Tuna salad became popular in the United States during the mid‑20th century as a convenient, protein‑rich sandwich filling that leveraged canned tuna, a staple of wartime and post‑war pantry cooking. It remains a classic deli and home‑cooking staple, often adapted with regional twists.

In the Northeast, tuna salad often includes celery and sweet relish; the South adds pickles and sometimes a dash of hot sauce; the West Coast may incorporate avocado or Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce and wasabi, similar to Matthew MCC’s viral version.

It is commonly served on sliced bread as a sandwich, on crackers as a snack, or over mixed greens as a light lunch. Some families also use it as a filling for wraps or stuffed tomatoes.

Tuna salad is a go‑to for picnics, potlucks, and quick weekday lunches. It also appears on buffet spreads for holiday gatherings because it can be prepared ahead and served cold.

Tuna salad pairs nicely with crisp lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and a side of potato chips. It also complements soups like tomato bisque or a light vegetable broth.

The addition of wasabi, diced apple, and jalapeño chips introduces a sweet‑spicy‑umami profile that departs from the classic creamy version, giving it a modern, fusion twist that went viral for its bold flavor contrast.

Common errors include not draining the tuna fully, over‑mixing which makes the tuna mushy, and adding too much wasabi which can overpower the delicate balance. Also, adding the jalapeño chips too early makes them soggy.

Wasabi provides a sharp, sinus‑clearing heat that complements the mild tuna and creamy mayo without the tangy bite of mustard, creating a distinct flavor profile that sets this version apart.

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to the seasoning step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add the crushed jalapeño chips just before serving to retain crunch.

The YouTube channel Matthew Augusta focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that often feature viral recipes, creative twists on classics, and practical kitchen hacks for everyday cooks.

Matthew Augusta emphasizes bold flavor pairings—like wasabi in a tuna salad—while keeping techniques simple and ingredient lists short, contrasting with channels that stick to traditional, unaltered comfort‑food recipes.