If you think tuna salad has to be boring, this viral Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad recipe is here to prove you wrong. With crunchy pickles, sweet corn, pops of green apple, and a shower of crispy jalapeños, it’s the kind of lunch you’ll actually look forward to all week.
“The” Viral Tuna Salad
Alright, alright, alright, now, actor Matthew McConaughey might just know what he’s talking about. When Mr. APOP (my husband) sent me a reel of his Viral Tuna Salad Recipe, I thought (as many others): CORN…PEAS?! IN TUNA SALAD?!? It’s unique, but it works and is worth trying. My favorite addition which wow-ed me on the first bite is the chopped-up crispy jalapeño chips that are just the right level of spice and serve up an undeniably perfect combination of crunch. It is a bit of a lengthy recipe, but much of McConaughey’s ingredient list are pantry staples.
As if he needs to add another title to his accolades, Matthew McConaughey’s Viral Tuna Salad Recipe is one to try! We loved it and my husband ate it all week for lunch. As McConaughey, the tuna fish salad master maker says, I do think it’s better after sitting in the fridge overnight (sans crispy jalapenos, always add those fresh!!)
Make Matthew McConaughey’s tuna salad for a summer picnic, meal prep for work lunches or enjoy on a snack plate scooped with your favorite cracker. However you choose, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy this new take on your typical tuna salad.
And if tuna isn’t your thing, I have plenty of chicken salads on my site, too! Try this Pesto Chicken Salad, Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad, or a personal fav, this Napa Almond Chicken Salad!
Recipe Ingredients
- Canned Tuna – I used Solid Yellowfin Tuna, drained and broken up (use a quality brand like StarKist). I bought 2 in water, 2 in oil.
- Green Apple – A granny smith apple adds a bit of sweetness and extra crunch.
- Veggies – We’ll include red onion, corn, dill pickles (specifically, dill gherkins) and green peas.
- Crispy Jalapeños – I found that I was pouring these on top because holy moly Mr. MM is onto something here.
- Dressing – For the dressing we’ll mix mayo, greek yogurt, lemon juice, wasabi paste, champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar), a bit of Italian salad dressing and honey (or a touch of agave).
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
- A toasted nut and dried fruit would be an excellent addition – personal preference but I loveeee a dried cranberry in ANY tuna or chicken salad.
- My husband topped with sriracha before enjoying for some extra heat.
- Hate mayo? Replace with extra greek yogurt + a tablespoon of olive oil, hummus or mashed avocado. Each of these provide a creamy, nutritious, and flavorful alternative if you’re one who just doesn’t vibe with mayonnaise.
How to Make This Recipe
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
2. Add in all of the salad ingredients except the crispy jalapeños.
3. Stir together until everything is coated.
4. Before serving, top with crispy jalapenos so they’re fresh & crunchy. Enjoy between two pieces of toasted bread, with pretzel chips, or by the spoonful!
PRO TIPS
- I really love this the next day as the flavors marinate, but even if you prep it in the morning before lunch, it will work!
- Use your veggie chopper so everything is evenly diced (it’s a quick way to make this recipe)
- If you’re a pickle fan, add a splash of pickle juice for extra flavor!
Recipe FAQs
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Just keep the crispy jalapeno chips separate. We made a big batch and ate it throughout the week!
I recommend using a good-quality solid tuna and making sure it’s well drained. We used a mix of tuna packed in water and tuna packed in oil, which gave it a really nice flavor and texture.
The tuna salad itself isn’t super spicy, but the crispy jalapeños on top add the perfect little kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, just start with a smaller amount or leave them off and add them per serving.
Serving suggestions
Serve your homemade tuna fish salad two slices of toasted bread w/ lettuce & pickles (and a slice of cheese if you want a new form of a tuna melt), with pretzel chips, it lettuce cups or in a pita wrap! If you’re looking for a light side, make a french green bean salad or this Hot Honey Pasta Salad for the IDEAL lunch situation.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Matthew McConaughey Tuna Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- measuring cups / spoons
- Rubber Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cans Solid Yellowfin Tuna (5oz each), drained and broken up *I used 2 in water, 2 in oil
- 1/2 cup Green apple, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup corn, fresh or canned
- 1/2 cup dill gherkin pickles, diced
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 bag crispy jalapeños
- salt + pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1/2 cup light mayo
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1/2 Lemon, juiced
- 1 tbsp wasabi paste
- 1 tbsp champagne vinegar
- 1 tbsp Italian dressing
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Add in all of the salad ingredients except the crispy jalapenos! Stir together until everything is coated.
- Before serving, top with crispy jalapenos so they’re fresh & crunchy.
- Enjoy between two pieces of toasted bread, with pretzel chips, or by the spoonful!
Nutrition
Notes
more of our favorite Chicken Salad Recipes…
this is the real deal! love it for lunches.
Saw this the other day and had to try it. Trust me let it set over night for the coagulation…. It’s amazing!!!!
the textures!!! this was such a unique recipe that I will certainly be making again