Q1: Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier or dairy-free alternative?

Yes, you can easily substitute the 1/3 cup of mayonnaise called for in Step 3 with several alternatives. Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or low-fat) works excellently for a protein boost and lighter option, though it will make the salad slightly tangier. For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayonnaise or mashed avocado, which will provide creaminess while keeping the recipe gluten-free. You can also do a half-and-half combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to balance flavor and health benefits. Whichever substitute you choose, add it gradually and taste as you go, as some alternatives have stronger flavors than traditional mayonnaise.

Q2: What if I don't have a salad spinner to dry the lettuce leaves as mentioned in Step 6?

If you don't have a salad spinner listed in the equipment, you can still achieve perfectly dry lettuce leaves using paper towels as mentioned in Step 6. After washing the lettuce, lay the leaves flat on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels, then gently pat them dry on both sides. For best results, let them air dry for 5-10 minutes after patting to ensure they're completely moisture-free. You can also gently roll the leaves in a clean kitchen towel and let them sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, which will crisp them up while removing excess water. Dry lettuce is crucial because any remaining moisture will make your wraps soggy and prevent the tuna salad from adhering properly.

Q3: How far in advance can I prepare this tuna salad, and what's the best way to store it?

As mentioned in Step 9, the tuna salad can be prepared ahead and stored separately from the lettuce leaves in an airtight container. The tuna mixture (completed through Step 5) will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. For optimal freshness and texture, wait to add the diced celery and red onion (Step 4) until the day you plan to serve if you're storing longer than 24 hours, as these vegetables can release moisture over time. Always assemble the lettuce wraps just before eating to keep the leaves crisp, as instructed in Step 9. If you notice any liquid has separated in the stored tuna salad, simply drain it off and give the mixture a quick stir before assembling your wraps.

Q4: What type of lettuce works best for these wraps, and can I use other vegetables instead?

While the recipe doesn't specify a particular lettuce variety, butter lettuce, romaine hearts, or iceberg lettuce work best because they form natural cups and are sturdy enough to hold the tuna salad without tearing. Butter lettuce offers the most flexibility and cup-like shape, while romaine provides extra crunch and structural integrity. As mentioned in Step 7, you want leaves that can be arranged to create cups, so avoid delicate greens like arugula or spinach. If you want alternatives to lettuce entirely while keeping the recipe gluten-free, you can use collard green leaves (briefly blanched for flexibility), large basil or cabbage leaves, or even serve the tuna salad in hollowed-out bell pepper halves or cucumber boats. Just ensure whatever vessel you choose is thoroughly dried as instructed in Step 6 to prevent sogginess.

Gluten-Free Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

These Gluten-Free Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are the perfect solution for busy weekdays when you need a nutritious meal that's both satisfying and portable. Crisp, refreshing lettuce leaves serve as the ideal vessel for a creamy, protein-packed tuna salad that's bursting with flavor and texture. The combination of tender tuna, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing creates a harmonious balance that will keep you energized throughout your day.

Lettuce wraps have been a staple in Asian cuisine for centuries, but this American-style tuna salad version offers a fresh, modern twist on the traditional sandwich. By swapping out bread for lettuce, you're not only making this dish naturally gluten-free, but you're also adding extra crunch and freshness while reducing calories. The creamy tuna salad is elevated with crisp celery, sweet red onion, and a hint of lemon that brightens every bite.

What makes these wraps truly special is their versatility and convenience. They're perfect for meal prep—make the tuna salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply spoon the mixture into fresh lettuce leaves, and you have a complete meal in seconds. Whether you're packing lunch for work, need a post-workout protein boost, or want a light dinner option, these wraps deliver on both nutrition and taste.

Each wrap provides an impressive amount of protein from the tuna, healthy fats from the mayonnaise, and essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. The lettuce adds fiber and hydration while keeping the overall calorie count low. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and it's so delicious that everyone at the table will enjoy it regardless of dietary restrictions.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

15 minutes

None servings

245 calories

Fat 15.00g

Carbs 4.00g

Protein 24.00g

Ingredients

3 cans	canned tuna in water, drained (5 oz each)
1/3 cup	mayonnaise
2 stalks	celery, finely diced
1/4 cup	red onion, finely diced
1 tbsp	fresh lemon juice
1 tsp	Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp	salt
1/4 tsp	black pepper, freshly ground
12 leaves	butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, washed and dried
1 cup	cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
2 tbsp	fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board

measuring spoons

measuring cups

paper towels

large mixing bowl

fork

chef's knife

can opener

serving platter

salad spinner

Clean Eating

Perfect for clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh tuna, vegetables, and homemade dressing. The recipe avoids refined sugars, artificial additives, and focuses on simple, recognizable whole food components.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, using lettuce leaves instead of bread and featuring whole food ingredients like tuna, vegetables, and herbs that contain no gluten. The recipe explicitly highlights its gluten-free status in the description.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense, protein-rich recipe is perfect for intermittent fasting eating windows. It provides balanced nutrition with lean protein, healthy fats, and vegetables to help practitioners feel satisfied during limited eating periods.

Low-Carb Diet

An excellent low-carb option using lettuce wraps instead of bread, with protein-rich tuna and low-carb vegetables. The recipe contains minimal carbohydrates, making it ideal for those limiting carb intake.

Mindful Eating

Supports mindful eating principles with whole ingredients that engage multiple senses through varied textures, colors, and fresh flavors. The recipe emphasizes whole foods and encourages conscious, enjoyable consumption.

Instructions

Open the three cans of tuna and drain them thoroughly by pressing down with a fork or the lid to remove excess water. Transfer the drained tuna to a large mixing bowl.

2 min

Using a fork, flake the tuna into smaller pieces, breaking up any large chunks until you have a uniform texture throughout the bowl.

1 min

Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the bowl with the tuna. Stir well to combine until the tuna is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

1 min

Add the diced celery and red onion to the tuna mixture. If using, add the chopped fresh dill at this time. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

1 min

Season the tuna salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to your preference.

1 min

Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce leaves. Pat them gently with paper towels or use a salad spinner to ensure they're completely dry, which helps the tuna salad adhere better.

3 min

Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter or individual plates, creating cups by slightly overlapping or folding the leaves if needed.

2 min

Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of tuna salad into the center of each lettuce leaf. If using cherry tomatoes, place 2-3 halves on top of each wrap for added color and freshness.

3 min

Serve immediately, or if preparing for grab-and-go meals, store the tuna salad separately in an airtight container and assemble the wraps just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp.

1 min

Gluten-Free Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Clean Eating

Gluten-Free Diet

Intermittent Fasting

Low-Carb Diet

Mindful Eating

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I substitute the mayonnaise with a healthier or dairy-free alternative?

Q2: What if I don't have a salad spinner to dry the lettuce leaves as mentioned in Step 6?

Q3: How far in advance can I prepare this tuna salad, and what's the best way to store it?

Q4: What type of lettuce works best for these wraps, and can I use other vegetables instead?