Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

This Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad is a delightful and nutritious option for those seeking a quick meal. Perfect for lunch or as part of your meal prep, this recipe combines the richness of avocados with the hearty texture of tuna. It’s not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re following a paleo, Whole30, keto, or low-carb diet, this salad checks all the boxes while being incredibly easy to prepare!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Salad
• For the Dressing
• For Garnish
• Seasoning
• How to Make Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad
• Step 1: Combine Ingredients
• Step 2: Prepare Avocados
• Step 3: Dress the Salad
• Step 4: Adjust Seasoning
• Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
• How to Serve Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad
• On a Bed of Greens
• In a Wrap
• As a Sandwich Filling
• With Crackers
• How to Perfect Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad
• Reheating Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad healthy?
• Can I make this Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad ahead of time?
• What can I substitute if I don’t have tuna?
• How do I customize my Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with healthy fats from avocados and protein from tuna, it’s both satisfying and nourishing.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or atop greens for a complete meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or substitute tuna with salmon for variety.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for convenient lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing your creamy avocado tuna salad much easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing and mashing of ingredients.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when dicing vegetables and chopping herbs.

Ingredients

For the Salad

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

For the Dressing

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Seasoning

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

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How to Make Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large salad or mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. This includes the canned tuna, red onion, celery, cucumber, and parsley.

Step 2: Prepare Avocados

Mash the avocados either before mixing or while stirring based on your preferred texture. For a chunkier salad, mash less.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the mixture with avocado oil and lemon juice. Then season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your creamy avocado tuna salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir again to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is mixed well, serve immediately. Enjoy your healthy and delicious creamy avocado tuna salad!

How to Serve Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

This creamy avocado tuna salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Fresh Spinach: Serve the salad atop a bed of fresh spinach for added nutrients.
• Mixed Greens: Use a mix of arugula and romaine for a crunchy base.

In a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Scoop the salad into large lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb option.
• Whole Wheat Tortilla: Spread the salad on a whole wheat tortilla, roll it up, and slice for easy eating.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Multigrain Bread: Use multigrain bread for a hearty sandwich packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Bread: Opt for gluten-free bread if you have dietary restrictions.

With Crackers

• Whole Grain Crackers: Pair the salad with whole grain crackers for a satisfying crunch.
• Rice Crackers: Enjoy it with rice crackers for a gluten-free snack.

How to Perfect Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

To make this creamy avocado tuna salad truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Tuna: Opt for wild-caught tuna for better flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Texture: Mash the avocado to your preferred consistency; less mashing gives you chunky bites.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning; taste and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
• Chill Before Serving: For the best taste, let the salad chill in the fridge before serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

Pairing side dishes with your creamy avocado tuna salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and nutrients alongside your salad.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and complements the flavors beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide texture and are easy to prepare.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a natural sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and pairs well with the creaminess of the tuna salad.
6. Chips and Salsa: Crisp chips with fresh salsa can provide an enjoyable crunch while balancing flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you create the best Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Over-mashing the avocados: Mashing the avocados too much can lead to a puree instead of a creamy texture. Mash just enough to combine.
• Skipping the seasoning: Forgetting to add salt and pepper can make your salad bland. Always taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Using low-quality tuna: Cheap tuna can ruin your salad’s flavor. Opt for high-quality, wild tuna for the best taste.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old or wilted vegetables impacts flavor and texture. Always use fresh produce for optimal results.
• Not adjusting lemon juice: Adding too much lemon juice can overpower other flavors. Start with less and increase according to your preference.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 2 days.

Freezing Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to avocado’s texture change.
• If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container but consume it fresh when possible.

Reheating Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad healthy?

This recipe is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocados, making it a nutritious option for lunch.

Can I make this Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just be mindful of avocado browning.

What can I substitute if I don’t have tuna?

You can easily swap canned tuna with canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

How do I customize my Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad?

Feel free to add any veggies you like such as bell peppers or carrots. You could also add spices or herbs for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Avocado Tuna Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for a quick meal or meal prepping, you can customize it according to your taste preferences. Give it a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!

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