Dinner

Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad (High Protein Recipe) Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery February 10, 2026February 10, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Buffalo Tuna Salad is a flavorful, high-protein dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. With a spicy kick from Buffalo sauce and creamy cottage cheese, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.

A woman's hand holds a slice of toasted bread with a thick, creamy layer of light beige chicken salad spread on top, mixed with small pieces of green celery and orange carrot shreds, giving it a varied texture. The toast is golden brown and crispy, slightly rough on the sides, and the chicken salad layer has a soft, chunky look with visible bits of vegetables. The background shows a white round plate on a white marbled surface and a blurred light cloth and plant pot in soft, neutral tones behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 you are using Safe Catch or Wild Planet tuna, draining is not necessary.
Step 2: Finely chop the celery and red onion. Add them along with the cottage cheese to the tuna, then mix well.
Step 3: Stir in the lemon juice, Buffalo sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust by adding more Buffalo sauce or salt if preferred.
Step 5: For easy meal prep, chop the veggies ahead of time so the salad comes together quickly when you’re ready to eat.

Tips & Variations

Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a different creamy texture and slightly tangier flavor.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
Serve this salad over mixed greens or stuffed into an avocado for a low-carb option.
Adjust the amount of Buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store the tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating if you prefer.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl filled with creamy, light orange spread with visible small pieces of green, white, and red mixed in, giving it a textured and chunky look; the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft beige cloth loosely placed around it. 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?

This recipe is designed for canned tuna for convenience and texture. Using fresh tuna would require cooking and a different preparation method, changing the texture significantly.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It holds well for a few days in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches. Just keep it refrigerated and enjoy within 3 days for best freshness.