10-Minute Quick Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
These Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are a quick, healthy, and low-carb meal loaded with protein and fiber. Ready in just 10 minutes, they make a satisfying lunch or dinner option that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for everyday eating or meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 Medium bowl
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 6 oz solid white tuna canned in water
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- ½ medium tomato
- ¼ cup green onion chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
- ½ tsp garlic salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 wedge lemon
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 tbsp coarse-grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Base: Open your can of solid white tuna and carefully drain the water. Transfer the tuna to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a fork to gently flake the tuna into smaller pieces, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients. This will create a light, even texture for your salad.
- Chop Fresh Vegetables: On a clean cutting board, finely chop the green bell pepper, green onion, and fresh cilantro. Slice the tomato into small, bite-sized pieces. These fresh vegetables will add color, crunch, and a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the tuna. Set them aside until ready to mix.
- Season the Tuna: To your bowl of flaked tuna, add the garlic salt and ground black pepper. Squeeze the juice from a lemon wedge directly over the tuna to brighten the flavors. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula to evenly distribute the seasoning. This creates a zesty, flavorful base for your wraps.
- Add the Condiments: Add the mayonnaise and coarse-grain Dijon mustard to the seasoned tuna. Use a fork or spatula to fold the ingredients together until fully combined. Ensure that every bite of tuna is coated lightly with the creamy mixture, giving it a rich, smooth texture without being too heavy.
- Incorporate the Vegetables: Gently fold in the chopped bell pepper, green onion, tomato, and cilantro into the tuna mixture. Stir carefully to mix everything evenly without breaking down the delicate tuna too much. At this stage, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more garlic salt, black pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Prepare the Lettuce Wraps: Wash the romaine lettuce leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Select the largest, most intact leaves for wrapping. These will serve as your edible “bowls,” holding the tuna mixture securely without tearing.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay a lettuce leaf flat on a plate. Using a spoon, scoop approximately 1/2 cup of the tuna salad and place it in the center of the leaf. Fold the sides over the filling, creating a neat, handheld wrap. Repeat this process for each leaf until all the tuna salad is used.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the completed lettuce wraps on a serving platter. You can garnish with a small sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a thin wedge of lemon for extra presentation. Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the tuna salad is fresh. These wraps are perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or an easy, healthy snack.
Notes
- Use solid white tuna in water for a light, flaky texture and lower fat content.
- Choose large, fresh romaine leaves to hold the filling securely and avoid tearing.
- Adjust seasoning gradually—taste as you go, especially with garlic salt and lemon juice.
- For added crunch, consider finely diced cucumber or celery.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayo for a lower-fat, tangy alternative.
- Keep the tuna mixture cold until ready to serve to maintain freshness and flavor.
- These wraps are perfect for meal prep; store tuna separately from lettuce to avoid sogginess.
- Customize flavors with herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for variety.
- Serve with a side of fresh fruit or whole-grain crackers for a balanced meal.
- For more zing, add a small pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the tuna salad.
