Seared Ahi Poke Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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

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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.

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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