Simple Tuna Salad Lettuce Wrap Lunch

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

A quick and healthy lunch option that's packed with flavor and nutrients.

Katherine Blake

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2025-12-28T20:31:07.754Z

This Simple Tuna Salad Lettuce Wrap Lunch is a refreshing and nutritious meal perfect for busy days. With its blend of protein-rich tuna and crisp lettuce, it provides a satisfying crunch and flavor in every bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, ready in just 10 minutes
  • Light, fresh, and packed with protein
  • Perfect for meal prep or a light lunch

The Benefits of Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are not only a delicious alternative to traditional sandwich bread but also a great way to add more vegetables to your diet. By using large, crisp lettuce leaves as a wrap, you can enjoy a light and refreshing meal that is low in carbohydrates and calories. This makes them an ideal option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying flavorful meals.

In addition to being low in calories, lettuce wraps are packed with nutrients. Lettuce is high in vitamins A and K, as well as folate, which are all essential for maintaining good health. By opting for lettuce wraps instead of heavier bread, you can feel satisfied without the added guilt, making this tuna salad wrap not just tasty but nutritious as well.

Customizing Your Tuna Salad

One of the great things about this tuna salad recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add more mayonnaise or even try Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add a unique flavor profile to your salad.

Consider adding diced pickles, capers, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also enhance the freshness of the salad. This adaptability ensures that you can make this recipe your own while still enjoying a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This tuna salad is an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of the salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply scoop out the desired amount and assemble your lettuce wraps. This not only saves you time during the busy workweek but also ensures you have a healthy lunch option ready to go.

To keep the lettuce fresh, it's best to store the tuna salad and the lettuce leaves separately. This way, the lettuce won't wilt before you're ready to enjoy your meal. Packing your tuna salad in individual containers also makes it easy to grab and go, making it a perfect choice for those hectic days when you need a quick, nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

  • 1 can of tuna, drained
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large lettuce leaves (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
  • Optional: cherry tomatoes, for garnish

Now that you have your ingredients, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your tuna salad:

Prepare the Tuna Salad

In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, and red onion. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Wraps

Take a large lettuce leaf and spoon a generous portion of the tuna salad onto the center. Add cherry tomatoes if desired, then fold the sides of the lettuce leaf over the filling to create a wrap.

Your tuna salad lettuce wraps are now ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your tuna salad lettuce wraps, consider pairing them with a light side dish. Fresh vegetable sticks, such as carrots and cucumbers, make a crunchy accompaniment. You could also serve them with a bowl of homemade vegetable soup for a heartier meal that still remains light and healthy.

If you’re looking to add a bit of crunch to your meal, a side of baked tortilla chips or whole grain crackers can offer a satisfying texture contrast. Just be mindful of portion sizes to keep your meal balanced.

Storage Tips

When it comes to storing your leftover tuna salad, make sure to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its freshness and flavor. It’s best consumed within three days for optimal taste and safety, as the ingredients can start to lose their quality over time.

If you want to prepare the salad for longer storage, consider freezing it. However, be aware that the texture may change once thawed. If you choose this option, it's best to freeze the tuna salad without the mayonnaise and add it fresh upon thawing for the best results.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Just cook it thoroughly and flake it before mixing with the other ingredients.

→ How long can I store leftover tuna salad?

You can store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

→ Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the tuna salad in advance, but it's best to assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Simple Tuna Salad Lettuce Wrap Lunch

A quick and healthy lunch option that's packed with flavor and nutrients.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Katherine Blake

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 can of tuna, drained
  2. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  3. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  4. 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  5. 1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 4 large lettuce leaves (e.g., romaine or butter lettuce)
  8. Optional: cherry tomatoes, for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, and red onion. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 02

Take a large lettuce leaf and spoon a generous portion of the tuna salad onto the center. Add cherry tomatoes if desired, then fold the sides of the lettuce leaf over the filling to create a wrap.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 24g