Citrus-Zested Avocado Tuna Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed salad with tender tuna and creamy avocado, brightened by citrus and fresh herbs. This seafood-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs wild-caught tuna, medium avocado, fresh cilantro into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 5 oz wild-caught tuna
- 1/2 medium avocado
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Drain and pat dry 5 oz wild-caught tuna with paper towels, then flake into small pieces in a medium bowl.
- Step 2: Dice 1/2 medium avocado and add to the bowl with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil.
- Step 3: Gently fold ingredients together until evenly distributed, season with 1/4 tsp sea salt, and chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Zested Avocado Tuna Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Zested Avocado Tuna Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep wild-caught tuna from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Zested Avocado Tuna Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Zested Avocado Tuna Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Zested Avocado Tuna Salad?
Seafood salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
