# Creamy Dreamy: The Ultimate Tuna Avocado Salad Recipe
Tuna avocado salad is a classic for a reason. It’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious. This recipe takes the standard tuna and avocado pairing to the next level with a creamy, flavorful dressing and optional add-ins to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a satisfying snack, or a tasty topping for crackers or sandwiches, this tuna avocado salad is a guaranteed winner.
## Why You’ll Love This Tuna Avocado Salad
* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, on crackers, or as a topping for salads.
* **Flavorful:** The creamy dressing and fresh ingredients create a delicious and satisfying taste.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences with different add-ins.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Tuna:** 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water or oil, drained. Choose sustainably sourced tuna whenever possible. Albacore tuna has a firmer texture and milder flavor, while skipjack tuna is more budget-friendly and has a stronger taste. If using tuna in oil, drain it very well to avoid a greasy salad.
* **Avocado:** 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced. The key is using ripe avocados – they should yield gently to pressure but not be mushy. If your avocados are rock hard, leave them on the counter for a few days to ripen. To speed up the process, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.
* **Red Onion:** ¼ cup finely chopped red onion. Red onion adds a nice bite and vibrant color to the salad. If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help mellow out the flavor.
* **Celery:** ¼ cup finely chopped celery. Celery provides a satisfying crunch and a subtle vegetal flavor. Make sure to chop it finely so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
* **Fresh Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the avocado from browning. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always best, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
* **Mayonnaise:** ¼ cup mayonnaise. Mayonnaise provides the creamy base for the dressing. You can use regular mayonnaise, light mayonnaise, or even avocado mayonnaise for an extra avocado boost.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a tangy and flavorful kick to the dressing. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard, but the flavor will be slightly different.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors of the salad. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
**Optional Add-ins:**
* **Hard-boiled Egg:** 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped. Adds protein and a creamy texture.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes. Adds sweetness and acidity.
* **Corn:** ½ cup cooked corn. Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
* **Jalapeño:** 1 jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat). Adds a spicy kick.
* **Fresh Herbs:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or cilantro). Adds freshness and flavor.
* **Everything Bagel Seasoning:** A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Tuna:** Drain the tuna thoroughly. If using tuna in oil, press out any excess oil with a fork or paper towel. Flake the tuna into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. **Add the Avocado:** Gently dice the avocados and add them to the bowl with the tuna. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as you want to keep the avocado chunks intact.
3. **Incorporate the Vegetables:** Add the finely chopped red onion and celery to the bowl. If you are using any other optional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, corn, or jalapeño, add them now as well.
4. **Make the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.
5. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the tuna and avocado mixture. Gently fold everything together until the salad is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the avocado mushy.
6. **Season and Taste:** Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently stir to incorporate the seasoning. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra brightness or more salt for enhanced flavor.
7. **Add Optional Herbs and Seasoning:** If using fresh herbs, gently fold them into the salad just before serving. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning can also add a nice touch.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the tuna avocado salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for later. It’s best served within a few hours of making it to prevent the avocado from browning. If you are making it ahead of time, add a little extra lemon juice to help preserve the color of the avocado.
## Tips for the Best Tuna Avocado Salad
* **Use Ripe Avocados:** Ripe avocados are essential for a creamy and flavorful salad. They should yield gently to pressure but not be mushy. If your avocados are not ripe, leave them on the counter for a few days to ripen. To speed up the process, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the salad will make the avocado mushy. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the salad as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra brightness or more salt for enhanced flavor.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more refreshing dish.
* **Prevent Browning:** To prevent the avocado from browning, add a little extra lemon juice to the salad. You can also store the salad in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
## Serving Suggestions
* **On Crackers:** Serve the tuna avocado salad as a topping for crackers for a quick and easy snack.
* **In a Sandwich:** Spread the tuna avocado salad on bread or toast for a delicious and satisfying sandwich.
* **On Lettuce Wraps:** Serve the tuna avocado salad in lettuce wraps for a light and healthy lunch.
* **On a Salad:** Top a bed of mixed greens with the tuna avocado salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
* **With Tortilla Chips:** Serve the tuna avocado salad with tortilla chips for a fun and flavorful appetizer.
* **Stuffed in Tomatoes:** Hollow out tomatoes and fill them with the tuna avocado salad for an elegant and healthy presentation.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Spicy Tuna Avocado Salad:** Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* **Mediterranean Tuna Avocado Salad:** Add chopped Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
* **Asian Tuna Avocado Salad:** Add a drizzle of sesame oil, a splash of soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavor.
* **Egg-Free Tuna Avocado Salad:** Omit the mayonnaise and use plain Greek yogurt or mashed avocado as a binder.
* **Vegan Tuna Avocado Salad:** Use mashed chickpeas or hearts of palm in place of the tuna and vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayonnaise.
* **Herbed Tuna Avocado Salad:** Add a variety of fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, cilantro, or chives for a burst of flavor.
* **Tuna Avocado Pasta Salad:** Combine the tuna avocado salad with cooked pasta for a heartier meal. Bowtie, rotini, or shell pasta work well.
## Make Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the tuna avocado salad up to 2 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the avocado from browning, add a little extra lemon juice to the salad and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
## Storage Instructions
Store leftover tuna avocado salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly over time, but it will still be safe to eat.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 20-25 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams
(Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. Consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for more precise nutritional information.)
## Recipe Card
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Total time:** 10 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water or oil, drained
* 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
* ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
* ¼ cup finely chopped celery
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* ¼ cup mayonnaise
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins (see above)
**Instructions:**
1. Drain the tuna thoroughly and flake it into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Gently dice the avocados and add them to the bowl with the tuna.
3. Add the finely chopped red onion and celery to the bowl.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.
5. Pour the dressing over the tuna and avocado mixture. Gently fold everything together until the salad is evenly coated.
6. Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently stir to incorporate the seasoning. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. If using fresh herbs, gently fold them into the salad just before serving. A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning can also add a nice touch.
8. Serve the tuna avocado salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for later.
Enjoy this delicious and easy tuna avocado salad! It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Experiment with different add-ins to create your own unique version.