Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Published:

by Clare

This Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a refreshing side dish. Packed with protein from the tuna and healthy fats from the avocados, this salad is not only delicious but also fits various dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a nutritious weekday meal, this easy recipe will surely impress your family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
  • Nutritious: With fresh ingredients and healthy fats, this salad is great for anyone looking to eat well.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side, it can be served on its own or in wraps.
  • Flavorful: The combination of creamy avocado and zesty lemon juice elevates the taste.
  • Diet-Friendly: It’s dairy-free, paleo, low-carb, Whole30, and keto-friendly, catering to various diets.

Tools and Preparation

To create this creamy delight, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Chopping board
  • Kitchen knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
  • Fork or potato masher: This helps achieve your desired avocado texture—smooth or chunky.

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

  • 2 cans wild tuna (see notes)
  • ¼ small red onion, finely diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • ¾ cup cucumber, chopped

For Creaminess

  • 2 avocados, pitted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (see notes)
  • 2 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil (see notes)

For Seasoning

  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
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How to Make Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients including the canned tuna, diced red onion, celery stalks, cucumber, and chopped parsley.

Step 2: Mash the Avocados

Mash the avocados in the bowl either before mixing them in with other ingredients or while stirring everything together. Choose your preferred texture—smooth for creaminess or chunkier for more bite.

Step 3: Add Oil and Lemon Juice

Drizzle the mixture with avocado oil (or olive oil) and fresh lemon juice. This adds flavor while keeping everything moist.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over the mixture. Stir everything well to ensure even seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed—add more lemon juice if you like it tangier!

Step 5: Serve

Once everything is mixed well and seasoned to your liking, serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy avocado tuna salad on its own or with your favorite accompaniments!

How to Serve Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Serving a Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad is simple yet versatile, making it an ideal dish for various occasions. You can enjoy it as a light meal or as part of a larger spread. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your lunch experience.

On a Bed of Greens

  • Use fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens as a base to add more nutrients and flavor.

In Lettuce Wraps

  • Spoon the tuna salad into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that’s crunchy and satisfying.

With Whole Grain Crackers

  • Serve the salad alongside whole grain or seed crackers for a delightful crunch and added fiber.

Stuffed in Avocados

  • Halve avocados and fill them with the creamy mixture for an extra avocado kick that looks beautiful on the plate.

As a Sandwich Filling

  • Spread the tuna salad between slices of whole-grain bread or sourdough for a hearty sandwich that’s perfect for lunch.

Topped on Toast

  • Spread on toasted whole grain or gluten-free bread for an easy and nutritious breakfast option.

How to Perfect Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

To make your Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad even better, consider these handy tips. They can help you achieve the perfect flavor and texture every time.

  • Choose quality tuna: Opt for wild-caught tuna in water or olive oil for better taste and health benefits.
  • Adjust avocado texture: Mash the avocados to your liking—less mashing results in a chunkier texture that’s great if you prefer bites of avocado.
  • Fresh herbs matter: Adding fresh parsley not only enhances flavor but also provides additional nutrients.
  • Play with seasonings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder for added depth.
  • Use ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for optimal creaminess and flavor.
  • Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Pairing your Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad with complementary sides can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent sides that work wonderfully with this dish.

  1. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing mix of quinoa, vegetables, and herbs that adds protein and fiber.
  2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized provide a warm, savory contrast.
  3. Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad featuring berries or citrus adds a bright note to balance the richness of the tuna salad.
  4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a fun finger-food pairing.
  5. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: Carrot and cucumber sticks dipped in hummus offer extra crunch and nutrition.
  6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage adds crunch while balancing the creamy texture of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your creamy avocado tuna salad. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Using overripe avocados: Overripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose firm, ripe avocados for the best results.
  • Not seasoning properly: Failing to season with salt and pepper can leave your salad bland. Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old vegetables can affect flavor and crunch. Always opt for fresh, crisp veggies for a vibrant salad.
  • Mashing the avocados too much: Over-mashing can turn your salad into a puree. Mash just enough to combine while leaving some chunks for texture.
  • Forgetting about leftovers: Leaving the salad out too long may lead to spoilage. Store any leftovers in an airtight container promptly.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

  • Freezing is not recommended due to avocado texture changes.
  • If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between intervals until warmed through.
  • Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad healthy?

Creamy avocado tuna salad is packed with healthy fats from avocados and protein from tuna, making it nutritious and satisfying.

Can I customize my Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or hard-boiled eggs for added flavor and nutrition.

How long does Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad last?

It lasts up to three days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use other types of fish in this salad?

Yes! You can easily substitute canned salmon or even cooked chicken if you prefer a different protein source.

Final Thoughts

This creamy avocado tuna salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or enjoy it as is. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch, give it a try today!


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Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad


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  • Author: Clare
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4

Description

Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad is a wholesome and delicious meal that combines the rich flavors of ripe avocados with protein-packed tuna. This easy recipe comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or meal prep. With fresh vegetables such as celery and cucumber, this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also meets various dietary needs. Whether enjoyed on its own, in a wrap, or as a sandwich filling, this nutritious dish is sure to impress at any gathering or casual lunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans wild tuna
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • ¼ small red onion, finely diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • ¾ cup cucumber, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 ½ tablespoons avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned tuna, diced red onion, celery, cucumber, and parsley.
  2. Mash the avocados in the bowl until you reach your preferred texture—smooth or chunky.
  3. Drizzle with avocado oil and fresh lemon juice for added flavor.
  4. Season with kosher salt and black pepper; stir well to combine.
  5. Serve immediately as desired or chill briefly before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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