Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Published:

by Nora

This Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick meal or as part of your weekly meal prep. With the rich creaminess of avocados and the freshness of crisp vegetables, this salad is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s versatile enough for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish for gatherings. Plus, it’s dairy-free, paleo, low-carb, Whole30, and keto-friendly, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to whip up, making it great for busy days.
  • Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats and protein, it offers a balanced meal option.
  • Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or on top of greens for added texture.
  • Customizable Flavors: Adjust ingredients based on your taste preferences or what’s in your pantry.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead of time and store in the fridge for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing this creamy avocado tuna salad a breeze. Here are some essential kitchen items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

  • Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.
  • Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when dicing vegetables and avocados.
  • Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping.
  • Spoon or spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly without damaging the avocado.

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 the Creamy Dressing

  • 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: Prepare the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the salad base ingredients:
1. Drain the canned tuna and add it to the bowl.
2. Add finely diced red onion, diced celery stalks, and chopped cucumber.

Step 2: Mash the Avocados

Next:
1. Cut open the avocados and scoop them into the bowl with other ingredients.
2. Mash the avocado slightly using a fork or spoon until you reach your desired texture.

Step 3: Add Dressing and Seasoning

Then:
1. Drizzle the mixture with avocado oil and lemon juice.
2. Season with kosher salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 4: Mix and Serve

Finally:
1. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Enjoy your creamy avocado tuna salad as a nutritious main dish or as part of a larger spread!

How to Serve Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Creamy avocado tuna salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with other foods, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

On Toast

  • Whole Grain Bread: Spread the creamy avocado tuna salad on toasted whole grain bread for a hearty sandwich.
  • Avocado Toast: Top your favorite avocado toast with a generous scoop of the salad for added flavor and nutrition.

With Greens

  • Mixed Salad Greens: Serve the tuna salad over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing and light meal.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with creamy avocado tuna salad for a low-carb option.

As a Dip

  • Veggie Sticks: Pair the salad with crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots or celery for a healthy snack.
  • Pita Chips: Enjoy it as a dip with crispy pita chips for a fun appetizer at gatherings.

In a Bowl

  • Grain Bowl: Add the creamy avocado tuna salad to a grain bowl filled with quinoa or brown rice for extra texture.
  • Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out tomatoes and fill them with the salad for an elegant presentation.

How to Perfect Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Creating the perfect creamy avocado tuna salad requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your recipe.

  • Bold choice of ingredients: Use high-quality canned tuna for better flavor. Wild-caught tuna is often more flavorful than farmed options.
  • Bold seasoning adjustments: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed. This ensures every bite is delicious.
  • Bold mashing technique: Mash avocados to your preferred consistency. For chunkier bites, mash less; for creamier texture, mash more!
  • Bold storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 2 days for best freshness.
  • Bold add-ins option: Experiment with additional ingredients like diced bell peppers or olives to add complexity to your salad.
  • Bold garnishing ideas: Top with extra parsley or even red pepper flakes before serving for an appealing look and added flavor.
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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Pairing side dishes with creamy avocado tuna salad can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors beautifully.

  1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until golden adds warmth and texture to your meal.
  2. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad provides protein and fiber, balancing out the dish nicely.
  3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that pairs well with the savory tuna salad.
  4. Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs makes for a nutritious side that complements the richness of the salad.
  5. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad brings crunch and freshness, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  6. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds sweetness and brightness, creating a well-rounded meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

  • Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can ruin the freshness of your salad. Always opt for fresh produce and quality canned tuna for the best flavor.
  • Over-mashing Avocados: Mashing avocados too much can lead to a mushy texture. Mash them just enough to combine with other ingredients for a nice creamy consistency.
  • Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season properly can make your salad bland. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
  • Not Adjusting Lemon Juice: Using too much or too little lemon juice can affect the taste. Start with the recommended amount, then add more if needed based on your preference.
  • Storing Incorrectly: Storing your salad in non-airtight containers can lead to browning. Use airtight containers and consume within a few days for the best quality.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Enjoy within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

  • Freezing is not recommended due to avocado texture changes.
  • If necessary, freeze without avocado and add fresh avocado when ready to serve.

Reheating Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between until warm.
  • Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of fish in my Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad?

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

How do I make my Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick that complements the creaminess of the avocado.

What else can I mix into my Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad?

Feel free to customize by adding ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or chopped hard-boiled eggs for added flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep as it’s quick to make and keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad is not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to impress. Try it out today!


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Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad


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  • Author: Nora
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4

Description

Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the richness of avocados with protein-packed tuna and crisp veggies. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for busy days, offering a quick meal option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a side at gatherings, it caters to various dietary preferences including dairy-free, paleo, low-carb, Whole30, and keto-friendly. You can serve it in wraps, on toast, or over greens for a delightful twist. Enjoy this creamy delight that’s as versatile as it is delicious!


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, diced red onion, diced celery, and chopped cucumber.
  2. Cut open the avocados, scoop them into the bowl, and mash them to your preferred consistency.
  3. Add avocado oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
  4. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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