This Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad is a perfect blend of creamy avocados, crunchy cucumbers, and flavorful tuna, all brought together with a light lemon dressing. This refreshing salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a nutritious snack.
Ingredients:
- 15 oz tuna in oil (or 3 small cans), drained and flaked
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1 small to medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 avocados, diced
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil
- Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2 Tbsp)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (about 1/2 bunch)
- 1 tsp sea salt or ¾ tsp table salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna, chopped cucumber, sliced red onion, and diced avocados.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Combine and Serve:
- Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture. Add the chopped cilantro and gently toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Nutritional Benefits
This Avocado Tuna Salad is not just tasty; it’s also incredibly healthy:
- High in Protein: Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Avocados and olive oil provide healthy monounsaturated fats that are good for heart health.
- Packed with Vitamins: The salad includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the lemon juice, Vitamin K from the cilantro, and B vitamins from the tuna.
- Low in Carbs: This recipe is perfect for those on low-carb or keto diets, providing essential nutrients without the added carbs.
Cooking Tips
- Choosing Avocados: Ensure that your avocados are ripe but firm. They should yield slightly when gently squeezed.
- Adjusting the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil based on your taste preference. If you like a more tangy flavor, add a bit more lemon juice.
- Fresh Herbs: While cilantro adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with parsley or dill if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Main Dish: Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or in lettuce wraps for a light yet satisfying meal.
- For a Sandwich: Use the salad as a filling for a hearty sandwich with whole grain bread.
- As a Snack: Enjoy the salad with whole grain crackers or pita chips for a nutritious snack.
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the tuna mixture and the dressing separately ahead of time. Combine just before serving to keep the avocados fresh.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Healthy Avocado Tuna Salad with Light Lemon Dressing is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of fresh ingredients. The creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and tender tuna are enhanced by a zesty lemon dressing, making each bite a delightful experience. This salad is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins into your diet.