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Keto Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps (10-Minute High-Protein Meal)

Keto Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps (10-Minute High-Protein Meal)

Simple, satisfying, and ready in about 10 minutes—these Keto Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are a go-to for busy weekdays or quick meal prep. They pack high protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs low, making them friendly for most ketogenic meal plans.

Start with pantry staples and a crisp head of butter or romaine lettuce. If you’re stocking a keto kitchen, check your Starter Essentials for basics that make recipes like this effortless and reliable.

Quick Summary: Time: ~10 minutes | Servings: 2 (2 wraps each) | Difficulty: Easy

Why you’ll love this

  • High protein and high fat—keeps you full without carbs.
  • Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking required.
  • Flexible: make it dairy-free, dairy-rich, or extra creamy.
  • Portable and ideal for quick lunches, picnics, or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained (or one 10 oz can)
  • 3 tbsp full-fat mayonnaise (use avocado oil mayo for dairy-free)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped celery (about 1 small stalk)
  • 1 tbsp finely minced red onion (reduce if sensitive to carbs)
  • 2 tbsp diced dill pickle or 1 tsp capers (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/4 medium avocado, diced (optional — adds creaminess)
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or plain paprika
  • 8 large butter lettuce or romaine leaves (about 4 per serving)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl and fork or small spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Optional: small food processor for extra-smooth texture
  • For tools and extras, see our Kitchen Essentials and handy Keto Cooking Appliances if you like small countertop helpers.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Drain the tuna well and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Mix until combined.
  3. Fold in chopped celery, red onion, diced pickle (or capers), and avocado if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  4. Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter and spoon tuna mixture into each leaf—about 2–3 tablespoons per leaf so wraps are easy to fold.
  5. Optional: garnish with extra paprika, fresh dill, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately.

Tips for best results

  • Drain tuna well to avoid watery salad. Press the can lid on the tuna and squeeze gently if needed.
  • Chop add-ins into small, uniform pieces for a better texture in each bite.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, pulse the tuna and mayo briefly in a food processor.
  • Keep leaves dry—pat with paper towel to prevent soggy wraps.
  • Want to boost electrolytes or general wellness support while eating keto? Consider checking compatible products in our Keto Supplements & Vitamins section for options that fit your routine.

Substitutions and swaps

  • Dairy-free: use avocado oil mayonnaise and skip any dairy add-ins. Avocado adds creaminess without dairy.
  • Higher fat: swap part of the mayo for mashed avocado or add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Lower histamine: use freshly cooked light tuna or substitute with canned salmon or cooked shredded chicken.
  • Spice it up: add 1/4 tsp hot sauce or 1/2 tsp smoked chipotle for a smoky kick.
  • Want a bread alternative? Make open-faced tuna boats by topping halved cucumbers or roasted portobello caps.
  • For recipes that call for baking or crispy toppings, explore almond flour and other options in our Keto Baking selection.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with raw veggie sticks (cucumber, celery) or a side salad for volume.
  • Pair with a few crunchy keto crackers or pork rinds for texture; browse snack options in our Keto Snacks category.
  • Top with a few microgreens or arugula for freshness and presentation.
  • Turn into a bowl: serve over mixed greens with extra olive oil and lemon for a hearty lunch.

Storage and meal prep

These wraps are best eaten fresh. Store tuna salad separately from lettuce for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For organized meal prep, portion salad into single-serve containers and keep lettuce leaves in a separate container lined with paper towel to stay crisp. For tools to simplify packing and organization, check our Meal Prep options and Keto Storage & Organization solutions.

Reheating: Tuna salad does not require reheating. If you add cooked components that you’d like warm (e.g., roasted veggies), reheat separately and assemble just before eating.

Estimated nutrition (per serving)

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and will vary by ingredients and brands.

  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Protein: ~30 g
  • Fat: ~24 g
  • Total carbs: ~5 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g
  • Net carbs: ~3 g

FAQ

  • Can I use tuna in oil? Yes—draining oil will increase fat content and flavor. Adjust mayo down if you want less fat.
  • How many wraps per serving? Plan on about 4 leaves total per person (2 wraps per serving as listed) depending on lettuce size and appetite.
  • Is this keto-friendly for beginners? Yes—the recipe is low in carbs and focuses on protein and fat. For additional starter items, see our Starter Essentials (link repeated earlier for convenience).
  • Can I freeze tuna salad? Freezing is not recommended—the texture of mayonnaise and fresh add-ins changes after thawing. Store refrigerated up to 3 days instead.
  • Any suggestions for picky eaters? Keep it simple: tuna + mayo + a pinch of salt and pepper. Add crunchy elements separately so everyone can customize.

Ready, flexible, and firmly keto—these Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps are a practical lunch or light dinner that you can scale, customize, and pack. If you enjoyed this recipe, consider adding small kitchen upgrades to streamline prep from our Keto Cooking Appliances and Kitchen Essentials.

Thanks for choosing WelcomeHomeKeto—happy wrapping and enjoy your quick, low-carb meal!

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