This vibrant and nutritious avocado tuna salad replaces traditional mayo with nutrient-dense avocado! It’s a refreshing, no-cook lunch or quick dinner that can be prepared in just 10 minutes.
Here’s a wholesome lunch or dinner suggestion to enhance your meal routine: avocado tuna salad! This version replaces the classic mayonnaise with nutrient-rich avocado. The taste is incredibly fresh and delightful, and you might just decide to forgo the mayo-based version permanently.
I may prefer this even over a traditional tuna salad (although my creamy recipe is truly delectable, so it’s a tough decision). It requires only a few ingredients and can be assembled in 10 minutes. It’s easy to overlook tuna salad, but this one is definitely a staple in my healthy meal collection!
5 Star Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used an avocado that wasn’t quite ripe enough to mash, but it was still fantastic! I doubled the recipe and it turned out delicious and satisfying for both my sister and me. I would definitely recommend it.” -Katie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is going into my favorites, a great mix of additions to the tuna making it very flavorful. Excellent on its own and also good as a melt with a bit of cheese. Thank you!” -Frances
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best aspect of tuna salad is that it can be prepared using mostly pantry staples. Of course, you’ll need a ripe avocado. But aside from the celery and onion, it’s a pantry-friendly meal. Here’s what you need to prepare this healthy lunch option:
– Canned tuna: I typically use white meat (albacore), but light tuna works well too. Water-packed makes it fresh and clean-tasting; oil-packed provides a richer flavor. Both are excellent!
– Ripe avocado: This is the highlight, so ensure it’s ripe enough to create the creamy sauce.
– Celery: Essential for that classic tuna salad crunch.
– Red onion: Just the right amount for sharpness.
– Dill pickles: My secret ingredient! They add that classic briny flavor to the salad.
– Lemon juice: Prevents the avocado from browning.
– Dijon mustard: Introduces savory undertones.
Simply chop the veggies, then mash the ingredients together with a fork. This recipe might just take the prize for the easiest meal ever!
Variation: Try It Mexican Style
Avocado tuna salad can also be enjoyed with Mexican-style flavors. This version is a classic, straightforward approach. However, you can switch it up and try a Mexican-style variation! Replace the lemon with fresh lime juice and incorporate a few tablespoons of chopped cilantro.
Ways To Serve Avocado Tuna Salad
The most straightforward way to serve this healthy tuna salad is as a classic sandwich, but there are numerous creative serving options, including gluten-free and paleo alternatives. Here are some suggestions:
Want more with tuna? Consider these Tuna Recipes for Easy Meals, like Tuna Burgers, Tuna Melts, and more.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Avocado tuna salad is best consumed the day it is prepared. The lemon juice helps slow browning, but the avocado will begin to dull within a few hours.
To prepare in advance, you can chop everything except the avocado and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just before serving, mash in the fresh avocado. If you have leftovers with avocado mixed in, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating and consume within a day.
Avocado Benefits
I do enjoy a classic tuna salad with mayo, like my traditional tuna salad or tuna salad with egg. However, it’s refreshing to have a variation that maximizes the nutrition of this healthy fruit! Here are some facts about avocado nutrition:
– Rich in fiber. Avocados are high in fiber; one serving contains 7 grams or about 25% of your daily value.
– Full of heart-healthy “good” fats. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated oleic acid, which is a heart-healthy fatty acid.
– Loaded with vitamins and nutrients. They are also packed with a wide array of vitamins.
Dietary Notes
This avocado tuna salad recipe is pescatarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.