Tuna Salad with Avocado Recipe

Tuna Salad with Avocado Recipe Cover

Have you ever tried Tuna Avocado Salad? I mean really, this salad looks super simple, but the taste gives a full surprise.

When I made it for the first time, I also thought it would be like a regular tuna salad. But then avocado came in and changed the whole game!

You get protein from tuna and creamy texture from avocado, and when they come together, it feels like a perfect match.

And you know what’s even better? You don’t need mayo at all. Still, the salad feels so smooth and rich. There’s lemon juice and cilantro in it, so every bite feels fresh and light.

If I tell you honestly, when you make this for lunch, your whole day feels light and full of energy. It’s quick to make, it’s healthy, and the taste goes to the next level.


Tuna Salad with Avocado Recipe

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 10 minutesCook time: minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 10 minutesCooking Temp:– CServings:6 servingsEstimated Cost:10-12 $Calories:304 kcal Best Season:Summer, Spring

Description

You can make this Tuna Avocado Salad when you want something quick and full of protein. I like how flaky tuna mixes with ripe avocado, crunchy cucumber, and fresh cilantro. You just toss everything in a lemon and olive oil dressing that gives it a nice zesty touch. It feels light but still keeps you full. You don’t need to use mayo here. You just get fresh and clean flavors in every bite. You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even pack it for a healthy meal prep. It only takes around 10 minutes to get ready.

Ingredients

    Main Ingredients:

    Dressing Ingredients:

    Optional Add-ons:

    Instructions:

      Step 1: Get everything ready:

    1. So first, you can take the tuna cans and drain them nicely, just to remove any extra oil or water.
    2. Then take one cucumber and cut it into thin slices.
    3. Now peel the avocado, remove the seed, and slice it too. After that, slice the red onion thinly and roughly chop some fresh cilantro.
    4. Step 2: Mix all the ingredients:

    5. In a big salad bowl, you can add cucumber, avocado, onion, tuna, and the chopped cilantro. Just give it a light mix so everything spreads out evenly.

      Tuna Salad with Avocado Recipe - Put everything in a bowl
    6. Step 3: Make the dressing and add it:

    7. Now pour in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a little bit of black pepper. Use a spoon to gently toss the salad, but be careful so the avocado doesn’t get mashed.

      Tuna Salad with Avocado Recipe - Mix the salad
    8. Step 4: Taste and adjust:

    9. Take one bite and see if the seasoning feels right. If it feels a little less, you can add a bit more lemon juice or salt.
    10. Step 5: Serve and enjoy:

    11. You can serve the salad right away, or chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Trust me, when it’s cold, it feels even more refreshing!

      Tuna Salad with Avocado Recipe - Serve and enjoy
    Keywords:Avocado, Salad, Tuna

    Pro Tips & Variations

    Pro Tips:

    • So first thing, the type of tuna really matters. If possible, you can go for Solid White Albacore Tuna in oil. Its flavor feels a bit richer and the texture also turns out better.
    • Now about avocado, it should be perfectly ripe. If it’s too soft or too hard, the taste doesn’t feel right. Just press it gently, and if it feels slightly soft, then it’s good to go.
    • Here’s a little secret tip – don’t add salt until you’re ready to serve. If you add it too early, cucumber turns soggy and the salad loses its crunch.
    • While mixing the salad, just keep your hand light. If you toss it too hard, avocado gets mashed and the salad starts feeling mushy.
    • Always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice makes the taste dull. Fresh lemon gives that zing which takes the salad to the next level.

    Variations:

    • If you want a Mediterranean twist, you can add a little feta cheese and some olives. It starts feeling like something from a nice café.
    • If you like a bit of spice, then try adding one small green chili or a pinch of chili flakes.
    • For a keto-friendly meal, you can roll the salad in lettuce wraps. It feels super light and healthy.
    • If you love eggs, then go ahead and add a few boiled egg slices on top. It doubles the protein and makes it more filling.
    • And if you like it creamier, you can add a small spoon of mayo. It makes the texture richer, but still keeps the healthy balance.

