Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe (Low Carb Easy Mayo)
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REVIEWS)
PREP:
10 minutes
TOTAL:
10 minutes
SERVES:
8
When it comes to quick, high-protein meals, these tuna salad lettuce wraps are a game-changer. They’re the perfect easy lunch!
With Brayden being a fan of tuna salad these days, I find myself making this recipe 1-2 times a month! He devours it in a sandwich without any hesitation. Hey, it’s a healthy lunch so I’ll take it!
And to go lighter for the wife and me, I’ll throw the tuna salad in some lettuce to make a healthy weekday lunch recipe.
These wraps are not just tasty but also a refreshing twist on the classic tuna salad sandwich.
They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy, low-carb option that isn’t swimming in mayonnaise and doesn’t skimp on flavor. Let’s make these delicious wraps, which will become a staple in your meal rotation!
Ingredients for Tuna Lettuce Wrap Recipe
Using high-quality ingredients is key to making the best tuna salad lettuce wraps. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
Tuna and Condiments
Solid White Albacore in Water: Not every can of tuna is equal. Chunk-light tuna is the devil, and tastes like cat food. And go for the “In water variety” of Albacore since the oil tends to change the texture!
Mayonnaise: A hint of mayo is needed to glue everything together without overwhelming the flavors. Hellmann’s or Duke’s are great options.
Coarse Ground Mustard: A whole grain mustard provides a fresher flavor and a great texture, adding a delightful tang that complements the tuna beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the salad and balances the richness of the mayonnaise with a refreshing citrus note.
Garlic Salt: I’d like to think of this as the secret weapon. You can go with any garlic salt, but Morton’s Natures Seasoning has a little something extra that I love.
Vegetables and Herbs
Dill Pickles: Finely chopped cold-brined deli-style pickles like Claussen add a tangy crunch and enhance the overall flavor with a bit of acidity. If you’re in a bind, get with a dill pickle relish, the same great flavor, and easy prep!
Bell Pepper: Finely chopped bell peppers (green or red pepper) add sweetness, a satisfying crunch, and vibrant color to the salad.
Green Onion: Finely chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad, adding a nice crunch.
Fresh Dill (Optional): This herbaceous ingredient pairs well with the tuna and is highly recommended for an added burst of freshness.
Celery (Optional): Finely chopped celery adds extra crunch and freshness. It’s a classic ingredient in tuna salad that enhances the texture.
Salt and Black Pepper: Fresh cracked black pepper and Himalayan salt is my go-to for this recipe
Crispy Lettuce: The best lettuce to go with is Butter lettuce and romaine lettuce. They’re both perfect for wrapping. Butter lettuce is tender yet sturdy enough to hold the tuna salad without falling apart, while romaine adds a crunchier texture. DO NOT. And I mean, DO NOT go with iceberg lettuce. Be better.
Pro Tips:
- Customization: For extra flavor and nutrition, feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onion, or even avocado.
- Quality Ingredients: For the best tuna salad recipe, Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients to maximize the flavor and health benefits of your wraps.
Equipment Needed for Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
To make the most out of your tuna salad lettuce wraps, having the right equipment can make a world of difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
Mixing Bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients smoothly. I recommend the OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set for its non-slip bottoms and easy-pour spouts.
Cutting Board: A durable, hygienic cutting board is crucial for chopping veggies. The Boos Block Wood Cutting Board is my go to brand for cutting boards.
Knife: A sharp chef’s knife ensures precise chopping for even mixing and better texture. The DALSTRONG 8-Inch Chef Knife is a great choice for this purpose.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for balancing flavors. The OXO Good Grips 7-Piece Measuring Cups Set ensures precision.
Storage Containers: Airtight containers keep your tuna salad fresh. I love my Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers. They’re perfect for mixing in and storing leftovers!
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How to Make Tuna Lettuce Wraps
These tuna wraps are a super easy recipe and it doesn’t need much prep, but hey, if I have to please the Google gods, these beat talking about my cat, right?
Prepare the Tuna Mixture
- Drain the Tuna: Open the can of solid white tuna and drain it thoroughly.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, and coarse grain Dijon mustard.
- Add Freshness: Squeeze in the juice of the lemon wedge to brighten up the mixture.
Add Crunch and Flavor
- Chop the Veggies: Finely chop the green bell pepper, tomato, green onions, and cilantro.
- Incorporate the Vegetables: Add the chopped veggies to the tuna mixture.
- Season to Taste: Add the garlic salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Assemble the Wraps
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce leaves.
- Fill the Lettuce Cups: Spoon a generous amount of the tuna salad mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the Wraps: Arrange the filled lettuce cups on a serving platter.
- Garnish (Optional): Add a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a few slices of cherry tomatoes for color and additional flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy these fresh, healthy tuna salad lettuce wraps right away for the best texture and flavor.
FAQ for Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
The tuna salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using it again.
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for a healthier option that still binds the ingredients together nicely.
You can add various vegetables such as shredded carrots, diced cucumbers, or chopped celery for extra crunch and nutrition. Feel free to customize based on what you have on hand.
Solid white albacore in water provides a clean taste and meatier texture, unlike chunk light tuna which can taste like cat food. Always opt for solid white albacore for the best results.
Yes, prepare the tuna salad and store it separately from the lettuce leaves. Assemble the wraps just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.
Tuna Salad Recipe Ideas
While lettuce wraps are fantastic, here are some other delicious tuna recipes you might like if you have leftovers:
1. Tuna Cake Sandwiches: Mix your tuna salad with breadcrumbs and an egg, then form into patties. Pan-fry until golden brown for a delicious, crispy meal.
2. Avocado Halves: Scoop tuna salad into avocado halves for a creamy, nutritious combination that’s both satisfying and healthy.
3. Open-Faced Tuna Melt: Spread tuna salad on a slice of sourdough bread, top with cheese, and broil until melted and bubbly.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell pepper halves with tuna salad for a crunchy, colorful dish that’s perfect for lunch.
5. Cucumber Boats: Hollow out cucumber halves and fill them with tuna salad for a refreshing and low-carb snack.
Tuna Salad Lettuce Wrap
Ingredients
- 6 oz solid white tuna canned in water
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 1/2 whole tomato
- 1/4 cup green onion chopped
- 1 tbsp cilantro chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt more to taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 wedge lemon
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard course grain
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Open and drain your tuna cans. Chop your green onion, bell pepper, and cilantro. Slice the tomatoes, and cut out a wedge of lemon.
- In a bowl, combine your tuna, mayo, mustard, nature’s seasoning and black pepper.
- Add your bell pepper. and stir together.
- Squeeze in your lemon juice.
- Rinse your lettuce and pull out the large pieces. About 8 of them for 4 people. spoon in about 1/2 cup of the tuna salad into the lettuce. Wrap and enjoy!
Nutrition
