This Easy Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad is a tasty mix of creamy avocado and protein-packed tuna. It’s fresh, colorful, and makes a perfect lunch or snack!
Just mash the avocado, mix in the tuna, add a squeeze of lemon, and you’re ready to enjoy! It’s healthy, filling, and a great way to get your greens in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: Choose ripe avocados for creaminess. If you can’t find ripe ones, you can use mashed white bean as a substitute for a similar texture. Just add a splash of lime juice to lift the flavor!
Tuna: Canned tuna is quick and easy. If you’re avoiding tuna, chickpeas make a great alternative full of protein. Just mash them or leave them whole for some texture!
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice crunch and a mild flavor. You could substitute it with green onions or regular yellow onions if needed. Just be careful with yellow onions, as they are stronger in flavor.
Celery: This ingredient gives a nice crunch. If you don’t like celery, diced cucumber works well too. It will keep the salad refreshing!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a lovely flavor. If you’re not a fan, consider using parsley or even a sprinkle of dill for a different herb touch!
How Do You Prevent Avocado from Browning?
To keep your avocado fresh and green, lemon or lime juice is your best friend! Here’s how to use it effectively:
- When you cut the avocado, make sure to drizzle some juice immediately on the exposed flesh.
- Mix the avocado into the salad quickly after adding the juice. This helps to coat it uniformly.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly against the surface to minimize air contact.
This will help keep your salad looking vibrant if you don’t finish it all at once.
Easy Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained and flaked
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: tortilla chips or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious tuna salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is ready to enjoy right away. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, start by combining the diced avocados, drained and flaked tuna, thinly sliced red onion, diced celery, and chopped cilantro. This will create a lovely mix of textures and flavors!
2. Add Citrus:
Drizzle the lemon or lime juice over the salad. This not only adds a refreshing taste but also helps prevent the avocado from browning, keeping your salad looking bright and appetizing.
3. Toss Gently:
Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together. Be careful to mix well without mashing the avocados too much; we want them to stay nice and chunky!
4. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to sprinkle in some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking—this is your salad, after all!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious avocado tuna salad immediately. You can enjoy it as a refreshing salad on its own, or scoop it up with tortilla chips or crackers for a tasty snack. Yum!
This fresh salad offers creamy avocado paired with protein-rich tuna, crunchy celery, and a zesty citrus kick, making it a quick and nutritious dish perfect for any time of day.
FAQ for Easy Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad
Can I Use Canned Tuna in Oil Instead of Water?
Yes, you can use tuna packed in oil if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the extra fat content. You may want to drain some of the oil to not make the salad too greasy.
How Long Does This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To prevent browning, ensure you cover it tightly and consider adding a bit more lemon juice before storing.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
For the best results, it’s advisable to prepare this salad just before serving. If you need to make it ahead, prepare all the ingredients except the avocado and lemon juice, and store them separately. Combine everything right before you’re ready to serve!
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, you can use parsley for a milder flavor, or dill for a unique twist. Both options will give the salad a fresh taste without overwhelming it!
