Seared Ahi Poke Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing Hawaiian-inspired salad featuring seared ahi tuna cubes tossed in a sesame soy dressing atop crisp greens and fresh vegetables. This hawaiian-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes blends cut into 1/2-inch cubes ahi tuna, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Hawaiian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl; whisk until smooth to make the dressing.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz ahi tuna cubes and sear for 30 seconds per side until the outside is lightly browned but the center remains pink; remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Toss 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 thinly sliced cucumber, 1/2 sliced avocado, and 3 thinly sliced red radishes in a large bowl. Add the seared tuna cubes and pour the dressing over the salad.
  4. Step 4: Gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle 2 tbsp thinly sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds on top. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Ahi Poke Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Seared Ahi Poke Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Ahi Poke Salad with Sesame Soy 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 Seared Ahi Poke Salad with Sesame Soy 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 Seared Ahi Poke Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing?

Hawaiian 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.

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