If you’re looking for a dish that’s vibrant, filling, and bursting with fresh flavors, Avocado Tuna Salad is the answer. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with flaky tuna, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lemon dressing—ready in minutes and seriously addictive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So Simple, So Fast: You only need 10 minutes and a handful of fresh ingredients to whip up a satisfying meal or side.
- Nutrient Powerhouse: Avocado Tuna Salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins for a feel-good bite every time.
- Fresh, Zingy Flavors: Crunchy cucumber and zesty lemon bring this salad to life, while creamy avocado lends luscious richness to every forkful.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it as a quick lunch, crowd-pleasing side, or light summer dinner—the versatility is unbeatable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to an amazing Avocado Tuna Salad lies in using fresh, simple ingredients that each add their own texture and pizzazz. Here’s how every component shines in this crave-worthy salad.
- Tuna in Oil (15 oz, drained): Tuna packed in oil has a richer flavor and silky texture that makes each bite extra satisfying. Drain well before adding.
- English Cucumber: Crisp, refreshing, and nearly seedless, English cucumber provides essential crunch and a cool, clean taste that balances the richness of the avocado.
- Avocados: Perfectly ripe avocados add creamy body and heart-healthy fats, turning this salad into a full meal.
- Red Onion: Thin slices of red onion add a pop of color and mild, zesty sharpness that keeps things interesting.
- Cilantro: This fresh herb brings bright, citrusy notes and a delightful green color—feel free to adjust to taste, or substitute if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon lifts every ingredient and keeps your avocado beautifully green. Don’t skip this!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil adds unmistakable flavor and a little extra silkiness to the dressing.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: These essentials tie everything together and make all the vibrant flavors pop.
Variations
Avocado Tuna Salad is as flexible as your mood or pantry! Customizing it is a breeze, so don’t hesitate to swap, add, or subtract ingredients to put your own delicious spin on this classic.
- Greek-Style: Add crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, and chopped tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a zesty punch.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh dill, parsley, or basil in place of cilantro for a different herbal note.
- Leafy Upgrade: Serve your salad over baby spinach or arugula for extra greens and a touch of peppery flavor.
How to Make Avocado Tuna Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients
Start by slicing your English cucumber, peeling, pitting, and slicing the avocados, and thinly slicing the red onion. Give the cilantro a quick chop. Doing this prep first makes assembly a total breeze—plus, everything stays crisp and vibrant!
Step 2: Combine and Dress
In a large salad bowl, layer the cucumber, avocado, red onion, drained tuna (flaked apart slightly), and cilantro. Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil evenly over the top, then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. This helps ensure every ingredient gets coated with flavor without turning the salad mushy.
Step 3: Toss Gently and Serve
Using large salad tongs or two big spoons, gently toss everything together—just until the flavors mingle and the avocado is coated, but not so much that it breaks down. Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or give it a couple minutes to let the flavors meld before digging in!
Pro Tips for Making Avocado Tuna Salad
- Avocado Perfection: Use ripe but firm avocados—they should give slightly to pressure, but not feel mushy—so your salad stays pretty and pleasantly chunky.
- Choose the Right Tuna: Tuna packed in oil brings maximum flavor and gentle texture, but you can also use water-packed tuna for a lighter salad.
- Mix with Care: Toss the salad gently, just enough to combine, so the avocado doesn’t turn to mush and the cucumber remains crisp.
- Keep It Chilled: For the most refreshing result, chill your ingredients before assembly—especially on hot summer days!
How to Serve Avocado Tuna Salad
Garnishes
Add a final squeeze of lemon, a dusting of extra cilantro, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving for an elegant touch. If you love a little heat, paper-thin slices of jalapeño look beautiful and taste amazing on top!
Side Dishes
This Avocado Tuna Salad is fabulous on its own, but it also plays well with others. Try it alongside toasted sourdough, crispy pita chips, or a simple soup—think tomato basil or cucumber gazpacho—for a satisfying and colorful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in halved avocado “boats” for a fun (and edible!) presentation, or pile it onto a bed of mixed greens for meal prep bowls. You can even stuff it into pita pockets, roll it up in lettuce leaves, or pile it onto crostini for easy appetizers at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To help the avocado stay green and appealing, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container. Enjoy within 1–2 days for best freshness.
Freezing
Avocado Tuna Salad isn’t a good candidate for freezing—the creamy avocado turns watery and grainy once thawed. Since this salad comes together so quickly, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
No reheating needed! In fact, Avocado Tuna Salad is at its best when served chilled or at cool room temperature. Just give it a gentle stir if the dressing has settled, and you’re ready to dig in again.
FAQs
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Can I use tuna packed in water instead of oil?
Absolutely! Tuna packed in oil offers a richer flavor and softer bite, but water-packed tuna works just fine if you prefer a leaner salad. You might want to add a touch more olive oil for bonus silkiness.
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How do I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?
Lemon juice is your best friend! Tossing the avocado in freshly squeezed lemon right away helps slow browning. Storing tightly covered (with plastic wrap pressed against the salad’s surface) also helps keep it looking fresh.
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Can I make Avocado Tuna Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the tuna, cucumber, onion, and dressing ingredients ahead, but it’s best to add the avocado just before serving. This keeps the salad vibrant and the avocado perfectly creamy.
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What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, substitute with fresh parsley, dill, basil, or even chives. Each herb brings its own unique flavor—experiment to find your favorite combo!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts nourishing and genuinely crave-worthy, Avocado Tuna Salad will win you over. There’s just something about that creamy, crunchy, zesty mix that keeps you coming back for “just one more bite.” I can’t wait for you to try it—enjoy, and happy salad-making!
Print
Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Avocado Tuna Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of creamy avocado, protein-rich tuna, and crisp vegetables tossed in a zesty dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad:
- 15 oz tuna in oil, drained and flaked, (3 small cans)
Salad:
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 2 large or 3 medium avocados, peeled, pitted & sliced
- 1 small/medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, (1/2 of a small bunch)
Dressing:
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine: sliced cucumber, sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, drained tuna, and 1/4 cup cilantro
- Drizzle salad ingredients with 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper (or season to taste). Toss to combine and serve. Servings: 6 as a side salad
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 304
