Mediterranean Avocado Tuna Salad

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…
Be the First to Review!

This Mediterranean Avocado Tuna Salad combines fresh, vibrant flavors with the creamy texture of avocado and the protein-packed goodness of tuna. It's a quick, healthy meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Avocado Tuna Salad

Tuna is your main protein source here, offering lean, flavorful meat. Choose tuna in water for a lighter feel, but feel free to use oil-packed if you prefer a richer taste. Avocado brings creaminess and healthy fats to the table, making the salad feel indulgent. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness, balancing the dish. Red onion gives a sharp, tangy note that complements the other flavors. Kalamata olives introduce a briny, savory depth, while fresh parsley adds a hint of freshness. The dressing, made with lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and dried oregano, ties everything together with a zesty, herby kick.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your avocado isn’t ripe, you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana.
  • To keep the avocado from browning, add a little extra lemon juice directly onto the avocado pieces.
  • If you prefer a softer onion taste, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines on its own, but it’s also excellent served over a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial meal. Try scooping it onto whole grain toast for a hearty open-faced sandwich, or pair it with pita bread to capture every delicious morsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of olive?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with green olives or any other kind you enjoy.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but keep in mind the avocado may brown slightly.
Is it okay to use tuna in oil?
Yes, using tuna in oil will add a richer flavor. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid an overly oily salad.

Mediterranean Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by draining the canned tuna and adding it to a large bowl. This will be the base of your salad. Next, dice the ripe avocado and toss it in with the tuna, ensuring to handle gently to keep the avocado pieces intact. Halve your cherry tomatoes and finely chop the red onion, then add them to the bowl along with sliced kalamata olives and chopped fresh parsley.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is simple but full of flavor, enhancing the natural goodness of the salad ingredients. Pour the dressing over the tuna and avocado mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients without mashing the avocado. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare – ready in about 15 minutes.
  • Uses fresh, healthy ingredients packed with nutrients.
  • No cooking required, making it ideal for hot days.
  • Versatile – enjoy it as a salad, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Ingredients

2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water
1 ripe avocado, diced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!