Looking for a quick and simple meal that delivers creamy comfort, big flavor, and stellar nutrition? This guide breaks down the ultimate tuna avocado salad—an easy avocado tuna salad recipe that swaps traditional mayo for rich avocado and turns a pantry staple into a crave-worthy meal. Read on to discover which kind of tuna is best, how to keep the avocado from browning, and why this dish is a delicious upgrade to the classic tuna salad we all grew up with.
Table of Contents
What Makes Avocado the Perfect Upgrade for Tuna Salad?
Avocado brings a naturally creamy texture that rivals mayonnaise while supplying healthy fats that keep you full. When you mash the avocado with canned tuna, you create what many bloggers call an “avocado mayo”—a luscious binder that carries lemony, savory flavors through every bite.
Beyond texture, a ripe avocado packs fiber and potassium, making this salad richer in nutrients than typical mayo-based versions. You’ll taste buttery notes that balance the briny fish, elevating this dish from quick fix to excellent recipe status.
What make this recipe Best for an Easy Avocado Tuna Salad?
Wondering which kind of tuna to buy? Choose sturdy chunks that won’t disappear when you mix the tuna with mashed avocado. Many cooks swear by white albacore tuna—its mild flavor and meaty flakes hold up beautifully.
If you prefer stronger ocean flavor, pick oil-packed tuna; for lighter calories, go with tuna packed in water (often labeled light tuna). Whatever you decide, drain the tuna well to avoid watering down the dressing. Keep a few cans of tuna in the pantry for emergencies—this recipe proves that humble staples make gourmet meals.
Ingredients for Avocado Tuna Salad: What Goes in the Bowl
Below is the core lineup of salad ingredients, plus optional add-ins for crunch and color:
- 2 cans drained tuna (water or oil)
- Half of the avocado (use the other half for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise or use more avocado instead of mayo if you’re dairy-free
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice plus a drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch sea salt, cracked pepper
Add-ins: chopped celery, dill pickles, or fresh herbs turn a healthy lunch into a flavor party. Love heat? Stir in a dash of chili flakes for a spicy twist on tuna salad.
How to Make Avocado Tuna Salad Step by Step
Step 1: Scoop the rich avocado flesh into a bowl and smash until it reaches a creamy texture. This acts like an instant dressing.
Step 2: Add the tuna mixture—chunks of tuna plus minced red onion, lemon juice, and seasonings. Gently mix the tuna so you still see small flakes; over-mixing creates mush.
Step 3: Taste and decide if you’d like extra mayo or a splash of olive oil for silkiness. That balance of creamy avocado and bright acidity makes the perfect tuna salad.
Serve the salad on salad greens, scoop with crackers, or pile onto sourdough for an epic tuna salad sandwich.
Can You Make Tuna Avocado Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes—this is an easy lunch recipe you can prep early. To keep the avocado from browning, press plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill up to 24 hours. You can also omit the avocado until just before serving if prepping days ahead. The flavors actually meld in the fridge, so making this salad ahead of time is smart meal-prep.
Is This a Healthy Tuna Salad? (Keto, Protein & More)
With minimal carbs and plenty of protein from the tuna, this dish fits keto macros and supports weight-management goals. The healthy fats from avocado deliver sustained energy, while the citrus keeps it bright. Compared to a butter-laden egg salad or high-sugar shrimp salad, this is a lighter, healthy tuna salad perfect for busy weekdays.
Flavor Twists: How to Make Tuna Salads You’ll Crave
- Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano—skip extra mayo and use more olive oil for depth.
- Keto Crunch: Fold in diced cucumber and roasted almonds. You’ll love how the nuttiness complements the creamy avocado.
- Spicy Sriracha: Blend a squeeze of Sriracha with the tuna in oil, then garnish with cilantro. Fans say they love this recipe version best!
Don’t be afraid to make the tuna salad your own. Once you try this recipe, you’ll riff on it like a seasoned recipe developer.
Serving Ideas: From Tuna Salad Sandwich to Green Salad Bowls
This lunch recipe shines in many forms:
- Spoon the tuna and avocado salad into lettuce cups for a low-carb wrap.
- Layer it on toasted rye with tomato slices—the heat melts the avocado “mayo” into an irresistibly gooey spread.
- Toss spoonful with quinoa to build a filling green salad that’s rich in healthy fats and grains.
Leftovers make an easy lunch the next day; just rate the recipe after you’ve discovered your new weekday hero.
FAQs
Does avocado go with tuna fish?
Absolutely. The creamy richness of avocado balances the lean protein in tuna, creating an avocado tuna salad that’s both silky and satisfying. The fruit’s healthy fats also replace some or all of the mayo, turning a classic tuna mix into a lighter, nutrient-dense bite.
What mixes well with canned tuna?
For a standout avocado tuna salad, combine drained canned tuna with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon juice, diced red onion, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt-and-pepper. Celery, fresh herbs, or a spoonful of yogurt or mayo can add extra crunch and creaminess without overshadowing the star duo.
What are the ingredients of avocado salad?
A basic avocado salad blends ripe avocado chunks, lemon or lime juice, red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. To turn it into an irresistible avocado tuna salad, fold in flaky canned tuna and optional add-ins like cilantro, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes for color and texture.
How to make a nice tuna salad?
Start by draining canned tuna, then gently mash it with ripe avocado until you reach your desired creaminess. Stir in lemon juice, minced red onion, a touch of mayo if you like, and season to taste. This method yields a flavorful, nutrient-packed avocado tuna salad that’s ready in minutes for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or crackers.
Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe
Ingredients
2 cans drained tuna (water or oil)
- Half of the avocado use the other half for garnish
2 Tbsp mayonnaise or use more avocado instead of mayo if you’re dairy-free
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice plus a drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch sea salt cracked pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Scoop the rich avocado flesh into a bowl and smash until it reaches a creamy texture. This acts like an instant dressing.
Step 2: Add the tuna mixture—chunks of tuna plus minced red onion, lemon juice, and seasonings. Gently mix the tuna so you still see small flakes; over-mixing creates mush.
Step 3: Taste and decide if you’d like extra mayo or a splash of olive oil for silkiness. That balance of creamy avocado and bright acidity makes the perfect tuna salad.
Notes
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
| Calories | Fat | Saturated Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Protein | Sodium | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 360 kcal | 22 g | 3 g | 8 g | 6 g | 32 g | 480 mg | 2 g |
Categories
- Course: Main / Lunch
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-carb, Keto-friendly, Gluten-free
- Method: No-cook / Mix-and-serve
- Keyword: Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe
- Skill Level: Beginner