    Storage & Reheating Instructions

    Storage Instructions:

    • So first thing, always store the salad in an airtight container. That way, avocado doesn’t oxidize and the salad stays fresh for longer.
    • If you’re planning to store the salad ahead of time, then don’t add salt right now. You can add it later when you’re about to serve. Otherwise, cucumber and avocado start getting watery.
    • And yes, don’t leave the salad out at room temperature for too long. It stays best in the fridge for up to 3 hours. After that, avocado starts turning dark.
    • One small trick. You can add a little extra lemon juice before putting it in the fridge. It helps stop the avocado from turning brown.
    • If you’re doing meal prep, you can keep all the ingredients in separate airtight containers like tuna, cucumber, onion, and avocado. When it’s time to eat, just mix them together. It feels super fresh that way.

    Reheating Instructions:

    • Don’t heat this salad. It’s not made for reheating. Tuna and avocado both lose their texture when they get warm. It’s best to serve it cold. Just take it out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. That’s enough.
    • If the salad feels a little dry, you can add a small spoon of olive oil and squeeze some lemon juice. Toss it gently and the taste feels fresh again.
    • Try not to mix the salad too many times. If you do, avocado starts breaking and the texture gets mushy.
    • And if you’re planning to eat it the next day, then cut the avocado fresh and add it just before serving. Otherwise, the color changes and it doesn’t look nice.

    Serving Suggestions:

    1. For a Casual Lunch:

    • You can take one slice of multigrain or sourdough bread and spread this salad on top. It turns into a quick and satisfying lunch.
    • If you’re looking for something light, then wrap the salad in fresh lettuce leaves. It feels super refreshing and there’s no mess at all.
    • Another fun way is to cut the avocado in half and fill it with the salad. It looks a bit fancy and the creamy combo feels amazing when you eat it.

    2. For Dinner:

    • You can serve this salad with grilled chicken or fish. It balances the protein and makes the plate look colorful too.
    • If you’re making soup or a light pasta, then this salad works perfectly as a fresh side.

    3. For Parties or Get-Togethers:

    • One cute idea is to serve the salad in small bowls or mini cups. It gives full café vibes.
    • If you want to make an easy appetizer for guests, then serve the tuna salad with crackers. It feels fancy but super simple.
    • And if you want to turn it into a full meal, you can add some quinoa or brown rice and make a bowl version. It feels filling and still stays healthy.

    Nutrition Facts

    Servings 6

    Serving Size 1 cup (about 200g)


    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 304kcal
    % Daily Value *
    Total Fat 20g31%
    Saturated Fat 3g15%
    Cholesterol 25mg9%
    Sodium 360mg15%
    Potassium 720mg21%
    Total Carbohydrate 9g3%
    Dietary Fiber 5g20%
    Sugars 2g
    Protein 22g44%

    Vitamin A 250 IU
    Vitamin C 12 mg
    Calcium 35 mg
    Iron 1.4 mg
    Vitamin D 40 IU

    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.


    FAQ

    Q1. Can I use tuna in water instead of the one in oil?

    Yes, you can totally use it. But honestly, tuna in oil feels a bit more flavorful. If you’re using the water one, then you can add a little extra olive oil so the texture stays creamy.

    Q2. How long does this salad stay fresh in the fridge?

    It stays best for up to 3 hours. After that, avocado and cucumber start getting soft. If you’re making it ahead of time, then add salt and lemon juice later, just before serving.

    Q3. Can I make this salad in advance?

    Yes, you can. There’s a small trick though. Mix all the ingredients first, but keep salt and avocado aside. When you’re ready to serve, just add them and give it a gentle toss.

    Q4. I don’t like cilantro, what can I use instead?

    That’s easy. You can go for parsley or basil. Both give a fresh flavor and the salad still tastes balanced.

    Q5. Is this salad good for weight loss?

    Yes, it’s perfect! You get high protein, healthy fats, and low carbs. This combo works great for weight loss and clean eating. Just keep an eye on portion size, because avocado is a bit calorie-dense.

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