This Easy Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad brings together creamy avocado and tasty tuna for a simple meal. It’s packed with fresh flavors and makes a great lunch or snack!
Mix it up with some veggies for extra crunch. I love adding a bit of lemon juice for zing, and let’s be real, who can resist avocado? It makes everything better! 🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tuna: Canned tuna is a key ingredient for protein. If you prefer, you can substitute with canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Avocado: Fresh avocados make the salad creamy. If they’re not ripe, try Greek yogurt or mashed white beans for similar creaminess.
Celery: It’s great for crunch. If you don’t have celery, cucumber or bell peppers are tasty alternatives! They add nice texture too.
Red onion: This adds a bit of sharpness. If you want a milder flavor, use green onions instead or leave it out altogether.
Cilantro/Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley works perfectly. You could also try dill for a different twist!
How Do I Keep My Avocado from Browning?
Preventing avocado from browning can be tricky, but squeezing lime or lemon juice helps a lot! The citric acid in the juice slows oxidation. Here’s a tip: try to mix the salad as soon as you’ve added the avocado and lemon or lime juice.
- Use ripe avocados—they’re best for flavor and creaminess!
- When mixing, be gentle to keep those yummy chunks intact.
- If you’re saving some for later, cover tightly with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure.
Easy Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 large ripe avocado, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime or lemon
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Optional: tortilla chips, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack! You can enjoy it immediately or store it in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tuna:
In a medium bowl, use a fork to flake the drained tuna gently. Make sure to break it apart into bite-sized pieces.
2. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Add the diced avocado, diced celery, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped cilantro or parsley to the bowl with the tuna. These ingredients will bring great texture and flavor!
3. Add Flavor:
Squeeze the fresh lime or lemon juice over the mix. This not only adds a zesty flavor but also helps keep the avocado looking fresh by preventing it from browning.
4. Season It Up:
Sprinkle in some salt and ground black pepper to taste. Make sure to stir gently! We want to keep those nice chunks of avocado intact.
5. Mix and Serve:
Carefully toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely combined. Serve your delicious salad right away, or with tortilla chips for a delightful crunch!
Enjoy your creamy, fresh, and healthy avocado tuna salad!
FAQ for Easy Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Tuna?
Absolutely! You can use any type of canned tuna you prefer—light, white, or even tuna packed in olive oil. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute tuna with canned chickpeas mashed up!
What if I Don’t Have Avocados?
If you don’t have avocados, you can use Greek yogurt or mashed beans for creaminess instead. They will give you a different flavor but still work to bind the salad together nicely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the components like the chopped veggies and tuna in advance, and then mix everything together just before serving. This keeps the avocado fresh and avoids browning.
