5-Minute Tuna Miso Salad with Sesame

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, protein-rich salad with canned tuna, miso dressing, and crunchy vegetables, ready in under 10 minutes for a healthy lunch or light dinner. This japanese-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs canned tuna, miso paste, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 5 min Serves 2 Japanese-inspired cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp miso paste, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Flake 1 (5 oz) can drained tuna into a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup shredded carrots, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, and 2 thinly sliced green onions.
  3. Step 3: Pour the miso dressing over the tuna mixture and toss gently until evenly coated, ensuring no clumps remain.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra green onions for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does 5-Minute Tuna Miso Salad with Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 5-Minute Tuna Miso Salad with Sesame?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in 5-Minute Tuna Miso Salad with Sesame?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 5-Minute Tuna Miso Salad with Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with 5-Minute Tuna Miso Salad with Sesame?

Japanese-inspired quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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