Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and nutritious: Avocado provides heart-healthy fats, while tuna is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Quick and easy: With minimal prep time, this salad is perfect for busy days.
Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or on top of leafy greens.
No mayo: The creamy avocado replaces mayonnaise, making it a healthier alternative.
Customizable: You can easily add other vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cans (5 oz) tuna in water or oil, drained
1 ripe avocado, peeled and mashed
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill for garnish

Directions

Prepare the tuna: Drain the cans of tuna and place the tuna in a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork to break up the tuna into smaller pieces.
Mash the avocado: In a separate bowl, peel and mash the ripe avocado until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave it slightly more textured.
Combine the ingredients: Add the mashed avocado, red onion, and celery to the bowl with tuna. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Add flavor: Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or dill. Serve on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or on whole-grain crackers.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: Feel free to include diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
Add a spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to make the salad spicy.
Use Greek yogurt: For a tangier twist, replace some or all of the avocado with Greek yogurt.
Swap proteins: If you don’t have tuna, you can substitute with shredded chicken, chickpeas, or salmon.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep for a short period.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not need reheating. Simply serve chilled.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water?

Yes, you can. Tuna in oil will add a bit more richness to the salad, but both options work well.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can make it ahead of time. Just note that the avocado may brown slightly, so it’s a good idea to store it in an airtight container and drizzle with a bit of lemon juice to help prevent browning.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I add mayonnaise to this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer the classic creamy tuna salad, you can add mayonnaise to the mix along with the avocado for extra creaminess.

How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?

You can add a little lemon or lime juice to the mashed avocado to help prevent it from browning, as the acidity will slow down oxidation.

Can I use frozen tuna?

It’s best to use canned tuna for this recipe, but if you have frozen tuna on hand, make sure to thaw it properly and drain any excess water or oil before using.

Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, you can use chicken, salmon, or even plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu if you prefer.

How can I serve this salad?

You can serve it on a bed of greens, as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, or as a dip with crackers or vegetable sticks.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this avocado tuna salad is a great choice for a keto diet as it’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats.

Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, feel free to add a little hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

This Avocado Tuna Salad is a quick, healthy, and satisfying dish that combines the best of both worlds—creamy avocado and protein-packed tuna. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch, a light dinner, or a tasty snack, this salad is sure to hit the spot. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste.

Avocado Tuna Salad

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This Avocado Tuna Salad is a creamy, nutritious, and delicious twist on the classic tuna salad. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vibrant flavors, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a satisfying snack. The creamy avocado adds richness while the tuna provides a protein punch, making this a well-rounded meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2-4 servings
Category: Lunch, Snack
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 cans (5 oz) tuna in water or oil, drained

1 ripe avocado, peeled and mashed

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/4 cup celery, chopped

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or dill for garnish

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Instructions

Drain the cans of tuna and place the tuna in a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork to break up the tuna into smaller pieces.
In a separate bowl, peel and mash the ripe avocado until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave it slightly more textured.
Add the mashed avocado, red onion, and celery to the bowl with tuna. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or dill. Serve on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or on whole-grain crackers.

Notes

For added flavor, try mixing in diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
If you prefer a tangier taste, replace some of the avocado with Greek yogurt.
For a spicy version, stir in cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Feel free to swap the tuna for shredded chicken, chickpeas, or salmon for variety.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 35mg