If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant lunch that bursts with flavor and ticks all the healthy boxes, you are going to adore this Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of tuna mingling with bright lemon, fragrant dill, and a creamy yet peppery mayo, all nestled in crisp butter lettuce leaves. It’s a perfect no-cook meal that combines zing, texture, and wholesome goodness in every bite. Whether you want a light midday meal or a simple dinner, these wraps make healthy eating irresistibly delicious and fun to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together with ease, each playing an essential role in building the bright, creamy, and perfectly peppery profile of this dish. From the fresh herbs to the tangy lemon notes, every component enhances the final Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe.
- Tuna (2 cans, 5 oz each, drained): The star protein that’s flaky and mild, giving the salad a satisfying base.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Provides creaminess and binds the ingredients perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, refreshing acidity that lifts all the flavors.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Delivers concentrated citrus aroma to brighten the mix even more.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped) or dried dill (1 teaspoon): Imparts a fragrant, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with tuna.
- Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Brings a bold spiciness that cuts through the creaminess.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the ingredients to their fullest potential.
- Celery stalk (1, finely chopped): Adds a satisfying crunch and subtle freshness.
- Green onion (1, thinly sliced): Offers a mild sharpness and a burst of green color.
- Butter lettuce leaves (8–10 leaves): Crisp and tender, these leaves are the ideal vessel for wrapping up the tuna mixture.
How to Make Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Tuna and Dressing
Start by draining your canned tuna to avoid sogginess in your wraps. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the tuna with mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. The lemon juice and zest provide an immediate burst of brightness that makes the flavors pop.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill and freshly ground black pepper. Dill’s fragrant quality brings a garden-fresh note that beautifully complements the tuna. The black pepper adds an unmistakable kick, while salt rounds out the flavors. Stir these well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step 3: Mix in Crunch and Color
Fold in the finely chopped celery and sliced green onion. The celery gives a refreshing crunch that prevents the salad from feeling mushy, and the green onion lends a delicate sharpness along with a lovely green hue, brightening the entire dish visually and texturally.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give your tuna salad a taste test. If you’d like more zing, add an extra splash of lemon juice. For creaminess, a little more mayo can do the trick. Keep adjusting until the balance feels just right for you.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Spoon generous portions of the tuna salad onto individual butter lettuce leaves. Gently fold or roll each leaf to form a neat wrap, making sure the filling is secure but not overwhelmed by the lettuce. Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the leaves.
How to Serve Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Want to add a little extra wow factor? Sprinkle the wraps with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or more dill for garnish. A few capers or a slice of ripe avocado can introduce new dimensions of flavor and texture, turning the simple wrap into something extraordinary.
Side Dishes
These Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe pair delightfully with light, crunchy sides. Try a crisp cucumber salad, roasted sweet potato wedges, or even a small bowl of fresh fruit to keep the meal refreshing and balanced without overpowering the wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these wraps at a gathering, create a platter with the tuna salad in a bowl surrounded by butter lettuce leaves for guests to make their own wraps. You can also serve the salad over whole grain toast or tucked inside a pita for a fun twist. The versatility makes this recipe perfect for casual lunches or stylish appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the tuna salad separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the lettuce leaves fresh and crisp by storing them wrapped in damp paper towels inside a sealed container or bag.
Freezing
Because of the mayo and fresh texture, it’s not recommended to freeze the tuna salad. Freezing will alter the texture and freshness, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated within a couple days.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat these wraps since it’s a chilled dish designed to be enjoyed fresh. If you prefer, you can take the salad out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to come closer to room temperature, enhancing the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use another type of lettuce for these wraps?
Absolutely! While butter lettuce is ideal because of its soft, pliable leaves, you can substitute iceberg lettuce for crunch or romaine for a bit more structure. Just choose leaves that are large enough to hold a good amount of filling and are easy to fold or roll.
Is there a way to make these wraps lighter?
Yes! To lighten the Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe, swap half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This reduces the fat while adding a delicious tang and creamy texture without compromising flavor.
Can I add other mix-ins to the tuna salad?
Definitely. For added crunch or flavor, toss in chopped pickles, diced cucumber, or even some shredded carrot. A handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can create an interesting texture contrast too.
How long does this tuna salad stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the tuna salad remains fresh for up to 2 days. For best texture and taste, assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe is a fantastic low-carb option. Using lettuce as the wrap keeps the carbs minimal while the tuna and mayo provide protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
Final Thoughts
This Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe is one of those delightful meals that feels like a treat without any fuss. The balance of zesty lemon, fresh dill, and peppery mayo wrapped in crisp lettuce makes it a true favorite. I encourage you to try it soon—whether for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish to share with friends. Once you taste the freshness and simplicity, it’s hard not to keep coming back for more.
Print
Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps with Lemon, Dill & Black Pepper Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2–3 lettuce wraps per person)
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps combine flaky tuna with zesty lemon, fresh dill, and a creamy black pepper mayo, all wrapped in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a light, refreshing, and healthy lunch option. Perfectly seasoned and easy to assemble, this no-cook recipe delivers a burst of flavor and satisfying texture without any fuss.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Wraps
- Butter lettuce leaves (about 8–10 leaves)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Add Crunchy Vegetables: Stir in the finely chopped celery and thinly sliced green onion into the tuna mixture. These add a refreshing crunch and subtle sharpness to the salad. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if desired.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Spoon generous portions of the tuna salad into individual butter lettuce leaves. Fold or roll each leaf carefully to form wraps, making sure the filling is secured inside. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the lettuce paired with the creamy tuna salad.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle in chopped pickles or diced cucumber into the tuna salad.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to lighten the salad.
- This tuna salad also makes a delicious spread on whole grain toast or inside a wrap.
