1. Prepare the Tuna

Start by draining the canned tuna and flaking it with a fork into a medium-sized bowl. Make sure to break up any large chunks so that the tuna can mix well with the other ingredients. If you’re using tuna packed in oil, you can choose to drain some or all of the oil, depending on how rich you want the salad to be.

2. Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter option), sriracha sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more sriracha if you like it spicier or a bit more soy sauce for extra umami flavor.

3. Chop the Vegetables

Finely chop the red onion, celery, cucumber, and jalapeño (if using). The vegetables should be finely chopped to blend well with the tuna and dressing, adding a nice crunch and freshness to the salad. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapeño or use less of it.

4. Combine the Tuna and Vegetables

Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the flaked tuna. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the tuna. The veggies will add a nice crunch and freshness to the salad, balancing out the creamy dressing and the spiciness from the sriracha.

5. Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Use a spoon to gently stir everything together, making sure all the tuna and vegetables are coated evenly with the spicy dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the salad feels too thick, you can add a little extra rice vinegar or a splash of water to thin it out.

6. Serve the Spicy Tuna Salad

Once the salad is well-mixed and the flavors are balanced, it’s ready to serve. You can enjoy it right away or refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The salad can be served in several ways:

• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the spicy tuna salad onto large lettuce leaves and roll them up for a light and refreshing meal. Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg lettuce all work well for this.
• Salad: Serve the tuna salad on top of a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or arugula for a filling and nutritious salad.
• Sandwich or Wrap: Spread the tuna salad onto whole-grain bread, pita, or wraps for a hearty sandwich or wrap.
• With Crackers: Serve the spicy tuna salad with crackers or tortilla chips for a crunchy snack or appetizer.

For extra flavor, top the salad with fresh avocado slices or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. The creaminess of the avocado pairs perfectly with the spice of the tuna salad.