Name: Spicy Sesame Tuna Salad
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Ingredients: 8 oz packaged tuna; 1 tablespoon gochujang sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 tablespoons cream cheese; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; 1/4 cup green onions ((chopped)); 1 tablespoon lime juice

Busy schedule? No problem! This Spicy Sesame Tuna Salad is the ultimate meal prep hack—flavor-packed, pantry-friendly, and ready in minutes! If you’re looking for an easy, protein-rich meal that can be enjoyed cold or hot, this is IT.

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Spicy Sesame Tuna Salad

This 5-minute Spicy Sesame Tuna Salad is creamy, bold, and packed with protein. Perfect for spring rolls, lettuce wraps, or a melty, toasty sub.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 3

Course lunch

Cuisine Asian

Servings

Calories 291 kcal

Equipment

mixing bowl

Ingredients

8 oz packaged tuna
1 tablespoon gochujang sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
1 tablespoon lime juice

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Instructions

Drain the tuna well and add it to a bowl.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and carefully fold all the ingredients together until creamy and well combined.
Refrigerate it until you are ready to dig in.
Enjoy it as a filling for spring rolls, with lettuce wraps, or in a sandwich.

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Notes

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used. Please consult with your healthcare provider for specific dietary needs. To gain a better understanding, explore our nutrition disclaimer here.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 24gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 889mgPotassium: 318mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 413IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 3mg

Reasons This Spicy Sesame Tuna Salad is a Meal Prep Dream

Fast & Easy – Takes 5 minutes to make. Perfect for busy days when you need something nutritious but don’t have time to cook.
Pantry-Friendly – Uses canned tuna and staple ingredients you likely already have.
High Protein, Low Effort – Tuna is packed with protein, keeping you full and fueled.
Multi-Use Magic – Enjoy it in spring rolls, lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or even warmed up in a sub for a melty, spicy tuna melt.
Balanced & Flavorful – Creamy, spicy, nutty, and tangy all in one bite!
Great for On-the-Go – Prep it in advance, store in the fridge, and grab it when you need it.
Customizable – Add shredded carrots, cucumbers, or avocado for extra freshness

Featured Ingredients

Canned Tuna – The star of the show! It’s high in protein, budget-friendly, and super versatile. The mild, flaky texture absorbs all the bold flavors beautifully.
Gochujang Sauce – This fermented Korean chili paste adds a deep, spicy-sweet heat that gives the tuna salad a bold, umami-rich kick. It’s what makes this recipe next-level flavorful!
Soy Sauce – Adds saltiness and umami depth, enhancing all the other flavors without overpowering them. It also helps balance the heat from the gochujang.
Cream Cheese – The secret ingredient for a super creamy texture! It mellows out the spice while making the tuna salad rich and smooth.
Mayo – Helps bind everything together while adding extra creaminess and a slightly tangy richness that complements the bold flavors.
Sesame Oil – A little goes a long way! This nutty, toasty oil adds depth and brings out the sesame seeds’ flavor, making the whole dish feel more cohesive.
Sesame Seeds – These tiny powerhouses add a subtle crunch and an earthy, toasty nuttiness, reinforcing the sesame oil’s flavor.
Green Onions – Bring freshness and a mild oniony bite that cuts through the richness, keeping everything light and balanced.
Lime Juice – A splash of lime brightens everything up, adding a refreshing, citrusy zing that balances the heat and richness.

Basic Steps to Prepare Spicy Sesame Tuna Salad

Drain the tuna well – Press out as much liquid as possible to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Add the tuna to a mixing bowl and gently flake it with a fork.
Add the remaining ingredients – Spoon in the gochujang sauce, soy sauce, cream cheese, mayo, sesame oil, sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Mix everything together – Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold the ingredients until fully combined and creamy. Be careful not to over-mix, so the tuna maintains some texture.
Chill and serve – Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. When ready to eat, enjoy it in spring rolls, lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or even warmed up in a sub!

tuna salad with sub sandwich and lettuce

Ways to Enjoy:

Cold & Fresh – Wrap it in lettuce wraps or spring rolls for a light yet satisfying meal.
Warm & Toasty – Melt it in a sub sandwich for an ooey-gooey, spicy tuna melt.
On-the-Go Snack – Scoop it with rice crackers or cucumber slices for a quick bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this tuna salad last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving!

Is there a substitute for gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, try sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a similar spicy kick. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the cream cheese for mashed avocado or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy texture.

Spicy Sesame Tuna Salad