Fresh Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe

Looking for something fresh, healthy, and easy to whip up? This Avocado Tuna Salad might just become your new favorite. It’s packed with creamy avocado, protein-rich tuna, and a burst of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.

We all know the struggle of finding a quick meal that’s both tasty and good for you. That’s where this salad shines. It’s not just delicious—it’s a feel-good dish that you can throw together in no time.

Excited to try it out? Let’s jump right in and make a salad that’s as simple to prepare as it is to enjoy. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Tuna Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor, this avocado tuna salad is for you. Here’s why:

• Healthy and Nutritious: This salad is loaded with healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the tuna, making it a nourishing meal that will keep you full for hours.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this salad ready in less than 15 minutes.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course. It’s also great for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge for a couple of days.

Ingredients

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 large English cucumber: Sliced thinly for a refreshing crunch.
• 3 medium or 2 large avocados: Sliced and added for a creamy texture.
• 15 ounces of canned tuna: Drained and broken up with a fork. Tuna is the star of the show, providing a hefty dose of protein.
• 1 medium red onion: Peeled and thinly sliced, adding a sharp, tangy flavor to balance the creaminess of the avocado.
• ½ small bunch of cilantro: Chopped to yield about a quarter cup, giving the salad a fresh, herby kick.
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice: Brightens the salad and pairs perfectly with the tuna and avocado.
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon of salt: Enhances the flavors and brings everything together.
• Fresh black pepper to taste: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumber

Start by slicing one large English cucumber into thin rounds. English cucumbers are ideal for salads because they have a mild flavor and thin skin, which means no peeling is necessary. Once sliced, transfer the cucumber to a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the Avocado

Next, take 3 medium or 2 large avocados, cut them in half, remove the pits, and slice them into chunks. Avocados are the key to achieving that deliciously creamy texture without the need for mayonnaise. The more avocado you add, the richer and creamier your salad will be. Add the avocado slices to the bowl with the cucumber.

3. Prepare the Tuna

Now, it’s time to prepare the tuna. Drain the canned tuna thoroughly to remove any excess liquid, then break it up into smaller pieces using a fork. I’m using 15 ounces of tuna for this recipe, which ensures that the salad is packed with protein. Once the tuna is ready, add it to the bowl with the cucumber and avocado.

4. Slice the Red Onion

Peel and thinly slice a medium red onion. Red onions are great for salads because they have a slightly sweet and mild flavor, which adds a nice contrast to the rich avocado and tuna. Add the sliced onion to the bowl.

5. Chop the Cilantro

Cilantro adds a burst of freshness to the salad. Take half of a small bunch of cilantro, chop it finely, and add it to the bowl. You should end up with about a quarter cup of chopped cilantro, which is just the right amount to give the salad a bright, herby flavor.

6. Add the Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is essential for this recipe. It not only adds a zesty flavor but also helps to balance the richness of the avocado and tuna. Squeeze two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the salad. The acidity from the lemon juice also helps to prevent the avocado from browning, keeping your salad looking fresh and appetizing.

7. Drizzle the Olive Oil

Next, drizzle two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Olive oil adds a wonderful richness and helps to bring all the flavors together. It’s also a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, keeping this salad light and refreshing.

Read More: Chia Seed Pudding Recipe: A Nutritious and Delicious Breakfast

8. Season with Salt and Pepper

Finally, add one teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper to the salad. The salt enhances all the flavors, while the pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the other ingredients. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste.

9. Toss and Serve

Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, gently toss the salad until everything is evenly mixed. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much – you want to keep those creamy chunks intact. After tossing, your avocado tuna salad is ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

This avocado tuna salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy it:

• As a Main Course: Serve the salad as is for a light, healthy lunch or dinner.
• With Crackers: Spoon the salad onto whole-grain crackers for a quick and satisfying snack.
• In a Wrap: Stuff the salad into a whole-wheat tortilla for a portable meal on the go.
• On a Bed of Greens: Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens for an extra boost of veggies.

Tips for Success

• Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe but not overripe. They should give slightly when pressed but still hold their shape when sliced.
• Drain the Tuna Well: To avoid a watery salad, be sure to drain the tuna thoroughly before adding it to the mix.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper can make all the difference.

Health Benefits

This avocado tuna salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

• Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and folate.
• Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
• Cucumbers are low in calories but high in hydration, thanks to their high water content.
• Red onions add antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to help reduce blood sugar levels.

Final Thoughts

This avocado tuna salad is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a healthy, easy, and delicious meal. The combination of creamy avocado, protein-rich tuna, and fresh, zesty flavors makes it a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this salad is sure to impress.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out our other avocado recipes on My Kitchen Talk. We have plenty of options that are just as easy and delicious as this one. Thanks for joining me in my kitchen, and happy cooking!