This creamy avocado tuna salad is a refreshing, no-mayo twist on a classic favorite.
Packed with protein from tuna and fiber from fresh veggies, it’s low in carbs and full of heart-healthy fats from avocado.
Quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for satisfying lunches, meal prep, or a light dinner that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Avocado Tuna Salad
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 fork or potato masher
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 medium avocados
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 20 oz canned tuna drained; mix of chunk light and solid white albacore
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 tbsp celery finely chopped
- 3 tbsp red onion minced
- 1 tbsp jalapeños minced (optional; adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp sea salt or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients and necessary equipment. Wash the fresh cilantro and gently pat it dry. Rinse the celery stalks under cold water and finely chop them into small, uniform pieces. Peel and mince the red onion for a mild, evenly distributed flavor. If using jalapeños, remove the seeds for less heat and mince finely. Open the cans of tuna and drain thoroughly to remove any excess liquid. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the Avocado: Using a fork or potato masher, mash the avocado until creamy yet slightly chunky, leaving small pieces for texture. Immediately add the fresh lime juice, which enhances flavor and slows browning. Sprinkle in the sea salt and gently fold it into the avocado, creating a flavorful, smooth base that will coat the tuna perfectly.
- Flake and Add Tuna: Break the drained tuna into smaller chunks using a fork. Add it to the mashed avocado and gently fold until the tuna is coated, maintaining some of its natural texture. Avoid over-stirring to prevent the mixture from becoming mushy; the goal is a creamy, textured salad where each bite has a mix of avocado and tuna.
- Incorporate Fresh Vegetables and Herbs: Add the chopped celery, minced red onion, cilantro, and jalapeños to the bowl. Gently fold everything together to evenly distribute the vegetables and herbs. The cilantro adds brightness, celery provides crunch, and onion adds subtle sharpness. Taste the salad at this stage to check seasoning and spice levels.
- Adjust Flavor and Seasoning: Spoon a small portion of the salad and taste for balance. If needed, add more lime juice for tang, extra salt for seasoning, or additional minced jalapeños for heat. Fold in any additions gently, keeping the creamy, slightly chunky texture intact and ensuring all flavors blend harmoniously.
- Serve or Store: The salad is now ready to enjoy immediately. Serve on its own, with lettuce leaves, on whole-grain bread, or alongside crackers. If storing, transfer to an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to reduce air contact and prevent browning. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours; the avocado may darken after this period.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados for the best texture—they should mash easily but not be overly soft or mushy.
- Mix different types of tuna (light and white albacore) to achieve a balance of flavor and texture.
- Chop the vegetables uniformly for consistent bites throughout the salad.
- Adjust jalapeño amounts based on your spice tolerance; removing seeds reduces heat.
- Serve immediately for peak freshness, or store carefully to minimize avocado browning.
Chef’s Secrets: Achieving Perfect Flavor Balance
To make this tuna salad truly exceptional, start with the right avocado and lime ratio.
The lime juice not only enhances flavor but also slows oxidation, keeping the avocado vibrant.
Gently folding the tuna into the avocado instead of stirring vigorously preserves its natural texture and prevents a mushy consistency.
Fresh herbs like cilantro add a fragrant brightness that lifts the whole dish.
Finally, a pinch of sea salt is essential to tie all the flavors together.
Small adjustments to spice, acidity, and salt can dramatically elevate this simple salad.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways To Enjoy
This salad is incredibly versatile.
Spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a light wrap or sandwich it between slices of whole-grain bread for a filling lunch.
Pair it with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado toast for added texture and freshness.
It also works beautifully as a high-protein topping for a green salad or quinoa bowl.
For meal prep, portion it into small containers for easy grab-and-go lunches, ensuring each serving retains its creamy consistency.
Storage Tips: Keeping Salad Fresh Longer
While this salad is best served immediately, careful storage can extend its usability.
Transfer the salad into an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air contact.
This reduces browning and preserves flavor.
Refrigerate for up to 24 hours; beyond that, the avocado may darken and the texture may become less appealing.
Avoid freezing, as the avocado and fresh vegetables will not retain their original texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
Yes! Canned salmon works well and adds a slightly different flavor and texture. Drain thoroughly and flake it similarly to how you would with tuna.
2. How do I prevent avocado from browning?
Fresh lime or lemon juice is key. Additionally, storing the salad in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface slows oxidation significantly.
3. Is this salad keto-friendly?
Absolutely. This recipe is low in carbs, high in healthy fats from avocado, and rich in protein, making it a perfect keto-friendly meal or snack.
4. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep it a few hours ahead, but it is best served fresh. If storing, add extra lime juice and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain color and texture.
5. What can I add for extra crunch or flavor?
Consider adding chopped bell peppers, cucumber, or radishes for extra crunch. A sprinkle of paprika, black pepper, or toasted seeds can also enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.
