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Easy Tuna Salad Wrap

A light, refreshing wrap filled with protein-rich tuna salad and crisp vegetables. No cooking required - perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch that's ready in minutes.

⏱️ Prep: 10 mins 🍳 Cook: 0 mins 🍽️ Serves: 2 🐟 No Cooking

Home β†’ Recipes β†’ Lunch β†’ Easy Tuna Salad Wrap

Fresh tuna salad wrap with lettuce and vegetables

πŸ’š Nutrition Notes for Seniors

Why This Recipe is Great for You:

  • High-Quality Protein: Tuna provides complete protein for muscle health.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports brain function and heart health.
  • Quick & Easy: No cooking means less time standing and safer preparation.
  • Light & Digestible: Perfect for those with smaller appetites.
  • Vitamin B12: Essential for energy and nerve function.
  • Flexible Texture: Can be made softer or with more crunch as preferred.

Ingredients

For the Tuna Salad:

  • 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained well
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced (or 1 tablespoon onion powder)
  • ΒΌ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ΒΌ teaspoon salt
  • β…› teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

For Assembly:

  • 2 large soft flour tortillas (or whole wheat wraps)
  • 2 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)
  • 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
  • Β½ cucumber, thinly sliced
  • ΒΌ cup shredded carrots (optional)
  • 2 slices of cheese (optional)

πŸ”„ Easy Substitutions

  • Tuna alternatives: Canned salmon or chicken work great
  • Mayo substitute: Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or hummus
  • No raw onion: Use onion powder or skip entirely
  • Softer wrap: Warm tortilla briefly to make it more pliable
  • Low carb: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortilla
  • Add crunch: Chopped pickles, water chestnuts, or apples
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Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drain tuna thoroughly: Open both cans of tuna and drain very well. Press down with a fork to remove excess water. The drier the tuna, the better your salad will be. Too much water makes it soggy and dilutes the flavor.
  2. Prepare vegetables: Wash and finely dice the celery into very small pieces. If using fresh onion, dice it finely as well. The smaller the pieces, the easier they are to eat and the better they blend with the tuna. Wash the lettuce leaves and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. Make tuna salad: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, diced celery, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard if using. Use a fork to mix everything together, breaking up any large chunks of tuna. Mix until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Let flavors blend: For best flavor, cover the tuna salad and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you're in a hurry, you can skip this step, but the flavor will be even better after chilling.
  5. Prepare wrap ingredients: Slice the tomato and cucumber into thin rounds. If the tomato is very juicy, gently pat the slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This prevents the wrap from getting soggy. Gather your cheese slices if using.
  6. Warm tortilla (optional): For easier rolling and a softer texture, warm each tortilla in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when rolling.
  7. Assemble wrap: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place a lettuce leaf in the center, leaving about 2 inches from the edges. Spread half of the tuna salad over the lettuce (about Β½ cup). Layer with tomato slices, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and cheese if using. Don't overfill or it will be hard to roll.
  8. Roll and serve: Fold in the sides of the tortilla first, then roll from the bottom up tightly, keeping the filling secure. Cut the wrap in half diagonally with a sharp knife. Serve immediately, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Enjoy your delicious, protein-packed meal!

πŸ‘΅ Tips for Easier Eating & Digestion

  • Dice all vegetables very small for easier chewing
  • Remove tomato seeds if they're difficult to digest
  • Use seedless cucumber or peel it first
  • Cut wrap into smaller pieces if needed
  • Use soft, fresh tortillas - avoid dry or stale ones
  • Skip raw onions if they cause digestive discomfort
  • Make tuna salad extra creamy for smoother texture
  • Eat slowly and chew thoroughly

πŸ’‘ Helpful Cooking Tips

  • Drain well: Soggy tuna makes for a watery, unappetizing salad
  • Mayo amount: Add gradually - you can always add more
  • Make ahead: Tuna salad keeps well for 2-3 days refrigerated
  • Prevent sogginess: Assemble wraps just before eating
  • Flavor boost: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley
  • Pre-made option: Use store-bought tuna salad to save time

Serving & Pairing Ideas

With Soup: Pair with vegetable or tomato soup
Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad on the side
Chips Alternative: Serve with carrot sticks or fruit
On Bread: Make a tuna salad sandwich instead
Over Greens: Serve tuna salad on top of lettuce
In Pita: Use pita bread pocket instead of wrap

Storage & Reheating

Tuna Salad: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep separate from other ingredients until ready to assemble.
Assembled Wraps: Best eaten immediately. If needed, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Longer storage makes them soggy.
Not for Freezing: This recipe doesn't freeze well. The mayonnaise and vegetables don't maintain quality after freezing and thawing.
Best Served: Cold and fresh. This is a no-reheat recipe - meant to be enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator.
Meal Prep Tip: Make tuna salad on Sunday. Assemble fresh wraps each day for the best texture and flavor throughout the week.

⚠️ Important Health Notice

This recipe is provided for general informational and cooking purposes only. It is not medical advice, a nutritional prescription, or a treatment recommendation. Individual dietary needs vary greatly, especially for those with health conditions, allergies, or special requirements. Always consult with your doctor, registered dietitian, or healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet. If you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions, please seek personalized professional guidance.

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