Matthew McConaughey’s Viral Tuna Salad Is So Good, I’m Making It For Lunch Every Week This Summer

 

Here's the viral recipe for Matthew McConaughey’s Tuna Salad that’s got everyone — including me — making it weekly this summer:

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🍴 Ingredients

• Base & Dressing:

  • ~10 oz canned tuna (oil-packed preferred), drained

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ~2 tsp wasabi paste

  • Juice of 1 lemon + splash of vinegar (white wine, red wine, or apple cider)

  • ~1 Tbsp Italian dressing (optional)

  • Optional touch of honey or agave for slight sweetness 

• Mix-ins:

  • 3 Tbsp finely chopped red onion

  • 3 Tbsp finely chopped dill pickles

  • ⅓ cup crispy jalapeño chips (or jalapeño crisps) 

  • ¼ cup chopped green apple

  • ½ cup corn kernels

  • ½ cup frozen peas 

• Seasoning:

  • Salt & pepper to taste

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Whisk mayonnaise, wasabi, lemon juice, vinegar, (and Italian dressing/honey if using).

2. In a separate bowl, combine tuna, onion, pickles, apple, corn, peas, and jalapeño chips.

3. Fold dressing into the tuna mix until evenly coated.

4. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or add extra mayo/wasabi.

5. Chill overnight—McConaughey says flavors “coagulate” overnight and taste even better 

6. Serve cold in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, on crackers, or enjoy straight from the bowl.

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🎯 Why It Works

• Crunch + creaminess: Apple, corn, peas, and jalapeño chips bring texture; creamy wasabi mayo adds depth.

• Flavor harmony: Salt‑fat‑acid‑heat balance creates a memorable taste profile 

• Quick & customizable: Ready in ~15 minutes, versatile with adjustable spice, sweetness, or crunch 

• Meal‑prep friendly: Lasts ~3 days in the fridge; crispier jalapeños added just before eating keep texture perfect 

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🔁 Weekly Meal Routine

• McConaughey makes this every Sunday night to clean out the fridge and keep ready lunches for the week 

• Same approach works for you: prep a big batch, chill, and lean on it for 4–5 tasty lunches.

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🍽 Serving Tips & Variations

• Try it on: Toasted sourdough, English muffins (think tuna melt), crackers, or lettuce cups 

• Swap mix-ins: Use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado in place of mayo; swap mustard for wasabi for milder kick; tortilla or spicy potato chips are tasty substitutes 

• Add-ons: Pickled jalapeños, herbs like parsley/dill, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra punch.