One sunny afternoon, while lounging by the pool with my family, we craved something light yet satisfying. With just a few ingredients on hand, we threw together this Avocado Tuna Salad. It was love at first bite! The creamy avocado paired perfectly with the flaky tuna, and the crunch from the cucumber and red onion added just the right texture. The fresh cilantro brought a burst of herbaceous aroma, and a squeeze of lemon juice elevated the flavors with a bright, tangy kick.
What I love most about this salad is its versatility. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even as a side dish for your BBQ gatherings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more omega-3-rich tuna and nutrient-dense avocado into your diet. Feel free to tweak the recipe to your liking—maybe add some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a salad that’s sure to become a staple in your household. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more. Enjoy!
How to Make Avocado Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 2 large avocados (peeled and cubed)
- 9-10 oz tuna in water (drained and flaked – (2) 5 oz. cans or (3) 3 oz. pouches)
- 1/2 English cucumber (sliced)
- 1/2 red onion (sliced thin)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (more if desired)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a large salad bowl, mix together the cubed avocado, drained tuna, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup cilantro.
Pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salad. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
Gently toss the ingredients until everything is well combined. Serve right away.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of tuna for the avocado tuna salad?
Yes, you can use tuna in oil if you prefer a richer flavor. However, be sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad. Alternatively, fresh tuna can be seared and flaked for a more gourmet touch.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley, basil, or even dill as a substitute. Each of these herbs will bring a unique flavor to the salad while still complementing the other ingredients nicely.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
To prevent the avocado from browning, ensure you toss the avocado cubes with the lemon juice immediately after cutting. The acidity in the lemon juice helps slow down the oxidation process, keeping the avocado fresh-looking for a longer time.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
It is best to prepare this salad right before serving to maintain the freshness of the avocado. If you need to prepare it in advance, combine all ingredients except the avocado and store them in the refrigerator. Add the avocado and lemon juice just before serving.
What are some additional ingredients I can add to this salad?
You can customize your avocado tuna salad by adding ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even a hard-boiled egg. For extra crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Avocado Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 9-10 oz tuna in water drained and flaked - (2 5 oz. cans or (3) 3 oz. pouches)
- 2 large avocados peeled and cubed
- 1/2 English cucumber sliced
- 1/2 red onion sliced thin
- 1/4 cup cilantro more if desired
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the drained tuna, cubed avocado, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup cilantro.
- Drizzle the salad with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Add salt to taste if desired.
- Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Serve immediately.
