Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Hawaiian Poke Dressing
A fresh and vibrant salad featuring seared ahi tuna served with a tangy poke-inspired dressing that captures the essence of Honolulu flavors. This Hawaiian Fusion-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs ahi tuna steak, mixed salad greens, cucumber for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 8 oz ahi tuna steak
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced green onion
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 8 oz ahi tuna steak and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear tuna for 2 minutes on each side until the edges are lightly browned but the center remains rare, then remove and let rest.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 2 thinly sliced green onion stalks. Drizzle the poke dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Slice the rested tuna steak into 1/4-inch thick slices and arrange on top of the salad. Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the dish before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Hawaiian Poke Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Hawaiian Poke Dressing?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Hawaiian Poke Dressing?
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 Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Hawaiian Poke Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Hawaiian Poke Dressing?
Hawaiian Fusion seafood 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.
