, celery seed, and your salt or Vege-Sal. This will be the creamy, flavor-packed glue that brings everything together.
Step 3: Prep the Fresh Veggies
Now slice up your green onions as thick or thin as you like. Cut the cherry tomatoes and avocado into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready and within arm’s reach keeps the process smooth—and makes assembly fun!
Step 4: Toss Avocado with Lemon Juice
Place the chopped avocado in a bowl and toss it with about a tablespoon of lemon juice. This keeps it from turning brown and adds a little extra zing. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, giving them a glossy, lemony coat that’s ready to brighten up your wraps.
Step 5: Combine Tuna and Dressing
Transfer your fully-drained tuna into a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over top and gently mix until every bite is creamy and flavor-packed. You want the dressing thoroughly distributed, so take your time!
Step 6: Fold in the Good Stuff
Add the dill pickle relish, capers, and green onions to the tuna mixture. Stir it all together—this is where every bold, tangy, and herby note comes into play, elevating these simple ingredients into the best Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps around.
Step 7: Prepare the Lettuce Leaves
Cut apart your heads of romaine and select 8 large, sturdy leaves. Wash them gently and then dry thoroughly, either in a salad spinner or by patting dry with paper towels. A dry leaf means no soggy wraps!
Step 8: Fill and Garnish
Spoon two generous tablespoons of the tuna salad onto each leaf, then top with the tomato and avocado mixture. Serve right away and dive in—these Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are best enjoyed fresh, with your hands, picnic style!
How to Serve Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Add a flourish of chopped fresh dill, some extra capers, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for a pretty and flavorful finish. Even a light drizzle of good olive oil or an extra squeeze of lemon can elevate your Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps and make them feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps play so well with a host of light, crunchy sides. Try serving them with crisp cucumber sticks, a tangy coleslaw, or sliced bell peppers. A handful of pita chips or your favorite soup can easily round out the meal, making lunch or dinner a total treat.
Creative Ways to Present
These wraps are endlessly versatile! Arrange them on a platter with the fillings and toppings arranged family-style for a DIY build-your-own meal. For party bites, slice each wrap in half and secure with festive toothpicks so guests can grab and go. Or roll the filling up sushi-style for a playful twist on Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps that kids and adults will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover tuna salad, pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the lettuce leaves and tomato-avocado mixture separately if possible, to keep everything fresh and crisp for when you’re ready to assemble more Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps.
Freezing
Tuna salad made with mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well, as the dressing can separate and become watery once thawed. For best texture and taste, only make as much as you’ll eat within a few days—these Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are just too good to risk compromising their flavor!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dish—Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are all about that refreshing chill and crunch. If you’ve made the components ahead, simply let the tuna salad sit out at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for the best texture before assembling your wraps.
FAQs
Can I use different types of lettuce for these wraps?
Absolutely! Romaine offers the perfect sturdy crunch, but butter lettuce or iceberg can be fun alternatives. Just make sure your leaves are big enough to hold the generous mound of tuna salad and any toppings you love.
Is there a dairy-free option for the mayo?
Yes! Plenty of plant-based mayos exist now, or you can substitute mashed avocado for an ultra-creamy, dairy-free twist. This way, everyone gets to enjoy Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps no matter their dietary needs.
What’s the best kind of canned tuna to use?
For flavor and texture, I love using solid white albacore packed in water (drain it well, of course). If you’re after a richer taste, tuna in olive oil is a fantastic option—you simply may want to use a touch less mayo in your mix.
Can I prepare Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps in advance for lunchboxes?
You sure can! Keep the salad, lettuce leaves, and toppings separate, then assemble right before eating. This way, your Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps stay crisp and vibrant, not soggy, making them perfect for meal prep or taking on the go.
How do I keep my avocado from browning?
Tossing your diced avocado with lemon or lime juice will do the trick. The citrus keeps the avocado bright and fresh, making your Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps look and taste as good as new, even after a few hours.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and lively about whipping up a platter of Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps. Each bite is creamy, bright, and packed with satisfying crunch—plus, they’re as easy to share as they are to customize. I can’t wait for you to try this favorite and make it your own!
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Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are a refreshing and flavorful low-carb meal option. With a delicious tuna salad mixture wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, these wraps are perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad:
- two 5 oz. cans good quality canned tuna
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 T fresh lemon juice, divided
- 1/2 tsp. celery seed
- Salt or Vege-Sal to taste
- 2 T dill pickle relish
- 2 T capers
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Wraps:
- 8 large Romaine Lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1 large avocado, chopped small (optional)
Instructions
- Drain Tuna: Dump tuna into a fine-mesh strainer and let it drain well.
- Prepare Dressing: Combine mayo, Dijon mustard, 1 T lemon juice, celery seed, and salt.
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop tomatoes, avocado, and green onions.
- Prepare Avocado Mixture: Mix avocado with 1 T lemon juice and stir in tomatoes.
- Mix Tuna Salad: Place drained tuna in a bowl and mix in the dressing, relish, capers, and green onions.
- Prepare Lettuce Wraps: Separate lettuce leaves, wash, and dry.
- Assemble Wraps: Fill lettuce leaves with tuna salad mixture, top with avocado and tomato mixture, and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use tuna packed in water or oil, depending on your preference.
- Fresh lime juice can be substituted for lemon juice.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Mixing, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lettuce wrap
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps, Low Carb, Easy Recipe, Healthy Lunch
