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    Home » Recipes » Seafood » Atun a la Veracruzana

    Atun a la Veracruzana

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted March 26, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    This Atun a la Veracruzana is made of canned tuna and other pantry ingredients tossed in a zingy vinaigrette dressing. It’s a super SIMPLE and DELICIOUS way to use up food from your cupboard.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A hand holding a chip with Atun a la Veracruzana on it.

    A hand holding a chip with Atun a la Veracruzana on it.

    Atun a la Veracruzana is not your boring tuna salad. It’s slightly spicy and dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. You’ll wonder why you never made it before.

    This is such an easy and yummy recipe too. It uses all ingredients from the pantry and cupboard.

    Throw them all together and BOOM! Grab a fork because food is ready.


    More Canned Tuna Recipes: Salpicon de Atun and Tuna Balls in Salsa Verde

    The ingredients for Atun a la Veracruzana on a wooden surface and labeled.

    Ingredients


    Canned Tuna
    Tomato
    Pickled Onions
    Pickled Jalapenos
    Olives
    Capers
    White Distilled Vinegar
    Olive Oil
    Oregano

    These are all ingredients from the pantry except for the tomatoes. If you don’t have tomatoes, simply omit.

    If you see a dish that is “a la veracruzana” that means it includes olives, tomatoes, onions, and pickled jalapenos (or chile guero).

    Since this is a recipe that is meant to be pantry friendly, we are using pickled jalapenos instead.

    This recipe is very similar to Camarones a la Veracruzana and Pescado a la Veracruzana

    Two opened cans of tuna from Trader Joe's, one slightly in front of the other.

    • Open two cans of tuna.
    • Drain as much of the liquid as possible.

    Believe it or not, this recipe is actually good for you. It is full of flavor and low in calories. Best of both worlds, right?! Plus, canned tuna is a great source of protein.

    Is canned tuna good for you?
    Tuna has protein, almost no fat, and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It helps maintain lean muscle tissue and is a heart-healthy food.

    All the ingredients for Atun a la Veracruzana in a large glass baking dish.

    How to Make It

    Add all the ingredients in a large container. Even the carrots from the pickled jalapenos were used for texture. This is totally optional.

    Make sure to use a baking dish or something large enough so all the ingredients will fit.

    Easy to Adjust


    There are other ingredients you can add:
    nopales, green beans, peas, carrots, pecans, walnuts, celery, or pickles.

    Add a mixture of these or all of these to the recipe. They will all work and taste delicious!

    A whisk in a metal bowl making a vinaigrette.

    • Add the olive oil, vinegar, and oregano in a separate bowl.
    • Whisk to combine.

    This is a tasty and tangy vinaigrette. You can even make it ahead of time and use it on a green salad or on a cold pasta salad.

    To make the vinaigrette spicier, add some of the pickling juice from the jalapenos.

    Swap it out


    This recipe calls for white distilled vinegar. You can also use lime or lemon juice.
    Instead of whole oregano, you can also use ground oregano.

    Atun a la Veracruzana mixed in a glass baking dish with a serving spoon.

    • Pour the vinaigrette over the tuna.
    • Mix to combine.

    The longer it sits, the better it tastes. Be very careful and make sure it stays cold. You don’t want anyone to get sick.

    This is also the time to taste for salt.

    Notice how there is no salt used in this recipe. That is because the olives and capers are salty. You can add more salt if you like.

    Storing It


    Unlike regular tuna salads, you can freeze this dish because there is no mayo. It will last up to 6 months in a sealable bag with all the air removed. In the fridge, it will last up to 5 days.

    Atun a la Veracruzana served on a white plate with chips and pickled jalapenos.

    What to Serve with It?

    • Homemade Tostada
    • Chips
    • Green salad
    • Refried beans
    • Mexican Rice
    • Arroz Blanco

    This has to be one of the easiest recipes ever! It’s also incredibly economical.

    Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for days. It holds up well even once it is dressed. Great for lunch and parties.

    One bite and you’ll know this is a keeper! Hope you enjoy.

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    A hand holding a chip with Atun a la Veracruzana on it.

    Atun a la Veracruzana

    This Atun a la Veracruzana is made of canned tuna and other pantry ingredients tossed in a zingy vinaigrette dressing. It’s a super SIMPLE and DELICIOUS way to use up food from your cupboard.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Lunch
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 229kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • pinch oregano
    • 2 cans tuna
    • 1 tbsp capers
    • 1/2 cup olives halved
    • 1/4 cup pickled onions diced
    • 2 pickled jalapenos diced
    • 1 tomato diced

    Instructions

    • In a bowl, add the vinegar, olive oil, and oregano.
    • Whisk to mix. Set aside.
    • Open and drain the liquid from the tuna cans
    • Add the drained tuna, capers, onions, jalapeno, olives, and tomato to a large baking dish.
    • Pour vinaigrette over all the ingredients.
    • Mix thoroughly to combine.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Other Optional Ingredients:
    Nopales, green beans, peas, carrots, pecans, walnuts, celery, or pickles.
    Swap it Out:
    • You can also use lime or lemon juice.
    • Instead of whole oregano, you can also use ground oregano.
    Taste for salt. Notice how there is no salt used in this recipe. That is because the olives and capers are salty. You can add more salt if you like.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 242IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Seafood

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christopher Vogelmann

      March 27, 2020 at 8:53 am

      Do Mexicans ever make this dish with Fresh Tuna? And do I have to change anything in the recipe if I have fresh fish?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 27, 2020 at 10:12 am

        Go for it! You can make this with fresh fish too.

        Reply
    2. Jordan | Read. Eat. Repeat.

      March 31, 2020 at 8:18 am

      5 stars
      Yum! I love the sound of olives and tuna fish!

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        March 31, 2020 at 9:07 am

        Yes! So yummy

        Reply
    3. Angela

      March 31, 2020 at 8:56 am

      This sounds so good! I can’t wait to give it a try, I think I have everything I need at home!!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 16, 2020 at 4:27 pm

        It’s delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    4. Cassie

      March 31, 2020 at 9:21 am

      Oh wow! This looks delicious and something my whole would eat. Thank you or sharing this idea! Yum!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 22, 2020 at 10:53 am

        Glad you like this recipe hope you try it!

        Reply
    5. Amanda

      March 31, 2020 at 12:01 pm

      I’m not a fan of tuna salad but my mom is. I’ll definitely share this recipe with her.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 22, 2020 at 10:58 am

        Iy’s delicious! Hope you try it

        Reply
    6. Christa

      March 31, 2020 at 7:51 pm

      My husband loves tuna. I can’t wait to make this recipe for him!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        July 21, 2020 at 11:16 am

        Hope you try this recipe is amazing!

        Reply

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