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This Matthew McConaughey tuna salad was created by the famous actor as a way to clean out his fridge. But this tuna salad recipe ended up going viral for its unique combination of ingredients like tuna, peas, corn, jalapeño crisps, and a quick spicy mayo dressing that is incredible. It’s pretty much the best tasting healthy tuna salad ever!
Matthew McConaughey’s tuna salad recipe is unique just like him! It definitely is not your classic healthy tuna salad. His twist combines chunky tuna, corn, frozen peas, chunks of apple, jalapeño and this very tasty and satisfying spicy wasabi mayo dressing that tops it all off!
So, of course I had to try it because Mr. McConaughey himself said on social media he is a “Master Tuna Salad Maker” and I LOVE tuna salad! The crunch mixed with the spice and creaminess is just perfection in a tuna salad recipe!
This Matthew McConaughey tuna salad is something you MUST TRY…I was skeptical until I tried it and it turned out to be so creamy, crunchy, flavorful and delicious that my husband ate the entire bowl of it!
Now, if you are into tuna salad variations like I am then you will also want to try this tuna egg salad that is a bit simpler but so so good!
My kids love this tuna pasta salad that is a hit every time I make it!
Why You’ll Love This Viral Tuna Salad Recipe Made by Matthew McConaughey:
- Versatile – make it spicier and crunchier (hello jalapeno chips), add more protein or make it dairy free! See more variations below.
- Healthy – packed with protein, vitamins and healthy fats (all the good things)
- Easy to whip up minutes
- Literally the BEST tasting tuna salad ever with an incredible combination of ingredients and a spicy creamy dressing!
- Perfect for meal prep since it tastes even better the next day!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Viral Tuna Salad Recipe Made by Matthew McConaughey:
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Recommended Kitchen Tools
- How To Make The Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad
- Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad Recipe Variations
- Ways to serve Matthew McConaughey’s tuna salad
- How To Store Tuna Salad
- FAQs
- More Protein Packed Salad’s
- Viral Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to make this Matthew McConaughey inspired tuna salad recipe.
- Tuna – Any tuna will work. I like safe catch brands that I can get with lower sodium and premium tuna.
- Peas – frozen peas add color, crunch and nutrition to this tuna salad. If you prefer to leave the peas out then go ahead.
- Corn – adds a nice sweet, colorful, element. Crunchy corn chips would also be great!
- Pickles – gives the salad a salty, briny flavor. Any pickles will work.
- Green apple – Crunchy, sweet green apple or any type of apple works.
- Jalapeño – I used jarred jalapeños but you could also used crushed jalapeño chips or crispy jalapeño if you can find it.
- Dill or scallions – I loved fresh chopped dill in this tuna salad but chopped scallions or chives are also delicious.
- Lemon juice – just a bit of lemon juice to squeeze on the tuna to give it a nice citrusy flavor.
- Spicy mayo dressing – mayo, Greek yogurt, wasabi paste, lemon juice, honey, Italian dressing – so easy but so good!
Get the complete list of recipe ingredients, instructions and nutrition in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Kitchen knife and cutting board
- Measuring cup + measuring spoons (or measure with your heart)
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon to mix it all together
How To Make The Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad
Here is a summary of how to make this tuna salad recipe with step-by-step photos.
- Add all of the tuna salad ingredients to a medium mixing bowl.
2. Add all of the dressing ingredients to a small bowl.
3. Mix up the dressing until fully combined.
4. Mix the dressing into the tuna salad. Serve and enjoy!
Okay, how good does that look? And it tastes even better!!
Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad Recipe Variations
- Make it spicier – add some hot sauce, more wasabi paste to the dressing or add more jalapeno’s.
- Make it crunchier – we loved adding crushed jalapeno chips in place of the sliced pickled jalapeno for added crunch. If you can find crispy jalapenos that is even better.
- Add more protein – add in some chopped hard-boiled eggs for even more protein. You could also sub some of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to kick up the protein even more.
- Make it dairy free – use diary free mayo.
Ways to serve Matthew McConaughey’s tuna salad
Matthew himself said that he loves to enjoy his tuna salad between two slices of bread but here are a few more ways to serve it!
- With fresh cut cucumber or apple
- In lettuce cups
- With crackers
- All on it’s on in a big bowl!
How To Store Tuna Salad
Store leftovers of the Matthew McConaughey tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Revive it by stirring in a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper when ready to eat.
FAQs
Yes! His tuna salad went viral and for good reason. Not only is it creative with elements like peas, corn, crispy jalapeños, and a wasabi dressing but it is loaded with protein and perfectly creamy and crunchy.
It went viral and actually sparked some debate because of it’s unique combination of ingredients like frozen peas, corn, crispy jalapeños and wasabi dressing.
More Protein Packed Salad’s
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you try this viral tuna salad made famous by actor Matthew McConaughey? If you did then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how your’s turned out!
Check out all of my healthy salad recipes on PMG!
Viral Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 Servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This viral Matthew McConaughey tuna salad combines a unique combination of ingredients like tuna, corn, peas, crisp jalapeños and a creamy wasabi mayo dressing. It is a delicious spin on a classic tuna salad recipe that you are going to LOVE!
Ingredients
For the tuna salad
- 2 (5ounce) cans tuna fish – I used Safe Catch brand
- 1 tablepsoon fresh Lemon juice
- Pinch of seas salt
- Pinch of pepper
- ⅓ cup frozen peas
- ⅓ cup corn
- ¼ cup diced pickles
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup diced green apple
- ½ cup chopped jarred jalapeño or crushed jalapeño chips
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or scallions
For the spicy mayo dressing
- ¼ cup light mayo
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon wasabi paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Italian dressing
Instructions
- Add all of the tuna salad ingredients to a medium bowl.
- In a separate small bowl combine the dressing ingredients.
- Mix the dressing into the salad
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a good quality tuna fish like Safe Catch brand.
- Chop the ingredients smaller so they are easier to mix.
- Store leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Healthy Salads
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
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