Pan-Seared Albacore Tuna with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Seared albacore tuna steaks served alongside a zesty avocado salsa bursting with fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and lime. This seafood (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs albacore tuna steaks, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry the 2 albacore tuna steaks and season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the tuna steaks and sear for 2 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and the remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir gently to mix without mashing the avocado.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over the salsa and toss lightly. Plate the seared tuna and spoon the fresh avocado salsa over the top or on the side to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Albacore Tuna with Avocado Salsa 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 Albacore Tuna with Avocado Salsa?

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 Albacore Tuna with Avocado Salsa?

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 Albacore Tuna with Avocado Salsa 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.

Is Pan-Seared Albacore Tuna with Avocado Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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